Hard-Fi headline Stand Up to Cancer at Union Chapel

Located in the heart of Highbury and Islington, the Union Chapel hosts an eclectic array of acts tonight for the seventh year of Stand Up to Cancer.

Folk-pop singer Néomí has been heavily influenced by the likes of Ben Howard, citing him as her hero. During tracks such as Skipping Stone, and the hauntingly beautiful Not Good Enough, the inspiration is evident. The singer jokes all her songs are about heartbreak, and this is not untrue, but places her in good stead amongst existing and rising folk-pop stars.

Next to grace the stage is Tom A Smith. The Sunderland-born 17-year-old is talented beyond his years: having been hand-picked to play with Tim Burgess at Kendell Calling, and performing at Glastonbury before even starting secondary school, Smith’s musical gift is undeniable. With self-assured vocals steeped in earnest passion, it’s easy to see why music royalty have praised him so.

His latest single, Wolves, is as urgent as the rest of the material tonight, in a mesmerising solo set. With Never Good Enough and a gorgeous rendering of Kate Bush track Under the Ivy, Smith has us all spellbound and is one to watch.

Hip-hop group Monster Florence take it up a notch with their mix of rap, grime and punk. Highlights include Space Man, Midnight Club, and Deck of Cards, with the act taking it all in their stride performing in front of a seated audience, their first.

Shoegaze trio The Big Pink are a hark back to the early 90s, particularly The Stone Roses, and The Jesus and Mary Chain. The band bring a dark nostalgic vibe to the chapel; the melodic Velvet, with its melancholy lyrics, a highlight, drummer Akiko Matsuura providing the ethereal backing vocals, alongside cool electronic beats. The British avant-garde act have a way with their evocative music and story-driven lyrics.

And last, but certainly not least, are headliners, 2000s indie rock group Hard-Fi. Lead guitarist and singer Richard Archer keeps the audience in a good mood throughout, with his natural charisma and effortless charm. Giving a powerful and punchy speech, he goes on to say, “don’t mess with our mothers and our fathers, don’t mess with our brothers and sisters, don’t mess with our kids, don’t mess with our friends. Cancer, you can f**king do one.” Launching into Tied up Too Tight, the band are as energetic as two decades ago.

Hard-Fi’s songs are steeped in realism, making them very relatable, while being simultaneously popular and great to dance to, like hits Hard to Beat, Cash Machine and Livin’ 4 the Weekend – all fantastical propulsive fuel for a Monday night gig. Archer returns to the stage with a track dedicated to his late father, a reminder of the great cause of this evening.

Selina Begum
Photos: Isy Townsend

For further information and future events visit Hard-Fi’s website here and Stand Up to Cancer’s website here.