The Remedy @ Underbelly, Hoxton Square 15/04/14

I am not accustomed to writing music reviews – despite my brief employment at Warner Music, I am deficient in both musical wisdom and knowledge of the appropriate terminology that would grant my writing access to the back pages of Kerrang or NME. However, what I do lack in experience and jargon I will attempt to make up for in the development of an atmosphere, a presentation of how the gig made me feel rather than straining to find a use for “syncopation” or “obbligato” in a sentence (what does it even mean people, what does it even mean). Thus if I, at any time turn into a pretentious twat, I assure you I probably have absolutely no idea what I’m talking about. *grin*

I have known of The Remedy for a little over a year now. Due to my friend and fellow blogger Emily’s relationship with the band’s bass player (something about those bass players isn’t it), I was introduced purely out of forced friendship rights. I have had friends with boyfriends in bands with whom I dragged my unenthusiastic butt to dingy holes in Camden and South London, bopping my head at the appropriate moment and trying to understand “what they do”; and yet, no other band has caught my attention quite like The Remedy.

I was present at their first gig, a tiny pub somewhere near Earl’s Court where the atmosphere, ambient and intimate, managed to get them an encore from the entire crowd, the majority who were present for a mere after-work pint. Following several more successful gigs, most recently on the 2nd of April at the launch of their third EP in Floripa where they completely packed the place out, this venue (and crowd) was rather disheartening. Despite this, the performer’s moods were not dampened; after a folky, merry start reminiscent of an Eastern European camp fire by Elena Dana, followed by the soothing, steady vocals of rap artist Ophelia, The Remedy bopped onto the stage in their usual cheery manner. Lead by singer and buoyant bubble of energy Krissy Twigge, it soon became clear why this band’s fan base covers all tastes and ages as they started off their set with the rhythmic foot-shuffler For How Long. Following on, the 25 minute set flowed into a perfect balance of relaxing down-tempo songs combined with up-beat grooves that allowed the crowd to kick back and unwind whilst still enjoying themselves.

It’s difficult to pinpoint exactly where The Remedy’s influences stem from; with a fusion of R&B, funk, jazz, reggae and down-tempo, the band’s gentle, mature sound is refreshing considering their youth. That being said, the members may be young but their experience and professionalism shines through; Adam’s sweet licks on the saxophone inject soul into mix while Jay’s funky guitar chords get heads bopping. Dan’s deep bass lines and Mike’s refined drumming add a sense of wholeness, a scaffold on which the perfectly formed songs are moulded on. Krissie’s voice is mellow, soothing and incredibly crisp, yet her energy and enthusiasm even for the slower numbers is infectious. She interacts with the crowd, clearly passionate about the lyrics she sings and adds vigour, a vivacity that the audience easily picks up.

The band’s Soundcloud page describes them as a “happy 5 piece who write music to make people smile”, and that is precisely what they do; you’re left with a sense of spirit, a positive energy that flows through the room and continues to circulate once the final note has been played. Favourites of mine include The Lift, an uplifting (ha) tune that plays on your ears like honey, Where's all the Soul which makes you want to run around asking everyone exactly that, and their wonderful cover of Bonobo's Stay the Same, a perfect addition to a glass of wine and a comfortable sofa. If you’re searching for feel-good music that has the ability to mellow you out and get your feet tapping simultaneously, look no further than The Remedy.

For more information on the band, visit their website, Facebook or Twitter pages – their next gig is this Tuesday (22th April) at the infamous Ronnie Scott’s, so make sure you get down there and support independent, new and exceptional music.

xox