Clash Revue - London Proud Galleries

Beginning as a small listings guide in a remote and windswept part of Scotland, Clash Magazine has grown into an award-winning monthly magazine, becoming for many their essential guide to music and fashion.

With a back-story like that, the first ever Clash Revue has a lot to live up to. But with a line-up including up-and-coming groups such as XX Teens and Baddies rubbing shoulders with giants like Simian Mobile Disco, it is clear from the start this is going to be an incredible night.

Hosted by Camden’s Proud Galleries, the scene of many a debauched and iconic gig, the night opens with Baddies. The Southend-spawned four-piece are many a punter’s tip for 2009 with their mix of strong melodies and punchy percussion, coming on like former tourmates The Futureheads gone Devo-esque wobble-pop. A brief but impressive set later, and sceptics are charmed.

Next up: the sensational beat-boxing skills of Beardyman. A cult figure on the festival circuit, the human sampler takes no prisoners with a set that sees the venue so rammed it would make sardines feel uncomfortable. The Prodigy’s drum ‘n’ bass classic ‘Out Of Space’ is reworked using just a microphone and the most minimal of technology, as Beardyman proves there’s much more to him than facial hair and a knack for mimicking by turning the room into a heaving, sweaty mess.

Emphasising the magpie-like editorial bent of the magazine itself, the night moves from genre to genre with the glee of a well-stocked iPod set to ‘shuffle’. XX Teens follow Beardyman, nursing a sonic attack more severe than a bulldozer running riot in a room full of Glasvegas records. Formerly called the Xerox Teens though they were, this is far from photocopy rock ‘n’ roll, breaking indie templates with every single strum.

Buraka Som Sistema have been causing spasms across clubland with their stunning mix of electro-house and African rhythms. The Portuguese act perform a DJ set with live MCs, and their high-energy set contains ample evidence of their limb-mangling activities.

Simian Mobile Disco are one of the top names leaping the indie-dance divide. Member Jas Shaw brings some favourite cuts along to the Clash Revue to join in the party, with some brand spanking new re-edits nestling alongside old favourites during an epic DJ set. It’s a tough act to follow.

Just as well ace sound-tracker and producer David Holmes is in the building, then. With a career stretching over two decades, a reputation that stretches into Hollywood and an awesome new album under his belt, Holmes is in no mood to take prisoners with a set that keeps the room filled to the brim with cheering fans.

As the venue’s beleaguered staff begins to tidying up the remnants of a stunning night, and the security try to pile the remaining punters out the door, it’s clear another page has been written in the annals of Clash.

Clash came. Clash saw. Clash conquered!

Click here to view part one of our photo gallery!

Click here to view part two of our photo gallery!