After a short stint on tour which included two support dates with The Wombats, Reading band Sundara Karma returned home to host their second ‘Thirsty’ night at small local venue The Bowery District, curated by the band to showcase a selection of local talent. Since they unveiled their newest single ‘Loveblood’, Sundara Karma have had an impressive amount of play from Radio 1, deservedly making it onto this week’s playlist. ‘Loveblood’ sees the band take a step away from their dreamy, almost psychedelic sound to give us a rip-roaring anthem which went down an absolute storm live.
The night opened with promising young band Laguna, who played a confident five song set. Despite it only being their fourth gig, they held the audience’s attention with ease and looked completely at home on stage together. Laguna displayed bags of potential, with their set comprising entirely of new material written by the band – we were even treated to a soppy song in the middle. They also had a considerable turn out given their early slot, and were followed by another Reading artist, Goldn. Goldn bought the tempo down with a chilled electronic pop/R&B influenced sound, which although wasn’t entirely my cup of tea, was appreciated by much of the audience nonetheless.
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The eclectic set of acts seemed fitting before Sundara Karma’s headline slot, which was the most impressive of the night. Summery-sounding ‘Cold Heaven’ was played early in the set, and was received eagerly by a crowd who lapped up every dreamy note the band had to offer. “You’re the devil in a push up bra”, sung frontman Oscar as Sundara rattled off a swaggering rendition of Hustle. It was at this point that it was so clear to see how the band just totally looked the part. Undoubtedly, I realised their gigs and releases can only keep getting bigger and better, as more and more of the audience mounted their mates’ shoulders to dance along.
There’s a compelling tone to Oscar’s vocals which make for really pleasant listening, and suit the band’s style so well. This was heard most prominently in new track ‘The Night’, taken from upcoming EP1, and featured on the setlist alongside ‘Indigo Puff’, dedicated to “all the stoners out there”. ‘Loveblood’ brought the set to a euphoric end, inducing the most enthusiastic moshpit of the night. All in all, Sundara Karma make for a great live band, with a little something special about them which make me convinced that they have so much more to give. I’d strongly suggest trying catch them live if you can: at one of their upcoming dates supporting Darlia or The Wombats, or at their own headline show next month at London’s Sebright Arms. Alternatively, if you’re near Reading head down to their next Thirsty night at The Bowery District on 7th March to check out some more promising local talent (and another sure to be excellent set from Sundara Karma).
EP1 is expected for release on 23rd February 2015 on Believe Recordings/203 Recordings.
Words by Katie Pilbeam