On 21st October, local label and promoter Fail Better Records (FKA Fresh Lenins) presented a night of epic proportions at the (completely sold out) Old Market, with bold and beautiful sets from some of Brighton’s most beloved party bands: Los Albertos, Town of Cats and Buffo’s Wake.
Ceilidh Boom
Town of Cats
After a playful audience warm-up with folk dancing from Ceilidh Boom, Town of Cats offered a high-energy set full of roaring Afrobeat rhythms carried by a colourful troupe of 10 musicians. With a combination of fast-paced vocals, soulful sax licks and melodious piano improvisations, the collective’s infectious energy was a perfect starter to the evening.
Los Albertos
Next up, brass rockers Los Albertos got the crowd moving with their unique blend of ska-dance, funk and dub, punctuated by some seriously jazzy interludes. Formed 20 years ago in our fair city, the band is showing no signs of slowing down with regular appearances on the festival circuit. Tonight we were treated to a mix of originals and covers including an all-singing, all-dancing rendition of Eurythmic’s ‘Sweet Dreams’.
Opa Rosa
Kay Monrose
There’s just enough time to grab a beer at the bar while on a side stage, Opa Rosa enchants the audience with Eastern-influenced melodies. Walkabout characters and circus performers keep us entertained until we make our way to the front row for the plat de résistance: Buffo’s Wake Orchestra.
Buffo’s Wake
This 19-piece sonic cornucopia, complete with full string and brass sections, delivered the sweatiest symphony of klezmer-punk with its soaring violins, possessed guitars and duelling instruments (piano vs cimbalom!), showcasing each and every player’s dazzling virtuosity. But despite the high level of musicianship on display, Buffo’s Wake aren’t a band that take themselves too seriously: they’re here to have fun and so are we! From chaotic singalongs to iconic soundtracks (Pulp Fiction, anyone?), this maximalist extravaganza did not disappoint.
To top it all off, the night ended with a DJ set by Komboloi Star who kept us dancing into oblivion…
In a nutshell, Big Is Beautiful was a fantastic night from start to finish, perfectly orchestrated by Fail Better Records and their passionate team, who clearly put their heart and soul into crafting every single detail of this larger-than-life celebration.
The Old Market, Friday 21st October 2022
Photos by Steve Churchill
