Deptford Goth at Union Chapel

In the visually stunning, candle-lit Union Chapel, Deptford Goth had the ideal setting for his ethereal and synth-based pop. The venue, with its strict no standing policy, forced the audience into complete silence whilst sitting on church pews. The effect is that the music sounds more awe-inspiring and the artist is put on a pedestal in the middle of the room. Singer Daniel Woolhouse’s calming voice and lyrics about losing past loves, gave the performance a very depressive atmosphere.

Making the stage feel less empty, two cellists and a violinist joined Woolhouse, who appeared initially shy. As he started to sing Objects Objects, it was clear that the performance was going to be very solemn. Woolhouse’s voice cut the silence of the Union Chapel, singing “If you’re telling me there’s no such thing as heartache” accompanied by a chilling cello part.

The set was full of very emotive songs, which in the church setting made the gig feel even more breathtaking. There was a mix of emotion in the balconies: some of the audience were kissing partners, while others were wiping away tears.

Union was the most striking performance of the night because it provided a more cheerful break. Backed by a drum track and the most upbeat of these sad songs, it combined keyboard and strings, and worked perfectly with Woolhouse’s own voice. Before and following the song, the keyboard seemed a little out of place and, in certain parts, the experimentation sounded a bit like a student testing out the demo settings in music class.

The encore provided the most memorable moment, as the REC (Roundhouse Experimental Choir) joined Deptford Goth onstage and stole the limelight. The choir gave an angelic backing to the set. A highlight was the song Feel Real, which already has an r&b feel, but, backed by the choral repetition of “Feel real, feel real now”, accompanied by the cellists and the violinist, the song was given a much grander finish. Woolhouse seemed to have orchestrated it that way and the audience loved it, sending the artist off with much stamping in the balconies.

Bryonie Carolan

For further information and future events visit Deptford Goth’s website here.

Watch the live recording video of Feel Real here: