Upon arriving at the House of Blue’s Voodoo Room on a chilly Tuesday evening, I was greeted by a dynamic crowd of young enthusiastic fans ready for the night ahead. The show, which had a subpar opener, transformed into an evening of fun pop music when New Hope Club took the stage.
Kicking off the night was The Band Light, who, based on their performance, came across as relatively inexperienced. Sporting a mix of retro-inspired outfits, including sparkly, iridescent guitars and some ‘80s-style fashion choices, they certainly looked the part, even if the sound didn’t always match. Their set featured noticeable hiccups, such as tuning their instruments mid-performance and grappling with timing issues. The lead singer made a deliberate effort to engage the crowd, but his shaky vocals distracted from the overall experience. Nevertheless, they involved the audience by splitting us into vocal parts for sing-alongs, adding a layer of participation. Unfortunately, the overwhelming volume and buzzing from the sound system forced me to stand at the back for comfort, impacting the performance’s overall effect.
To follow, Haven Madison, a fiery pop queen, hit the stage in a sparkly outfit that immediately captured my attention. Recently signed, she delivered powerful, well-trained vocals, complemented by perfect background harmonies from her guitarist. With confidence and energy, she connected with the crowd, even sharing personal stories behind her songs, like struggles with anxiety and the journey of self-reliance. Her honesty resonated, bringing a personal touch to each track. At one point, she slowed things down for an unreleased song, drawing the audience into a poignant moment that showcased the emotional depth of her voice. Despite a few technical issues, her crisp, commanding vocals filled the room, solidifying her potential as a rising pop star.
Finally, New Hope Club took the stage. I had never heard of the band before the show, but they definitely made a lasting impression. The British pop trio—comprised of Blake, Reece, and George—already had a dedicated fan base, with most of the audience seeming like die-hard fans. Their gentle yet sweet harmonies and catchy melodies charmed the crowd, creating a warm, feel-good atmosphere. Each member brought something unique to the mix, as their voices blended seamlessly, allowing them to effortlessly switch off singing parts. Their charisma and easygoing energy made it impossible not to get drawn into their performance.
A memorable moment came when the band asked everyone to crouch to the ground, only to leap up on the next beat drop. Nearly everyone in the room joined in, making it feel awkward not to participate. “Medicine” seemed to be a fan favorite, as a group of girls passionately shouted along with the lyrics. Another stand-out moment came when two fans brought shark cutouts to “swim” along for the band’s song “Swimming with Sharks.” Named Bruce and Willis, the sharks got plenty of attention and even a serenade to “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life.” Ending on a high note, the trio finished out their set with flashing lights and heavy guitar shredding, leaving the stage with energy to spare.
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