Halloween Slaughter House Hospital hosts new music at Proud Camden

Embracing its history tonight as an old veterinary hospital for injured horses, Proud has promised to serve up a horror show like no other, opening its doors to the townsfolk of Camden for a truly ghoulish evening. For their weekly RUDE event, the venue has been transformed into “slaughter house meets hospital” for a night of terror, forward-thinking electro-indie pop, next wave DJs and haunted horses…

The disquieting setting for the night is fitting – “ghost” horses watch as the crowd pace their way through mazes of blood-splattered hospital curtains, tripping over the very realistic “guts” strewn over bales of hay. Spooky “doctors” are on hand, as well as a talented face painter who leaves the amused guests barely recognisable. And for those who fancy a relaxing bath, there’s even a hot tub (full of blood, of course) to dip in.

Supporting electro-indie rockers Bambi are Electric Palms and Southend boys Youth Club, who work the crowd with their psychedelic rhythms, poppy hooks and jovial lyrics. RUDE resident and curator Nicola Robinson DJs between the bands’ sets, mixing everything from soul to hip-hop dance floor fillers, which has the guests bopping along.

Bambi explode onto the stage showcasing their latest single Reap from the Dying Love, an emotional track featuring an excellent guitar riff and rhythmic section that grasps the crowd’s attention. However, one cannot help but feel the set might have been better appreciated at a dedicated gig rather than a Halloween party.

Further DJ acts entertain throughout the evening, including David Beiger, It’s Rude To Stare and DJ Dafro, but it’s apparent that the crowd are waiting all along for main man Kitt Proudfoot, who has every ghoul and his horse jibing, singing and smiling like lunatics.

All in all, it’s a frightfully good night with a brilliant, diverse set of acts. Proud Camden never fails to delight its guests, and they have certainly done so this Halloween.

Gemma Whitfield
Photos: Adnan Moe

For further information and future events visit Proud Camden’s website here.