aaamusic | On 06, Apr 2011

London, 31st March

Celebrating the release of their single ‘Russian Doll’, Underground Railroad headlined the stage in a very poorly lit downstairs room at The Victory on Kingsland Road. Although I’d briefly checked out the band and judging from the first two acts I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. For instance the first band had a one man audience and I’d noticed that a few people had left to go to the upstairs bar during the set.

Then Underground Railroad got on the stage and kicked off with the song ‘Headache’ and it was not at all what I’d expected. At this point I’d realised the room was pretty full but luckily I’d found myself a decent enough perch to get a good view. My initial thoughts were that I was going to hear some mediocre Indie stuff from them but to my surprise ‘Headache’ was quite a lot heavier than what the first two bands had played and a lot more creative, especially with the use of a cello player. The singer had an amazingly powerful voice matched by her swagger and the crowd response was brilliant with everyone dancing around and really getting into it.

As expected when they finished playing ‘Headache’ the audience gave out a round of applause and they kicked into the next song on the set list which was ‘We Were Slumbering’ where the drummer took the lead on the vocals. I was astounded by the fact that he still managed to keep up with such powerful and dynamic style of drumming while singing in time and so well.

It was about the sixth song of the set when the band played their single release of ‘Russian Doll’ which I found to be quite an energetic track with a lot of interesting and experimental sounds especially with the cello player using an effects pedal and really exhibiting her playing skills. The guitar and bass really helped drive the song along with the drums and once again the drummer took the lead on the vocal part and once again they received a great crowd response when the song ended.

The whole set had been mind blowing throughout but they finally rounded off the evening with an extended version of the track ‘Seagull’ where they all really exhibited their ability to play and showcase the unique sound and experimental nature of their music giving it their all. At the end of the track the crowd went wild with applause with some people shouting out ‘encore’ but unfortunately the band were done with the set and left the stage.

Overall an amazing gig and the band are unlike anyone I’ve heard before with a very unique and experimental sound .A lot of energy and great stage presence, was definitely a lot of fun seeing them play.

Author: Ahmed Pandor