Brighton-based Warsaw Radio celebrated the release of their debut album, ‘Midnight Broadcast’, with a packed show at the Green Door Store. Paul Murray, also a Brighton resident, was a credible opener with heartfelt and observant lyrics set to folk guitar. He was accompanied on cello and keys by Nick Williams from Night House, who also played the role of compere. Next up was a fun-filled performance by yourgardenday (lowercase, all one word, we’re told), a piano-guitar double act with neat vocals.

When Warsaw Radio reach the stage they’re brimming with energy and confidence. We loved catching them on a high as they announced they’d woken up to hear their new single ‘Ms. Monroe’ airing for the first time on Radio 6. This urgent, character-driven folk rock song was aired again as tonight’s opener.

Their sound is faultless and somewhat addictive. The band started life in Brighton as a duo with frontman Brían McNamara on guitar and Nikki Bates on violin, and tonight her strings perfectly complement McNamara’s powerful and soulful baritone. The band released their first single, ‘After Eve’, last year to great acclaim, with fervid support from BBC Introducing, and later from BBC 6 Music’s Chris Hawkins who referred to them as “One of those bands that you discover and you wish you’d known them longer”.

Other songs in tonight’s set were written after good nights on Brighton beach and after heavy doses of Nick Cave and Peaky Blinders, whilst ‘New Day’ references the uncertain times we’re living in. It was a powerful stage performance and these guys found a way to form a great connection with the audience. Personable, approachable, familial even. And you can’t help but wanting the best for them as they dip their toes into the big time. This is a band we know you’ll hear more of in the months to come, so stay tuned in to Warsaw Radio.

Warsaw Radio, Green Door Store, Friday 9th March 2018
Words and photos by Fran Moore