I'd planned for having a party for 10 years of Fika Recordings, but lockdowns scuppered that, so we're throwing a little free label party in September - which happens to coincide with my 40th. Come down, hang out, watch some bands, drink some beer.
For those with kids or that can't make it out in the evening or just want to hang out over beers and pizza, the plan is to be in the Pembury Tavern beforehand, 4-7pm.
All welcome!
From 4pm ish: Pembury Tavern
From 7pm ish: Paper Dress Vintage
Bands from 8pm ish: adults + Steven Adams + Jessica's Brother
adults
Combining elements of indie-pop, punk, emo and just a little bit of 2009 vintage math-rock for good measure, adults are four pals trying to find their way in a disintegrating world. Reflecting on how we look after ourselves, one another and people in our community; their songs are a riotous collision reminiscent of Johnny Foreigner, The Beths or Trust Fund, bursting with crunching guitars, speedy drums and yelping dual vocals.
They’ve released singles with Art Is Hard and For The Sakes Of Tapes, and self released an EP (The Weekend Was Always Almost Over), which was subsequently released on vinyl by Caballito records. In October 2022 the band's debut album 'for everything, always' was released by Fika Recordings.
Faster, messier and sillier than they have any right to be, adults are a hopeful and joyous noisy pop band based in South London.
Steven Adams
Steven Adams is a "national musical treasure" (The Guardian) who fronted country pranksters The Broken Family Band throughout the 2000s before calling time on that band at the height of their success.
He's been ploughing his own furrow ever since, with multiple name changes (Singing Adams, The Singing Adams, Steven James Adams, Steven Adams & The French Drops), and a series of albums ranging from DIY indie rock, intimate folk and - with 2018's Virtue Signals - experiments in krautrock and politically-charged widescreen pop.
Originally from South Wales, Adams now lives in East London. His latest album Drops came out in the autumn of 2023.
Jessica’s Brother
Jessica’s Brother are a London trio comprised of songwriter Tom Charleston, Jonny Helm (drums, also of The Wave Pictures) and Charlie Higgs (bass). Channelling the spirit of the Brothers Grimm to create an otherworldly atmosphere, they weave their motley influences together making a rich and eclectic vision, with nods to Silver Jews, Jason Molina, Nick Cave, Richard Thompson and Neil Young. There are themes of joy, anger and silliness in a carefully crafted world with a colourful cast of characters.
The trio formed in October 2016. Jonny and Charlie worked together in a framing business and had often talked about collaborating in a band together. Fate intervened when Jonny’s girlfriend Jessica introduced him to her brother Tom, and they found a songwriter in waiting.