Radio Free Alice’s unforgettable performance at The Sunny marked the end of summer with an indie-sleaze induced bang. The crowd sunk their teeth into the sweat, grit and grunge of the band’s sound — a sound that is magnetic, daring and bathed in nostalgia.
It is rare to see people genuinely enjoying live music without succumbing to the overwhelming urge of capturing every Instagram-able moment. The gift of intimate gigs at The Sunflower Lounge, however, never stops giving. As if driven by a hive-mind, we were all there to simply have a good time fuelled by good music. The atmosphere was chaotic and freeing, as if we had been transported back to a time of 90s era garage band basement rock. With dancing bodies bumping and arms interlinked with friends, the night felt messy and boundariless in the best way.
Radio Free Alice have cultivated a distinct sound and resultantly have an impressive UK fan base. Within the crowd, hanging onto each lyric was a whisper, a shadow of awe for the music. Members of the crowd were singing into each other’s ears, swaying together as an endearing display of brotherly love. What struck me in particular about the band’s performance was the habit of the band’s lead singer, Noah Learmonth, of beginning songs with his back turned to the audience. As a silhouette holding a guitar, he became somewhat of an enigma onstage, the crowd’s attention in his grip. His swift turn back to the microphone, and his subsequent strong, punchy vocals, geared the crowd up with an infectious energy.
The influence of their alternative sound gradually revealed itself throughout the night. With notes of The Smiths and The Strokes, Radio Free Alice seem to be bringing back this timeless 90s sound when we need it most. Their music is making waves in the UK already, and I believe they have a sound that will carry them globally.