Katy Forrester

July, 2012

Musicians make trip to capital to show what city has to offer. Busking in Hyde Park, before storming a showcase gig in Kensington, musicians from Hull did their city proud when they hit London. Warren Records in Queen's Dock Avenue teamed up with Discovery 2 to host a night crammed with un-signed East Yorkshire talent. The Mail Jumped aboard a coach with ska-punk and rap outfit Counting Coins, indie bands Little Switzerland and The Hubbards, folk pop group Happy Endings and singer-songwriter Abbie Lammas.

Alter filming near the Royal Albert Hall, the camp made its way to AAA, an underground venue at the swish Archangel cocktail bar. Stewart Baxter, of Warren Records, was praised for his hard work in organising the gig, which had taken months of planning. He said: "We wanted Hull to prove its status as a city that can stand shoulder to shoulder with any other when it comes to brilliant music." First on stage was Abble, donning a statement green bow tie and trouser braces. Original, inspiring material and a powerful set of lungs made for a memorable set. In the clammy club atmosphere, the acts sweated it out and pushed themselves to the limit. Next up were Happy Endings, who were one of the standout bands of the night. The two faultless female vocalists left everyone feeling truly empowered with their passionate Indic line-up The Hubbards played a short and sweet set but they didn't disappoint. New track Bed Bugs went down a treat. Little Switzerland's frontman Simon Binks then relaxed the audience with his cheeky banter. Liam Foster made it in time to Join his band mates after rushing to catch the train and displayed some enviable guitar skills. Last but not least the crowd were fired up by Counting Coins, who took fans on a trip to Mexico as thy energised the crowd during an explosive set of ska. With saxophone and trumpet sounds and mind-blowing rap skills from frontman Harry Burnby. It seems there is nothing this hand can't do. Alex Kerr-Wilson and Umong Shah, of Discovery 2, described Hull's unsigned acts as "epic". With a background at the NME and years of experience in the industry Alex said "All of the live music was top quality "Hull really rocked Kensington." Musician and crew member Nick McNee. said all the bands involved should be "immensely proud of themselves".