CARPARK // THE MOTH CLUB, LONDON
Indie rock given the green light
★★★★☆ (4/5)
A balmy April evening in London saw concertgoers take to the renowned venue, the Moth Club, for the launch of Carpark’s EP “Born to Be Average”.
The band Sister began the event with a stunning blend of 2000’s tinged 70’s glam rock. Big stomping choruses warmed up a receptive crowd, with the band receiving loud cheers in between songs. Driven guitars and chanting sing-along vocals were set alight by face-melting solos. By the time the band left the stage, the audience was ravenous for more, with chants for “one more song!” sadly rejected because of the tight schedule of the night. No doubt Sister gained more than a few fans during the evening.
Technical difficulties delayed the start of the following support act Devon, however once resolved he launched into a soulful alt-pop which brought to mind acts such as Joesef and Blur. The soundscape generated was impressive as Devon and his backing band filled the venue with spiky guitars, lush bass, and drums that helped to enhance the melodies. Overcoming the late start he presented an attention-grabbing act with a rabid stage presence, darting around the stage in between keyboard and guitar duties. With any potential lull in energy avoided, the performance was well received by an audience that was primed for the headliner.
After a brief delay to set the stage, Carpark emerged to a tape of the evergreen song “I Miss You” by blink-182, showing a band that wears their influences on their sleeves. The three-piece consisting of Scottie (Vocals+Bass), Hattie (Guitar), and Loda (Drums) were greeted by a chorus of cheers as they began a set that covered tracks from various releases in their catalogue.
From the first notes the band had the audience captivated as they displayed their indie rock flair with anthemic choruses, angst-ridden verses, and a vibrant stage presence.
While still an emerging act, it was immediately apparent that Carpark already presents an undeniably polished machine, delivering spontaneous live energy that is backed up by impeccable musical performances. Headline tours and supporting slots for big acts such as the Libertines have refined their stagecraft to the point that they deliver a high-level show with apparent ease. Spirited crowd interactions, reimagined versions of some of their biggest songs, and a slew of covers all show an act that will sound just as good on the arena stages as on the club floors.
An acoustic performance of the EP track “Blow Me Out of the Water” served as an intense inflection point, displaying that Carpark are just as at home in darker sonic spaces as in their bright vibrant pop-rock tracks. This sets the tone for the rest of the set, with the following songs turning up the gain and reaching more into the heavier rock influences of the band. Guitar wailing and booming drums soundtracked a band showing their musical prowess. During these heavier tracks, singer Scottie enjoyed freedom from her bass to stomp across the stage, mic in hand, which served to show just how well this band can command a stage.
Tearing through a breakneck speed encore to close out the night, the band took a moment to thank the assembled audience. Many cheers echo out as the crowd reciprocates the thanks and the band vacates the stage.
With the strength of their latest release, the EP “Born to be Average”, Carpark will surely be a favourite of the summer festival scene which will lead them to bigger stages and bigger audiences. From the faces of those in attendance, there will be a large number of return visits from tonight.