Live Review: Babaganouj, Johnny And The Fembots, The Good Sports

It couldn't be cosier inside Southside Tea Room tonight; a saviour from the rain outside, the lights are set suggestively low, old school desks and retro chairs make up the furniture, and the general vibe is welcoming. The Good Sports spark a playful tone from appearances alone – one of the guitarists is donning what looks like a Russian ushanka, while the drummer sports a very glam set of sunglasses. Instead of causing grievance, space constraints actually instil a homely feel, with many punters sitting on the floor around the band, whose surfy pop sound suits the venue infinitely. Looking in complete control, the band treat spectators to some highly refined renditions of tracks including Early Riser and Disappearing Lover; a fine start to the evening indeed.

To say that Johnny And The Fembots are a swell group of kids should not be interpreted as patronising, rather, it's just the kind of language these guys inspire due to their '50s style of pop. Johnny looks pretty pleased to be surrounded by such a rockin' group of women (can you blame him?) and because he doubles as the drummer for The Good Sports, it's amusing that he takes the time to say in an interlude, “Thanks to The Good Sports, except for me!”. Hey! Don't! has the audience swooning and swaying to its serenely sweet beat, and the group look to be enjoying themselves as well – the girls take moments to dance with each other amongst the audience, while the tambourine player is jumping up and down like a free-spirited gypsy for the entirety of the set. While a little more volume in the vocals would not have gone astray, Johnny and The Fembots prove to be crowd pleasers with their light-hearted performance.

By the time Babaganouj take the stage the venue is packed tight, and because the audience is comprised mainly of musical peers, there's a real sense of camaraderie and support for 'The Nouj'. While opening acts have been satisfying, Babaganouj amp up the party with their harder-hitting rock refrains. As the set wears on it's evident the crowd are becoming more uninhibited, and the venue now seems to be pulsating; it's so joyful and free that it almost feels like a celebration! Their latest single Love Loathe Love You really shines, and feels as though it is only meant to be performed live, as it takes on a more carefree tone than its recorded counterpart. Babaganouj have been so mesmerising with their set that you almost feel a little empty once it all comes to an end. Another half hour of fun times like these would have been just the ticket.