Starseed at Clapham Grand

Starseed at Clapham Grand

21 July, 2008
by: Sherbet

Descending on infamous antipodean haunt Clapham Grand to catch Starseed, the thought of ocker twanging voices all around almost sent us home to Wimbledon: a borough which itself is full of Aussies, but somehow the Wombles keep the worst culprits away - the ones that sound like a mixture of Alf Stewart and Irene Roberts from classic episodes of Home and Away.

Although proud regulars at any Walkabout and known to wear 'thongs' not 'flip flops' at any glimpse of sunlight on the English shores, preparing oneself for such a barrage of antipodean accents always takes a bit of bottle.

Arriving midway through another act, we find a quiet corner from which to appreciate the show. Well, not quiet. But with room to swing a drink. Clapham Grand seems as though it was once a beautiful theatre. Ornate balconies, and stalls frame the stage. Apart from the untouched façade most of what was essentially the Grand's soul has been ripped out and replaced with two over-sized bars and a flashing dance floor.

After a healthy gap between bands, allowing time for lubrication on the foreigner's drink of choice – a snakebite or a pint of fosters, Starseed bounded onto the stage. The crowd swarmed the pit and raucous cheering commenced.

Unassumingly and without hesitation lead singer Russell Spence takes the mic to a resounding count in from brother and drummer Andrew Spence. Mixing heart-pounding rhythms with commanding beats, striking vocals and Incubus influenced lyrics, this South African led epic rock posse ruled the somewhat grandiose venue. Drawing on the influences of Christian Rockers POD, and early Pearl Jam, Chilli Peppers and Foo Fighters, they play funky elements with a harder rock edge. Combining elements of surf rock, alt and grunge, create a satisfying collage of soft melodies, heavy drumbeats and wailing guitars.

A culmination of two South African rock bands, Speakfish and Deep Kick in 2000, Starseed had already gained quite a reputation in the world of South African music and hae recently sold out a series of gigs for FeedMe Music. The line up has fluctuated over the past 5 years since moving to London, but they have settled into a comfortable rhythm with their current 5-man line-up, for the first time featuring a Pom. Recently recruited lead guitarist Pete Wicker hails from Ilford, Essex, and is a self professed ‘God of the axe’. He is good, though.

Tonight is to be nigh on their last performance for a while with drummer Andrew Spence scouting for the band in the US in hopes of opportunities on the forceful New York rock scene. In between a prolific gig schedule in recent years, they have found time to record a number of EPs and even a full-length album ‘All the things they can’t take away’.

As the set the rages on gravity draws everyone toward the stage, including the other unsigned bands and their followers. Russell’s energy and enthusiasm drive the band on, and they turn up the intensity through the set to a pitch more suitable for a stadium than a Clapham boozer. There’s a positive undertone to the set, described previously by Russell: ‘In my own humble way I strive try to bring a positive message to the world with my music’.

Starseed have it all, a powerful leading voice driving their music through, unforgettable melodies, a glowing stage presence and hard hitting drum beats to drag the listener in and sends them home on a high. Here’s hoping the US gives them the opportunity to find their place in the Rock world.

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Sherbet