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Event Review: Katchafire
Reggae | Thursday 4th July 2013 | Abby
Last evening, The Garage, across from Highland and Islington tube station, hosted a night full of amazingly cultured reggae. A night that has done the reggae music industry proud!
The Garage in Islington is an intimate, yet spacious venue that brought together all lovers of reggae music, culture, and fashions from all across London. Meta & The Cornerstones were the support band of the evening and they successfully brought what they aim to convey in their music: peace, love and harmony. The African lead singer engaged with the audience throughout the performance, bobbing his body and over-sized beanie (admittedly I wanted him to take it off and reveal how long his hair was) while he sang with his raw and beautifully raspy voice, getting the audience to chant and sing back the lyrics he wonderfully delivered. A keyboardist from Japan, a drummer from Texas, and Israeli guitarist, this band is composed of a colourful and worldly few people that bring their individual talents together to make sweet sounds of reggae.
The headlining band was New Zealand’s seven piece band: Katchafire. This band has been named the hardest working reggae group in the world and they certainly are, playing countless shows each year since 1997. Katchafire continues to soar, with their fifth studio album set to be released this year, but the band told us they are only about six songs in. Last night Katchafire delivered an amazing performance that brought the happy and feel-good vibes. The crowd, consisting of people from all different walks of life, were rhythmically moving to the beat and singing to every word projected from Logan Bell, the lead singer of the band, and the various other members who also sang. The wonderful thing about this band is it’s versatility. Logan Bell is not the only vocalist: Leon Davey, Jordan Bell, and Jamey Ferguson also sing particular songs – they are not just back-up singers! For example Logan Bell’s younger brother, Jordan, presented one of the newest tracks on the album that is set to be soon released, he got up from the drum set, clenched the microphone and gave his all. Alternating, throughout their performance, Katchafire brought diversity, while still staying true to the reggae sound. Multi-talented editions of the band cease to amaze, as each band member beautifully created reggae sounds with different instruments and their abilities. Jamey Ferguson proudly and stunningly put in his all when he sung his subtle vocals, bellowed his all through the saxophone, and switched during songs to let his fingers run wild across the keyboard. Tracks from each of the band’s four albums were played, proving the longevity of the band and their supportive and loyal fans. Tracks like ‘Feels Like’ saw an emotive response, with each and every person chanting with the contagious smile planted on their faces.
Katchafire brought their all, and it was obvious that they enjoyed every minute of the evening – giving their fans the music they love, while doing what they themselves love – making music and sharing it with the world! A great reggae night with Meta and The Cornerstones and Katchafire! Watch out for Katchafire’s new album, yet to be released this year! Also, if you want to know more about Katchafire, then hold out! We have an exclusive interview with Logan and Jordan Bell from Katchafire, which will be put on the Guestlist website soon. Keep an eye out!
Written By Abby D @AbbyDonkin
