Beatenberg bring their charm to London’s KOKO
They were joined by support from zeck.
Photo: Isla Kerr
If you’re anything like me then a gig being at KOKO is a massive selling point. Ever since its pricey revamp in 2022 it has become a regular on my list (even if I do think it is a little excessive). This Thursday it was Beatenberg with support from zeck that drew me to the grandiose — and what a night it was!
zeck walked out in an ‘I <3 London’ top and later confessed it was his first time in the city, therefore was indulging in all the tourist clichés he could. Amazed by the venue, he shared a further story of his mum who, upon discovering he was playing KOKO that night, phoned him up in awe, sharing that Madonna had played there back in 2005.
Alone on the stage throughout his performance, there was a strong feeling of connection to the audience. He introduced his song she goes, which he explained was about his experiences with panic attacks and anxiety. It was a beautiful indie ballad and the crowd got behind him, appreciating the raw down-to-earth honesty he displayed. Phone flashlights were soon swaying side to side for the emotional track cry for me.
With an impressive German fan base, zeck is ready to expand his horizons further afield in the UK and elsewhere and, if the crowd’s reaction to him tonight is anything to go by, they are ready to welcome him with open arms.
The crowd hummed with excitement as the stage was prepared for the main event: Beatenberg. A definite older crowd who had undoubtedly followed the band for years flocked down to see the South African trio. Met with a slightly different line-up than expected, as Ross Dorkin was replaced on bass by Alec Hewes, who Matthew Field (lead vocals and guitar) boasted had learned all the tracks on the setlist incredibly quickly.
Beatenberg’s third album The Great Fire of Beatenberg was released just a couple of weeks ago on the 5th of April, almost a full six years on from the band’s last album 12 Views of Beatenberg. It follows 2022’s EP On the way to Beatenberg and a few individually released singles in the lead-up to both the album and EP.
The catchy Eau De Toilette was released before the album in September last year and is clearly a hit with fans, as it was sung word for word by an excited crowd. Its lyrics refer to sweating — “You sweat the right kind of sweat” — and the venue definitely warmed up as many danced along to the up-tempo beat.
The band then played three songs from their first album The Hanging Gardens Of Beatenberg, including Pluto, Ithaca and Southern Suburbs. These marked a turn up in temperature, things had been building to this moment and the crowd were now ready for whatever came next from this timeless band.
Matthew shared that Night Bus (from the new album) was written in London and, with its lyrics telling of a story of the marmite-like public transport of the city (you either love it or you hate it), it offered a moment of relatability for the crowd. All of whom will have stories of their own about catching it in the small hours of the morning. The track, of course, received cheers as a response and the audience was soon singing along word for word.
Having covered both old and new hits, Matthew stripped things back as he opted to play three back-to-back acoustic songs while sitting down on a chair. Flashlights were once again swayed side to side as even the buzz from the bar quietened and all attention was turned to the stage.
The crowd clapped along to the electronic-sounding Branches On A Tree. It is a great track and goes to show Beatenberg’s ability to nail just about any genre they put their attention too.
Beatenberg brought spring to London tonight which, with the intermittent weather we’ve been having, was well overdue. The crowd danced and sang as if it were a summer night and the energy was high throughout. As the gig drew to a close the audience left with spring in their step as they faced the April London rain with a new anticipation.
All images by Isla Kerr.