Saturday night, the stage was set, the bands had sound-checked and I arrived just before 9pm, with DJ Bettie to ensure everything for the night was in order.  There was a last minute addition to the bill, a band that goes by the name The Catcher Nine.  This didn’t appear to cause any problems as the other acts had been informed of the time changes, to the schedule a few days prior.  Little would we know that a few hours later, friction between two bands would arise, carnage would ensue, the stage would be stormed mid-set, mic stands launched at the drum kit and a band would pull out at the last minute.  Nothing ever run’s smooth in the world of rock n roll.  Welcome to Gogodisco... 

Shortly after 9pm, Automatic Writing took to the stage.  Brother’s Neave and Jamie Merrick opened their set with This Is Happening, a new firm favourite of mine, which sounded even better live. The duo weaved a web of intrigue in the room with their dark take on electro-pop, an added experimental and rock edge apparent.  They did their thing with an air of ease and professionalism.  Another highlight was the track Crystal Visions. Through his unique vocal style and dark lyricism, Neave channels an element of Morrissey-esque sentimental anguish, which is complimented by Jamie’s crushing beats and danceable synth. As the show went on it was clear that Automatic Writing, are definitely an act to keep an eye on, in the months ahead.

Following a brief intermission, Dead Cassette were up. They are definitely a lively and loud bunch who got the crowd moving with their 90’s tinged indie rock sound. The band is a tight unit with an even tighter rhythm section.  The drumming was top notch, and the driving force that kept it all together.  The highlight of the set was Sandcastles from their recent EP of the same name. 

It was here that things got interesting, The Catcher Nine were supposed to take the stage.  However, there was talk of friction between them and headliners The Graveltones.  The Catcher Nine said they were going to walk if The Graveltones took to the stage.  They did and the band walked.  But not before Teta Mona of The Catcher Nine, launched an expletive ridden assault at the band, mid-set. This was a woman scorned and in true rock n roll style, she proceeded to launch a mic stand at The Graveltones drumkit, before strutting out of the building. Despite this, miraculously, the show went on, the drummer carried on playing as his drumkit was reassembled around him.  The band were promoting and celebrating the imminent release of their Debut EP.  It was certainly a memorable set to say the least, and The Graveltones got through it relatively unscathed.

All in all a highly explosive and memorable Gogodisco, once again and not without its unprecedented drama.  DJ’s Bettie, Alexander Silver Hammer and guest DJ Shifty Disco Boy of NME & Rough Trade, spun classics long into the early hours, which kept the dance-floor alive and kicking. 

Written by Michael Blackmore

Photographed by Pedro Patel