Gig Review: Christmas Covers Party at The Bodega

Christmas Covers is definitely a joy to all, a fantastic event that raises loads - and I mean loads - of money for good causes and local charities. I think the room really was full of angels tonight, all smiling and shining bright in the Bodega.

First up were Vanity Project, EM and Reduced Killers. I arrived as Penny Moon were performing, with the room already filling up and the DJ’s smiling from ear to ear. ACHB came next, a band who I’d only seen a few weeks before. The DJ was playing Tom Jones as they walked on, so Alex joined in, naturally. He even used the Christmas gift of a DVD of the film Babe for Shelley before they sang I Got You Babe.

Every Face Becomes a Skull were next with their punk rock take on songs getting the crowd into the Christmas Covers spirit. Then, there was a change of mood with the excellent Katie Keddie, announcing that she was going to bring the energy and mood down a bit. Note, she has a new EP out in the spring, with beautiful dreamy vocals. 

Then came Airport Dad, who were rather exuberant combined with their wonderfully powerful singing. I forgot all the songs they played by this stage, but absolutely loved them! Afterwards, the hosts - complete with illuminated beards - were selling tickets for the traditional raffle later on. Everyone gleefully parted with their money, knowing it was for good causes. A 'Hello Thor' record label bag of goodies caught my eye. I didn’t win, but over £2000 was raised!

Finally there was a collective sing-along of Fairytale of New York with a few altered lyrics as a flourish for the night. Merry Christmas to all, as I emerged into the street for my last bus home.