The Laundry, located in a foggy and eclipse-free East London, was taken over for a night for what is scientifically categorised as ‘Good Vibes’. It was the fundraising evening: ‘A wish to walk for Maya’.
It was in aid of Maya, a 13 year old with cerebral palsy who is in need of a life changing operation. All of the staff and all of the performances come without a price tag tonight and it’s looking like an inspirational evening. The line-up includes Tom Findlay of Groove Armarda, Neneh Cherry and the headline act, Four Tet.
There’s a considered atmosphere; like being at a wedding brimming with family you never knew you had. There’s also a real sense that this is the type of gig that you could go to on your own and still have a blinder. Everyone’s here for the same reason.
The Laundry is hidden a stones throw from Hackney Central and you almost go underground to get in. With that said, it’s a well ventilated open space as opposed to a loud, suffocating dungeon. Tom Findlay blew the crowd away. His mixing is next level and he brings endless energy to the room with an accompanying light show.
Neneh Cherry‘s up next and from her first until her last note, the crowd are transfixed. The power behind her voice kept the crowd hanging on her every word. The predominantly female crowd sing along in harmony whilst backed up by Rocketnumberenine (The Page Brothers). This blossomed from an album of organic, progressive house they recorded in the summer of 2013.
Last up is the most anticipated act of the night, Kieran Hedben aka Four Tet. Since signing a record deal in a band at 15 years old, it seems he hasn’t put a foot wrong in the music world. Working closely with the likes of Caribou and Burial, it’s hard to place his music into a genre as he dips in and out and shows that if music is done well it can resonate with any crowd. He used a combination of 7” and 12” vinyl’s to play an almost exclusively reggae set and honestly? It was perfect.
A fantastic evening for a great cause; £15,000 has already been raised towards to target of £21,000. To donate, click here.
Written by Mark Campion
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