Attending the Communion new music club night was something I’d been looking forward to for a while, a chance to catch a couple of familiar acts and see something new. The monthly event is held in high regard in the London music scene, with previous lineups boasting acts such as Wunderhorse and Olivia Dean. This recent lineup exhibited an eclectic mix of genres, which made for a great night out as it brought something for everyone and made it easy to find something enjoyable, whatever your taste might be.
Opening the night was Australian indie-pop artist Jack Gray. Having previously seen him open for Dean Lewis in 2018, it was incredible to catch him this time around to hear how his sound has evolved. Since then, he has released multiple self-produced EPs and a cover album, and the blend of heavy acoustic guitar with a more electronic sound translated well into this acoustic set. Utilising both acoustic guitar and keys (at some points both simultaneously), catchy, honest lyrics, and a seemingly effortlessly laid-back stage presence, he easily captivated the crowd throughout.
Putting a more stripped back spin on his own tracks, similar to the approach taken on his aforementioned cover album, it effectively pushed his genuine lyricism to the forefront and really allowed him to spotlight the artistry in his songwriting, with the crowd visibly enthralled and seeming to be taking a genuine interest as he talked through the inspirations behind the tracks. Covering universally relatable themes such as evolving relationships, and the difficulty of transitions and disconnect that comes with changing your path, with tracks such as the upcoming ‘Swimming in Jeans’, his wistful lyricism and emotive vocals made it easy to create a connection and brought a warmth and sincerity to the event. It was a promising insight into his upcoming debut album, with clearly a lot more to look forward to in future.
The next chance to catch him live is June, supporting Daniel Seaver across multiple dates on the Australian leg of his Second Wind Tour.
Next up was Charlie Noordewier, Devon-based folk artist. Previously building a following as frontman of The Native, he’s opened for acts such as Bastille across huge venues throughout the UK and Europe, alongside multiple headline tours in their own right. This new direction promises a more stripped back folk sound when compared to his prior work. In the interim between sets I got chatting with a few others in the crowd, fans of the band who’d heard of the event through Charlie and, having also seen him live previously, be that at the O2 with the band or on his first solo tour at the end of last year, we were all similarly intrigued to see what his next steps would be.
For his first solo London show, the acoustic set consisted of deeply introspective, melancholic folk and blues inspired tracks, tackling heavy themes such as mental health and escapism, making for a captivating set. Utilising acoustic guitar, harmonica and a powerfully soulful voice paired with an earnest stage presence, he very effectively toed the line between catchy melodies and confessional lyricism, which had the crowd whistling along at times.
With the majority of tracks so far available through cassette, a medium which works well with the down to earth nature of his music, it showcases a cohesive vision in creating a personal connection with his work. Captivating narrative lyricism on clear display with tracks such as ‘Toy Soldier’, and teasing future releases with more strings and a larger sound, the set was a great insight into what’s next for him. Catching up with the fans I’d chatted to beforehand, we were in agreement that there is clearly a lot to look forward to with this new direction.
The next act of the night were GIFTHORSE, London based 80s inspired alt pop duo. With vocalist Naomi and guitarist Charlie reforming as a duo at the end of last year, they’ve been building an active fan following online ahead of releasing their music. This show was the first self-organised fan meet-up through their fan WhatsApp group and, with fans excitedly filling the front of the venue, they really amped up the energy for a Thursday night.
The set invoked the nostalgia of the 80s through to the early 2000s, ethereal vocals mixed with a more classic guitar sound a backdrop for tracks covering the melancholy that comes with time passing you by, to more romantic tracks based on familiar London iconography. Excelling in creating cohesion between their melodic sound and self professed ‘frazzled English’ aesthetic, my immediate impression was that the set was reminiscent of the Julee Cruise number in the first episode of Twin Peaks, evoking the same contemplative air of nostalgia and wistful lyricism, making for an intriguing performance.
The biggest fan reaction of their set was during the performance of an as yet unreleased track ‘13 going on 30’, a look into the easily relatable feeling of plans changing as you get older. It seemed to be the crux of the set, with vocalist Naomi wearing the titular dress from the film of the same name, and they had the already enthralled fans really throwing themselves into singing along. Steadily maintaining a connection with their audience and with imminent releases being teased across the bands socials, there’s more to look forward to from them in the near future.
The next chance to catch them live is on April 3rd, supporting Better Joy at The Old Blue Last, Shoreditch.
Closing out the night was MULIMBA, genre-defying London based artist, returning to the event after his first appearance in 2021. Previously lead vocalist of indie rock/alternative band HAUS, as a compelling solo act in more recent years he’s made extensive appearances at festivals across Europe and opened for artists such as Tom Walker.
Beginning his set with anthemic opening track ‘Here I Go’ from his 2022 EP ‘Wake Up’, the venue filled out for his first gig of the year. With dedicated fans clamouring for space at the front, he commanded the space with a high energy set, a testament to the draw of his distinctive sound and authentic lyricism for his first headline show in over two years.
Blending indie rock, gospel beats and hip hop influences, his tracks draw on introspective personal experiences, and the complexities of relationships, familial or otherwise, effectively giving everyone in the crowd something to connect with whether new to his music or a returning fan. From the punchy chorus of ‘Burn It Down’ to the broodier, more haunting sound of ‘Your Own Blood’, MULIMBA successfully combined catchy yet complex rhythms, a wide range of electronic textures and soaring vocals. The palpable confidence in his ability to translate his complex studio work into a captivating live performance brought an energetic air to close out the event on a high note.
The next chance to catch him live is on April 8th at the Karousel Music x SESAC x MMF Spring Showcase at Paper Dress Vintage, Hackney.
Having been unsure of exactly what I was going into with this vastly different collection of artists, the eclectic mix of unique sets against the backdrop of this cosy Soho venue made for a great night, with each performer bringing their own very distinctive spin to the event and effectively showcasing how to endear a crowd to you regardless of what their individual music tastes might be. Very much looking forward to seeing what they each go onto next, be that releasing debut tracks or building on their existing sound, and it’ll be interesting to see which emerging artists this event will curate in future.
The next Communion New Music Club Night is on April 19th 2025 at The Social, London.
Jack Gray: Facebook / Instagram
Charlie Noordewier: Instagram / Bandcamp
GIFTHORSE: Instagram
Review and photography by Ed McCay
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