Mosa Wild at Lafayette

King’s Cross’s latest lush music venue Lafayette opened its doors in February 2020, brought to the crowds by Mumford and Sons’ Ben Lovett, who also launched London Bridge’s Omeara. Tonight, the newest spot hosts Mosa Wild, a four-piece from Ashford, Surrey, bringing feel-good vibes to a much anticipated live performance after months of lockdown. 

Powerful opener Tides (Talking in Circles, 2019) could easily be placed in an arena setting, with its steady drumbeat, catchy guitar riffs and effortless delivery from vocalist and lead singer Jim Rubaduka. The acoustics are better balanced with Red Line, where drummer Charlie Campbell also provides backing vocals. and it soon transpires that all the members can sing and are multi-instrumentalists. Lafayette’s staff bring drinks to the audience during the set – a distinctly different live music experience from pre-Covid gig traditions, but one that works well.

As Rubaduka exclaims how happy they are to be here, the quartet play an unexpected but shimmering rendition of The Waterboys classic The Whole Side of the Moon, which is an absolute hit with the crowd. Keyboardist Edwin Ireland vocalises solo on the latter part of the verse and chorus; it is clear Mosa Wild allow each other space to express themselves individually, not afraid of sharing the limelight. Slow jam Faultline, also from the 2019 EP, is a reminder of how good indie-pop can be. 

The group are in good spirits, particularly the frontman, who is utterly charming and carries the role with ease; in one break he encourages fans to buy merchandise, which nearly segues into an auction, the audience and band having fun shouting out prices. There is also reference to the recent England victory against Germany in the UEFA game, which is a win with the crowd, Rubaduka exclaiming, “It’s coming home.”

The guitar riffs to 1993 sound a lot like Interpol’s Rest My Chemistry – possibly an inspiration – while Expect Me and Orchards seem to be from a forthcoming album. Although hit single Honey is not played, Night concludes the set, with accompanying claps from the audience, adding to the feel-good atmosphere. 

Following what looks like a genuine end to the performance without an encore, Rubaduka and Campbell return for an acoustic version of Landslide, complete with beautiful cello accompaniment from Edwin Ireland. The remaining members join for Smoke, fuelled by hope and optimism, which the band clearly have a flair for, the chorus chanted by all. Mosa Wild are the right pick for a return to live music in a venue that truly complements their sound. 

Selina Begum
Photos: Miguel de Melo 

For further information and future events visit Mosa Wild’s website here.

Watch the video for the single Cry Baby here: