BERRIES PLAY BLACK HEART IN CAMDEN

Camden’s Black Heart is full to the brim. The dark, dingy dive broods with an excitable crowd, preparing themselves for the namesake band, who are pre-eminently announced with a DIY rag stating their in white block capitals which adorns the kick-drum. BERRIES, comprised of Holly (vocals/guitar), Lauren (bass) and Lucie (drums) then take to the stage, confident and casual.

After announcing, “We’re Berries”, they immediately pound into their opener, ‘Sirens’. But they suffer a false start. On second try, they come back stronger, screaming, “Hello Camden! We’re Berries”. They deliver an explosive entrance into their set. A lively discourse ensues between the group from this early stage, as though they’re feeding off each other. BERRIES are a kinetic force; although the space they have is sparse, they use it to its full potential. Holly and Lauren bound about the stage like it’s their warm-up ground – and ‘Faults’ proves that it’s just that. This next song shows us Berries’ sonic stage presence. Holly dips and dives along with her fretwork, physically responding to the intonations of the instrument she masters. Lauren simultaneously swings along with her effortless picking, while swishing her glorious auburn mane like a mature Merida; but instead of wielding a bow and arrow, she brandishes a bass.

Tracks like ‘Discreetly’ and ‘Stormy’ exhibit how energy is tantamount to their performance. Clearly, playing live is a euphoric endorphin release for BERRIES, and their facial expressions are all the evidence needed to confirm that. Memorable melodies and thrashing rhythms are in abundance, and the crowd begin to show their appreciation in the next track, ‘Waiting’. Holly’s vocal dominates this tune, and the crowd clap along to Lucie’s power punches until the track draws to a close.

A notable highlight, ‘Those Funny Things’ – my favourite from the band’s set – underpins BERRIES’ talent for combining witty lyrics with ear-worming hooks. There’s something riot-era-esque about this track, with its defiant vocal and insurgent chorus. The crowd are inspired in small doses, but each song is met with a rapturous applause, that seemingly maintains the band’s hungry as each song is delivered with a dynamic drive.

‘Wild Vow’ is disguised as the band’s final track. It’s indicative of BERRIES’ pursuit for a heavier direction. The track sees them go out with a substantial bang, to be met by cries for “ONE MORE SONG”. They close the set with an oldie from their debut EP, ‘Written in Paint’. The sounds bubble over in an eruption of aural particles.

BERRIES exit the stage, leaving a Camden crowd insatiably stirred by a plethora of lively, exciting tunes.

Words by Alicia Carpenter

Originally published in LOCK Magazine Issue 2