Live music review of new London electronic duo Honne.
London electronic duo Honne have quietly come a long way in a year. For a band that only formed in 2014 it’s quite amazing to see that they could sell out Hackney’s trendiest live music venue, Oval Space.
Perhaps this is due to the maturity displayed in their music. A maturity in a sense that it feels like the band brewed their brand of music for a far longer period of time, and so there is a tasteful outcome, authentic rather than rushed.
Their EPs, Warm On A Cold Night, All In The Value (both released on Super Recordings) and Coastal Love (Tatemae Recordings), have allowed the band to create a buzz. Hailing from London’s Bow E3 - known for it’s involvement in early grime artists - Honne were basically in their own backyard last night and the crowd responded to them accordingly.
Where modern electronic outfits can be quite sterile in performance, Honne bring some movement to their set with singer and producer Andy serenading the (predominantly female) crowd. Standing alongside his producer partner in crime James, and backed with a band that included a full percussive drummer, the gig had groove and was more than enjoyable.
Fans favourites like Warm On A Cold Night, All In The Value, No Place Like Home, Coastal Love and Loves The Jobs You Hate came across brilliantly, some sounding even better live compared to their recorded equivalent. Perhaps a criticism that could be levelled at them is that the tracks may sound like they blend into one at times. However they are at EP stage. They bring a more funky and jazzed up take to the electronic alternative RnB genre. Some lyrics and melodies can be regarded as cheesy at times but there is an endearing ‘wave your hands in the air and sway side to side’ feeling about it all that works for them live, especially for the crowd experience.
Expect good things from Honne next year.
Music video for All In The Value by Honne: