Pippa Marias, Them Changes, Prima Donna - bands @ Nambucca, London review

Photo: Them Changes

So when they ask, "what were you doing for New Year's Eve 2010?" I can say with a cheeky smile that I was drinking and soaking up the atmosphere at Nambucca on The Holloway Road, Islington in London.

We arrived there with our mate Greig Stewart who was to be offering himself up as a DJ for a couple of hours before joining us in celebrating the onset of 2011.

Nambucca Live Music Venue - Review

There were also to be a number of bands playing. Earlier that evening, before they took to the stage, I was talking to a guy called Dan who turned out to be the bass player in the aptly named Prima Donna. There's lots of hair in this all male 3 piece outfit. Led by keyboard playing vocalist Roo Rothwell they kicked off their set with an up tempo number that got the crowd moving.

Roo is a good front man and knows how to handle an audience. The bassist and drummer - that's Dan Perilous and Louis Court to you - have a lot of emotion on stage. Louis oozes raw energy as he thrashes his drums. Dan compliments him with some very impressive bassing. They span a rock stroke pop gully and bridge it very well. Good band and after their last tune they leave the stage and we quench our thirst with more lager.

While ordering my drink I enjoy Greig's DJing, he's perched up there above the bar like some cherub type of music giver. We have a drink, then it's time for Them Changes. Who knows what to expect? We are greeted by another 3 piece band this time with a guitarist, a singing bassist and a very professional subtle drummer. Very good and very passionate. My first initial impression is amazement at how tight and infectious their tunes are. The guitarist knows his craft and impresses us with some mean licks.

The vocalist/bassist has his own style of singing. I like his voice and you know, I reckon 2011 could be a good year for Them Changes, they deserve it, and it would be good to see this band on a bigger stage.

After wetting our whistles we return to the music room and are greeted by the Pippa Marias who are already on stage. The clock has announced the start of a new year yeah!!

Happy 2011 and we are dancing like children to this eighties pop fueled band. Another group to add to the list of "ones to watch out for" in this bright new year. There is a party happening on stage and I want to be up there with them. Good vibes and a positive energy that makes me smile like a deluded fool. Yeah I look forward to more Pippa Marias in the forth coming year.

You really should visit Nambucca when you are in London. There is a warm welcome here and it has the vibe of an up and coming legendary music venue for the future. Say hello to Gemma and her family and you will be guaranteed an evening to remember.

Photo credit: Dave Richardson

Prima Donna MySpace

Them Changes MySpace

Pippa Marias MySpace

Nambucca Official Website