Wake up , its Room Service
Brighton band rocks Moulsecoomb campus - Lydia Coggins reports
Fresh off the stage from a Shoreditch gig the night before at the Breaking Sound Festival , Room Service rocks up at Buzz Radio to play a special set for us here at Brighton University .
A maze of cables snaked across every inch of the floor of Studio 501 to accommodate the bands ’ 6-piece line-up . A last-minute venue-change dictated spontaneity as the theme of the day . This didn ’ t faze Room Service much , despite only playing live together at the end of May this year .
Devin the Texan on drums reassures everybody in the room with a sure smile “ not to worry about a thing .”
Helena Marchant is the frontwoman that unifies the band and is rocking a surrealist slogan t-shirt , a pair of doc martins , fishnets , and a plectrum necklace around her neck . The others are in a relaxed assortment of 70 ’ s paisley patterns , cool corduroy and thrown-on denim that makes them look pretty happening in a ‘ whatever goes ’ kind of way .
She introduces the band to explain their short backstory ; the ‘ three frenchies ’ met accidentally in France and meeting their drummer randomly on a hot day at Brighton beach .
A mix of Portuguese , American and French band members adds an extra ingredient to the diverse group .
Thomas the guitarist casually admits this is a first for them recording a ‘ live lounge session .’ Devin , known for ripping off his shirt mid-song confesses his drumming career started a tad unconventionally . “ They told me they were looking for a drummer and I lied … I was so full of shit ! I did not know how to play drums ! I told them , yeah , I ’ m the best drummer in Brighton . He says grinning : They believed me , I didn ’ t even own a drum set . I played on pans for the first few months .”
Once everyone was ready , the sound levels adjusted and mics arranged , we held our breaths and pressed record . What could go wrong ? There was zero need to panic however as Room Service were better than what we had ordered .
Flying straight into their first track ‘ Wasteland ,’ with the enthusiasm of WWE wrestlers drinking rocket fuel for breakfast . A satisfying crunch and kick of a relentless drum groove locks you in and refuses to let go . The combination of guitars , keys and a deftly played bass forms the funk infused bones of the first track , the intro peaked towards a building high before releasing you into a gratifying melodic verse .
Helena Marchant ’ s tantalizing lead vocals is beautifully light served atop a slick and catchy guitar melody peppered with offbeat drum fills and shouty vocal disruptions by Devin at the chorus .
The lyrics to Wasteland are tinged with that all so familiar existential dread that is so relatable . A great song delivered with a helping of irony you can ’ t help but feel satisfied with .
Photo Credit : Lydia Coggins