WHY go Retro when Nowtro is so much more fun? It wouldn’t take much for an indie night to stand out from the other indentikit clubnights in London, but Year Zero has made a real effort to raise the standard. Started by two journalists, NME’s Mark Beaumont and Guardian contributor Phelim O’Neill, almost two years ago, the monthly night offers a welcome break from the
backwards-looking norm.
Rather than play the same tracks culled from the last 40 years, Year Zero has a policy of only spinning discs released in the past 12 months (and forthcoming releases). You’ll hear nothing from the likes of Stone Roses or Joy Division (unless either band reforms and writes new material) but a great spread of styles celebrating the music of right now. Also, the promoters beg, borrow and steal to get the best live acts for the club. In the past they’ve knabbed bands on the cusp of the big time such as The Enemy, Sunshine Underground, Jack Penate and The Wombats and also have had established turns like The Kooks, Hard-Fi and Ash using the night to debut new material. This month, Friday 27th, Canadian band Holy F**k drop in on the way to their highly anticipated Glastonbury appearance to
deliver a set of their poundingly danceable improvised freak-out electronica, with support from Kyte and Dead Kids. Perhaps the most amazing thing about this night is it only costs £10 (£8 before 10pm), with no tickets sold in advance, just roll up on the night.
Year Zero @ Proud Gallery, Stables Market, Camden. 27th June 2008 Live bands: Holy F**k + Kyte + Dead Kids Djs: Mark Beaumont, Phelim O’Neill, Wolf plus guest 8pm until 3am