Last weekend, SOURCE was invited to a very special night taking place above the Prince Albert pub. Sussex-based three-piece Noisy had reached out and invited us to attend a soon-to-be-recurring event, billed as a new initiative in the realms of live music and nightlife.
Ahead of the night itself, we were fortunate enough to chat with the electro/garage/dance outfit (“your new favourite band that sound nothing like a band” according to their Spotify page) and ask what it was that had prompted the creation of these events, known as Fast FWD To Friday, as well as where they and the band themselves fit within the Brighton music scene.
“Truthfully we haven’t found a scene that we really fit into in Brighton as of yet, this is why we wanted to start Fast FWD To Friday and build a scene around us.” Part DJ set, part live show and part club night, Fast FWD To Friday promised an exhilarating, energy-filled night out whilst also standing as a showcase for emerging talent within (and without) the scene.
That “emerging talent” on the night we attended was Charlotte Plank, a London-based singer-songwriter, whose talent has evidently emerged and stands for all to see. Her hard-to-place sound layered over jungle beats with an infective energy made for a fantastic opening to the evening and she was deservedly welcomed back to the stage to perform with Noisy later on in the night on a soon-to-be-released track that both artists have collaborated on.
Next… It was Noisy’s turn. We had already seen singer/rapper Cody earlier on in the evening as he treated early arrivals to a DJ set. For his return to the stage he was joined by bandmates Connor (guitarist) and Spencer (producer-guitarist) and immediately the trio dived head first into an exhilarating set. From new work (including brand-new single ‘Rudeboy’, only released the day before) through to crowd favourites ‘Put A Record On’ and ‘Days Go By’ the energy never dropped.
When we had chatted earlier in the month I had asked them about their influences; who were the acts that had inspired them to make and pursue music as a career? “The Prodigy, Fatboy Slim, Chase & Status and Kasabian,” were the answer and it’s evident when hearing their sound. “That’s where it all began. Those acts are untouchable live and that’s the main thing for us.” While comparisons can and will be drawn with those who have gone before (“It’s basically a remix,” Cody jokingly quipped on the night about popular single ‘Alligator’), it cannot be stated enough how far Noisy have developed this sound. This hybrid evolution, interwoven with its own influences, is at once familiar yet utterly distinct and individual and perhaps the reason why, according to the band, they have struggled to find a scene they can be a part of. But instead of searching for a place to belong they have chosen to forge one themselves.
“The plan with these Fast Fwd nights is to create something in between a gig and a club night. We’re going to be playing live and also DJing and also getting some mates to DJ too. And then we’ll have a sick new artist that we love supporting each time.”
Fast FWD to Friday is exactly what the arts and creative scenes are and should be turning to in times like these. Artists supporting one another and providing the hype, exposure and opportunities that are sadly lacking elsewhere whilst not forgetting the main point of the night… To have fun. It is a Friday, after all.
“They’re gonna be mayhem!” the trio say of the upcoming events and SOURCE can only agree. Mayhem not to be missed.
You can catch Noisy + special guests at the next Fast FWD to Friday
Thursday 23rd February, 8pm @ Prince Albert Pub
Tickets available here
