Cherry Bar fills slowly with more than just the smell of last night's sweat and spilt liquor.
Polished RM Williams boots file in as the DJ supplies smooth soul grooves. Punters fill the dancefloor, dancing together while anticipating this evening's headline band.
Shortly after 10pm The Harlots make their way to the stage. Frontman Tom Pitts has a charismatic presence onstage. In front of the venue's red velvet curtain backdrop, Pitts finds a perfect balance between banging on his keyboard and wooing the ladies with his dreamy vocals. Nick Trescowthick adds extra oomph to the band's distinctive sound, his heavy bass rolling along to the beat of David Loney's raw drumming. The guitarists weave their licks together, creating hooks for each song and Kate Monger's delicate synth playing adds to the flow.
The Harlots really move the audience with a cover of The Dandy Warhols' Bohemian Like You, during which Pitts' charm is evident. The band's classic rendition of this song is warmly welcomed as the crowd sings along with the catchy lyrics. Monger takes lead vocals during High Roller, utilising that wooing, sweet voice as she sways along to the beat. The Harlots demonstrate great musicianship throughout. Those previously lingering around the bar are drawn to the dancefloor.
After crowd pleaser Got No Soul, Pitts half-heartedly apologises to the hungry crowd, explaining that the band will not play an encore. The Harlots bring their performance of rhythm and swagger to a close with When Are You Coming Home and the room is filled with appreciation. As the records spin once more, Cherry Bar's Soul In The Basement selections keep us dancing.
