Described as “the label that celebrates itself” independent record label Sonic Cathedral marked their 20th anniversary in style with a sold out show at Hackney’s Earth Theatre – featuring a lineup of established and emerging shoegaze icons. Headliners Slowdive were joined by London-based newcomers deary and Whitelands, whose waves of intoxicating reverb-heavy riffs ricocheted around the packed space.
Initially formed from DIY grassroots music initiative First Timers Fest, watching opening act Whitelands – aka guitarist and vocalist Etienne, drummer Jagun, bassist Vanessa and lead guitarist Michael – perform at the label’s anniversary celebrations felt truly special. Between songs, Jagun and Etienne shared that Sonic Cathedral founder Nathaniel Cramp was the only person who responded to Whitelands’ initial email about releasing an album two years ago, which made listening to tracks from their debut full-length record, Night-bound Eyes Are Blind To The Day, feel like an impressive full circle moment.
Having already caught the band supporting Slowdive earlier this year at Hammersmith Apollo, we knew Whitelands would deliver a set full of shimmering shoegaze sounds, tethered together by front man Etienne’s hazy vocals and meaningful lyrics. These shone through brightest on tracks ‘Born In Understanding’, ‘Cheer’, ‘Now Here’s The Weather’ and ‘Fluoxetine’.
Up next, deary took to the stage to deliver their charming brand of dream-pop. Fronted by singer and guitarist Dottie, her diaphanous vocals and the band’s lush, fluctuating melodies were accompanied by a set of equally dreamy visuals. deary’s gothic-inspired woodland video for single ‘The Moth’, lifted from their upcoming EP Aurelia (due on 1st November) played out across the screen behind them, building on the ethereal atmosphere they’d established earlier on in their set. Like Whitelands, deary also expressed their sincere gratitude to Sonic Cathedral’s founder Nathaniel, an endearing thread that linked all of the band’s performances.
Despite joking that after 30 years of playing together, they still hadn’t mastered the art of small talk between songs – Slowdive‘s headline set wasn’t lacking in any way. The musical alchemy between Rachel Goswell, Neil Halstead, Christian Savill, Nick Chaplin and Simon Scott is undeniable, which made watching them coordinate their blissful cacophonies of sound look totally effortless. Opening with ‘Shanty’ from their most recent record, Everything Is Alive, the band delivered a 14 song setlist that spanned all of their back catalogue, with tracks from their second record Souvlaki (1993) featuring heavily in the mix.
Whether you’re a newcomer to Slowdive, or a dedicated long term fan, the transcendent nature of their live set is something that all gig-goers can appreciate. The volume of their rich, swirling riffs and heady electronics is totally immersive, and this was all intensified by their hypnotic light show; a true spectacle of strobes and colour that exquisitely enhanced the heavy romantic quality of their music. This was especially true for tracks ‘Catch The Breeze’, ‘Kisses’ and ‘Sugar For The Pill’ – all were standouts at the band’s Hammersmith Apollo show earlier in the year, and they remained so at this more intimate venue. Closing their set with the anthemic ‘When The Sun Hits’, Slowdive left the stage to rapturous applause, before returning for an encore of ‘Machine Gun’, ‘Chained To A Cloud’ and ’40 Days’.
Having sold out within minutes when it was initially announced, Sonic Catherdral’s 20th anniversary celebration was a wonderful testament to the label’s commitment to supporting new bands thrive in a potent musical subculture, and nurturing a community of fans who willingly indulge their natural curiosities and passion for new alternative guitar music.
Header Photo Credit: Johnny Green
Photos included in Review: Geoff Shaw
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