We were lucky enough to catch the genre-defying President Street at their live acoustic set at The Bedford last night!
President Street is a band which fail to conform to any one genre. Described by many music journalists as ‘pop fusion’, it’s impossible not to realise upon seeing them live, that they are just bringing something entirely new to the table, made up of a melting pot of influences.
Nowhere was this more apparent than at The Bedford in Balham, London, last night. Amongst Christmas decorations, in an intimate space with tables and chairs in a semi-circle around the stage, President Street opened a night of unsigned musical talents – and completely stole the show.
Opening with the defiant ‘Forward Stride’, President Street perform like the true professionals they are. Ruby’s banter with the crowd is understated but effective, and her soaring vocals, more exposed than perhaps she is used to in an acoustic set, truly take centre stage for the duration of this all-too-short set. Their music is undeniably catchy with infectious hooks making their home as much in the acoustic arrangements as they do in the fully produced studio versions. As with their lack of genre conformity, President Street also refuse to be constrained by the songs’ arrangements, taking the drum ‘n’ bass inspired track ‘I Found Me’ and placing it carefully and perfectly into the context of this intimate acoustic gig.
Of particular enjoyment is the track, ‘For J’. A beautiful and poignant song in its own right, last night the track was really brought to life by Ruby’s heartfelt introduction. Written about someone on their team who had bad luck but maintained a sunny disposition throughout it all, this song is a really gorgeous platonic love letter to those in life who make it through against all odds.
The brief, five-song set is over far too quickly, with President Street leaving the room sufficiently warmed up for the rest of the night’s talent. It’s a tough act to go first, but this exciting new band made sure that it was also a tough act to follow.
Catch President Street performing in a city near you (tour dates below), and keep your eyes peeled for the music video for ‘I Found Me’, dropping soon!
27 Nov – Gigi’s Hoxton, UK
28 Nov – The Rocksteady, UK
30 Nov – Time Exchange Ltd, UK
02 Dec – West Street Live, Sheffield, UK
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