Photo:
When Peace take the stage at Camden's KOKO for Club NME's New Year Eve Ball (did you get all that?) the buzz in the crowd is audible. It seems that Peace aren't just a band with online hype, but one that - so far, at least - seem capable of translating that into 'real world' excitement as well.
Or maybe everyone's just talking about Harrison Koisser's amazing sparkly green jacket.
After a great reception to opening track 'Wraith', Peace follow up with an impromptu cover of Cyndi Lauper's 'True Colours'. It serves to break the ice, especially when what sounds like the entire audience immediately begin to join in with a drunken singalong.
It's obvious that Peace are why everyone is here - everyone is as packed in as close to the stage as they can possibly get, forcing people to jump in tandem, and it's impossible to stand anywhere without someone's overexcited elbows jabbing into your back or their foot landing heavily on yours. Peace are one of the bands who make the jostling worth it.
All of the Delicious EP gets a play, as does B-side 'Lil' Echo' and single 'Follow Baby' - although to be fair, it's not like they have that much material to choose from (and here's hoping 2013 changes all that).
One of the real highlights of the set is being treated to a new song - "One from our album," says Koisser, which definitely ramps up the anticipation - called 'Toxic'. Britney Spears association aside, 'Toxic' manages to be atmospheric and catchy, while retaining the 90s nostalgia that Peace do so well.
"Um, have the best New Year," Koisser says, as the set draws to an end. "I mean, 2013. Whatever." Despite the lack of inspiring words, there's still something resembling awe-struck in quite a few people's eyes.
As everyone stumbles away from the stage, quite probably with a lovely new set of bruises, two things are for certain. It's 2013 now, and Peace are not just another buzz band.
The full set list was:
Wraith
True Colours
Follow Baby
Lil' Echo
Ocean's Eye
Toxic
California Daze
1998
Bloodshake
Below: Peace, and 24 more bands and artists you need to know in 2013
