A year in Alternative London 2007
Words: G.boy
Another year is over for the London Alternative scene - it's been a turbulent one for our Hosts and Promoters. We take a look at the events and venues: N*A*S*I*N, Kill Kill Kill, Decadence and Disorder, The Cro Bar, The Dev', Havok, Slagfight, The Intrepid Fox, Synthetic Culture and Antichrist...
N*A*S*I*N
We have witnessed n*a*s*i*n moving from The Underworld in Camden to the Borderline, just off Tottenham Court Road. Larry Sonix, who runs the night, managing to keep his ever faithful regulars entertained on a Wednesday evening; as well as attracting a few new faces into the n*a*s*i*n crowd.
Not another shit indie night, n*a*s*i*n, rocks Wednesday nights out. DJs, Sonix and Brahim, bringing you a selection of Punk, Ska, Hardcore and Metal. It's no wonder this night has a large and dedicated fan base.
Borderline, Orange Yard, 16 Manette Street, Soho, London W1V 5LB
Nearest tube: Tottenham Court Road
11pm - 3am
http://www.myspace.com/nasintheclub
Kill Kill Kill
This popular haunt unfortunately closed in '07. It was run by Shuff on a Thurday night at The Borderline snd a popular face was DJ and promotor a Whole Lotta Toni = thanks for the memories.
The DJs were brilliant, very approachable and always out for a party. They bought us the best in 80's Rock to Goth Rock and a healthy slice of Metaland Glam Rock, no wonder it was much loved. Thursday will never be the same without Kill Kill Kill - one that will be missed for a long time. Thank fuck we still have Decadence and Disorder on a Saturday night.
The Borderline, Orange Yard, 16 Manette Street, Soho, London W1V 5LB
Decadence and Disorder (D & D)
D & D, at Sin in Soho, consists of 2 floors - the Decadence floor is brought to us by Shuff (Kill Kill Kill), a Whole Lotta Toni (Kill Kill Kill) and Belle (Decadence) plus various guest DJs. Playing a popular selection of 80's Glam and Rock music from the likes of Motley Crue, Aerosmith, Guns N Roses, Skid Row Buckcherry, Motorhead, Turbonegro and many more. All that can be said is fuck yeah Rock heaven.
On the Disorder floor we have Riyad and crew playing bands like Queens of the Stoneage, Slipknot, Metallica, Lamb of God, Pantera and Slayer, with a bit of Marilyn Manson thrown in for good measure. Plus lets not forget a healthy doze of Rob Zombie. What more could you possibly ask for from a Saturday night?
Favourite areas: the Decadence floor or the smoking area - perfect for catching cold and gossiping with friends.
D & D - fancy a bottle of Newcastle Brown'?
Sin Club, 144 Charing Cross Road, London
Nearest tube: Totenham Ct Rd
10pm - 4am
The Intrepid Fox
How can we forget the Intrepid Fox? Yes the venue has changed, moving from Wardour St, Soho, to just off Denmark Street. Certainly one of the best and well known Rock venues in London. Friendly and boisterous bar staff plus very hard and loud music. A list of excellent DJs take over the upstairs bar most weekends.
Fucked by Rock frequents the 'Fox every fourth Saturday of the month, with Dj's Seamuss666, Max Pornscar and Boy Destructo playing Rock and Metal. Bands like Zodiac Mindwarp have performed here. Not bad for a pub eh? The 'Fox is will always be a must for the Alternative crowd of London.
Long live the 'Fox - may you be with us for a long time.
15 St. Giles High Street, London, WC2H 8LN
Nearest tube: Tottenham Court Road
Weekdays: 3pm - midnight
Weekends: 3pm - 2am
Cro Bar
The Cro Bar is a rock venue situated near Soho, next to The Borderline. Although the venue is small and music is supplied by a juke-box, it's a popular and where you can rock out with people often overflowing onto the streets. Like the 'Fox, the Cro Bar has been long established in the London Alternative scene. They have a late license and is open until 2am most days of the week.
Great for getting together with some mates for a drink whilst chilling out to Metal and Rock. As there is never a shortage of people putting their money in the 'box to play their favourite anthems.
17 Manette Street, London
Nearest tube: Tottenham Court Road
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Club Havok
Club Havok met its demise in November. Brought to us by Mick Preistley and DaveDisaster. 'Havok was a cheap Sunday night out, a great end to a heavy weekend of clubbing. They played a heavy mix of Punk Metal and Rock n Roll. Held at The Purple Turtle just round the corner from Mornington Crescent Station, adjacent to Koko's. Thanks to Mick and Dave for G.Boy's DJ debut. This night might be no more, but don't fear as the Disasterman and Mr Preistley are still with us and have plans to continue entertaining the masses on a regular basis in 2008.
The Purple Turtle, 61-65 Crowndale Road, Camden, London NW1 1TN
Synthetic Culture (Syn Cult)
2007 also saw the death of monthly Synthetic Culture at the Egg club in Kings Cross. A vibrant mix of EBM and Industrial and Rock and Metal was played here, with names like DJ Paladin and RUEIN showing their faces. Although Syn Cult re-emerged as club Tarantula and moved venue to club Sin, Charing Cross. Sadly, January 2008 saw the last Tarantula - yet another night gone from the London Alternative map!
Krapy Rubsnif Slagfight
DaveDisaster and DJ Cython brought us an entertaining evening of Punk and Mayhem, Krapy Rubsnif Slagfight, at the Gaslight in Finsbury Park later moving to The Old Kings Head in Holloway Road. 'Slagfight provided another cheap alternative hang-out with a mix of fun and debauched punk anthems as well as other alternative tunes. DaveDisaster and 'Cython let their spiked hair and antics entertain those lucky enough to attend on a Thursday, later moving to a Wednesday night. Having a laugh with the punters whilst playing music they wanted to hear is what made this event. It's a shame it had to finish but both DaveDisaster and 'Cython are still out there keeping the Punk crowd happy. Slagfight won't be forgotten and was enjoyed thoroughly by those who attended.
Club Antichrist
Although we saw the end of some great evenings for the Alternative crowd in 2007 it was not all about closures. We also saw the birth of a fantastic night for the Fetish minded folks of London - Dom and Missy from Avoidance of Doubt launched club Antichrist at club Sin. Great Dancers, excellent DJs and live bands made for a great launch night and one venture that looks set to go from strength to strength.
Due to its overwhelming success 'Antichrist has been moved to a bigger venue, the Colosseum in Vauxhall. If you're into the Fetish scene and want a good night out then it's fully recommeded you pay them a visit. Tickets are on sale for its February 29 Vauxhall debut now.
www.clubantichrist.com
www.myspace.com/anticlublondon
The Dev'
The Devonshire Arms has changed hands and is a rock/metal venue playing live music as well as Dj's every night of the week. The Dev' has changed greatly and is once again a busy venue even on evenings you wouldn't expect, attracting a new crowd as well as the regular one. Still well worth a visit if you're in Camden.
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In essence we saw a lot of changes on the London Alternative scene, some good, some not so. As 2008 opens her weary eyes and shakes off the cobwebs of 2007 - London is and always will be a great location for Alterntive venues and events. Here's hoping the year will bring us some drink filled, rock fuelled, sleazy entertainment with a nice dose of freak and fetish antics.
What more could you ask from a captial? With a few more nights lined up for the crowds to sink their teeth into, there is no reason why London can't bring us what we hope for.
Things to look out for in 2008: Club Sedition at Mass in Brixton, 3 new alternative nights at club Sin and many gigs and live events.
So lets Rock though 2008 and make this a year to remember - see you in the clubs and bars.
