Communion Christmas Special – 6 Dec

Some of you may have heard about Communion. Others may not have been so lucky. You’d think, being over 3 years old, this club night would be on every bodies event list, especially since most shows end up being rather successful sell outs. I think one of the reasons it’s not so well known is that it’s one of the rare London occasions where a club night or an event hasn’t been wrapped up with ego and/or a difficult struggle for success. It’s simply existed to show case great music and be what it’s fans want it to be. That in itself is a delight.

Founded by Ben Lovett (Mumford and Sons), Kevin Jones (Cherbourg) and producer Ian Grimble, it grew into a community of musicians, industry and fans alike, and provided a platform for the newest bands on London’s circuit. The night has seen the likes of Noah and the Whale, Laura Marling, Mumford and Sons, JJ Pistolet and Peggy Sue grace the stage and has become closely associated with the nu-folk movement in the capital. As well as this, it helped spawn the careers of artists such as Esser, The Holloways and Example, in keeping with the eclectic ethos that Communion has come to stand for.

So, I spoke to some of the powers that be last week and got myself down to see what all this fuss is about. It was the first time I’d been to the Notting Hill Arts club and I was most impressed. Not just of the venue but also the lovely addition ‘Communion’ had given it by projecting it’s logo and a great deal of intricate art work all over the walls. The turn out was something to admire as well. I know everybody loves a Sunday Session, but the place was generally rammed. Maybe I’m getting old, but it was nice to see such a crowd down on Sunday eve for the winter warming pint and some folk tunes.

I must admit, being a Sunday and doing my usual ‘Try to cram everything in’ I arrived a little late. Missed the first couple of acts which no doubt worked the crowd into the living frenzy they were as I strolled in. I was greeted by Treetop Flyers belting out some of their tunes from the recent EP ‘To Bury the Past’ which was on the markets from September ‘09. Even though we were a level underground, they filled the room with a sun drenched warmth and threw smile out with those folk style melodies, complete with beards that only a folk band could REALLY pull off. They eased up towards the end of the set and threw the venue into a bit more intimate setting to make way for their close.

I headed to the bar. Wouldn’t you? Before I’d even managed to get my hands on a beer, Oddyssey were up and at it. They changed the tone with a bit more of an indie feel. It felt a little poppy, kind of reminded me a little of the day’s I’d belt out Everclear tunes to annoy my parents. I don’t mean that in a bad way. I enjoyed those years. I was a fan of the husky voice that broke their their electric rhythem. Their ‘Black America’ Ep is worth a shot if rock/indie/pop is your thing.

In steps the howling, exciting vocals of Derek Meins. Pitching in with a steady smashing beat you’ll find Robert Dylan Thomas. You’ve got Agitator filling the room with out effort. As the crowd gets involved, you’ll see Derek assume the role of some kind of Gospel Rapper… but you know what… it kinda works. They capture the crowd with ease and don’t even seem to struggle with it. It’s impressive.

I’m ashamed to say I didn’t hang about for the Dj’s, Apologies guys, being a Sunday post the launch of the Mewbox Vanilla application, I’d foreseen a busy week. From what I could see as I strolled back into the drizzling evening, the party was just gearing up to be a warm welcome to a cold christmas winter. Top effort from the guys running Communion, you’ve given everyone their first chrissy present.