Hidden Charms Shake The Stage At Leeds
Published
When thinking of how best to describe the vibe of London-based quartet Hidden Charms’ show at Oporto, Leeds on 9th July, it’s useful to note that their latest song “Dreaming of Another Girl” was produced by Shel Talmy, behind rock’n’roll hits “You Really Got Me” and “My Generation”.
The bar-cum-venue is packed out in anticipation for the evening; an impressive turn out for a band who are yet to release their debut album. Yet the band has already made quite a name for themselves, having performed in session for Burberry, with band members Ranald and Oliver featuring in the brand’s A/W 15 campaign.
Burberry seems a fitting image to endorse to associate Hidden Charms with, as all four members take to the stage, dressed impeccably smartly with a real mod vibe about them. As their music demonstrates, there is nothing contrived about the aesthetic of the band however; Hidden Charms have an air of true authenticity about them.
The band opens with “Mona”, which they play with such energy that the stage shakes visibly. There is a hunger with which Hidden Charms play, something that the audience is equally hungry for as they engage with the performance instantaneously.
“It’s Time”, a track that the band premiered earlier this year, has a psychedelic swing feel to it. Hidden Charms play together with such an impressive neatness for a new band. As the audience really gets into the music, it is clear that they are doing something very right.
For “Long Way Down”, Ranald takes over the main vocals from Vincent. Notably, throughout the set, the band plays various roles and occupies different parts of the stage, which adds an extra dimension of dynamism – if it’s even possibly to have a more collectively sparky stage presence.
“Lady Like You” offers a thrashier side to Hidden Charms, whilst “Sunnyside” is much funkier and soulful. It’s a track imbued with infectiousness; an infectiousness that lingers throughout the band’s set.
The audience continues to creep closer forward towards the stage, as those who were previously stood still pick up the dancing bug. As “Gonne Be Your Man” concludes with an impressive drum solo for Oscar, the band wins over the crowd one final time with the charming “Dreaming of Another Girl”.
Hidden Charms know how to put on a show, and have a diverse and promising sound. Following such a thoroughly entertaining show, there is much anticipation for the release of their album, and what the future holds for the band.
To find out more about Hidden Charms, visit their Facebook page.
Words by Ellie Brown.
