You know those stoic souls who stand like telegraph poles at gigs, standing staunch while bright young things mosh (or in this case swing) around them. You wonder what moved them to buy a standing ticket, to buy any ticket, you wonder what does move them at all when they dont even smile. Well there were no telegraph poles at Caravan Palaces sell out London gig last night not a single one. Looking out over the sea of swingers jiving madly I thought there might be a few telegraph poles hiding up the back but NO - this was where all those who really wanted to strut their stuff had gone to find a bit of space to swing.
Everyone was dancing, you just couldnt help yourself. Such a fun crowd of fans are following Caravan Palaces every move through their latest tour and lapping up the new album 'Panic'. Lots of fans had dressed up for the night in glad rags, flapper dresses and vintage suits but no matter what they wore they were moving like mad. Has Koko ever seen the like?
Koko is certainly the perfect venue for an Electro Swing extravaganza and what an electric gig it was. After a slow swoon to the first song the whole place erupted with swing fever and kept it at fever pitch throughout. So good to hear Caravan Palace live with all the different instruments suddenly springing to life. The xylophone and clarinet particularly stood out creating an almost other worldly magical quality that dazzles the senses all the while you still cant help dancing. Indeed we were invited to kill ourselves dancing and I think a few people were trying, some of them were the band members! We were treated to some proper rock n roll moves on stage by two of them quite rightly caught up in their own swing fever.
What a way to kick off the tour. Who knew Elecro Swing would be this years hottest ticket? Its been a breath of fresh air and brought all sorts of unlikely fans together, I for one hope it sticks around for a good while cause if swing is in we are all winning.
Published on 23 November 2012 by Cathi Moore
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