More about: Flo GallopRaina Sokolov-GonzalezBARBUDO

Behind a giant medieval door, which seems almost impossible to open, lies Folklore, a queer independent bar. Its impressive collection of plants and clutter-core bar gives way to an intimate venue at the back, which tonight stages three talents who currently work with LPR. This small space gave the audience a chance to hear Flo Gallop, Raina Sokolov-Gonzalez, and Barbudo like they’ve never heard them before. 

Flo Gallop begins the night with her tales of love and London, vacillating between impassioned singing and her trademark cheeky delivery. Her backing band help animate Flo’s larger-than-life personality on stage, as she beckons the crowd to come in closer. For someone who hasn’t been in the scene for very long, Flo is impressively comfortable on the stage, as she bops and dances her way through her set-list. Amongst bangers such as ‘Chasing After You’ and ‘Up’, Flo also premieres two new songs, ‘alright’, and ‘same bed, different night’, both of which are funky cuts that define Flo as a new voice in indie pop to watch.

Raina Sokolov-Gonzalez might not make music to dance to, but her set is no less captivating. The New Yorker is armed only with a keyboard, which accompanies her jazz-inflected RnB ruminations on feminism, love, and healing. It paves way for her standout vocals, executing soulful runs and aching high notes flawlessly. At one point, Raina asks the audience to turn to a stranger and tell each other what they’re grateful for. It's a gesture that is reflective of Raina’s pensive, sincere character, something which shines through in tracks such as ’40 Days’ or ‘Better Half’.

Barbudo—Portsmouth brothers Ben and Harry Stanworth—re-energise the crowd with their array of tropical, funk/disco-influenced music. Their easygoing style almost eludes their more serious subject matter, such as ‘Sunshine’ and its preoccupation with minisinformation. The duo is perhaps a little too static for their music, both standing in front of a mic playing guitars against a backing track. Nevertheless, the audience responds by dancing happily in the tiny room, ending the showcase on a high note. 

LPR’s event at Folklore is a successful night run inside a beautiful, welcoming setting in London. It functions as a pleasant tasting menu of some of their budding artists, with set-lists short enough to make space for everyone and long enough to give you a good sense of each artists’ capabilities. Flo, Raina, and Barbudo made the most of the night and give excellent reasons to support them at the early stages of their careers. 

Issue Four of the Gigwise Print magazine is on pre-order now! Order here.

More about: Flo GallopRaina Sokolov-GonzalezBARBUDO