Scholars at The Barfly

Celebrating the release of their debut album Always Lead, Never Follow, the Scholars boys are set to tear the roof off The Barfly on the night of 9^th April. Located in trendy Camden, the venue is known for its support for alternative acts and its intimate stage setting. Inside, a large crowd of rocker kids are gathered under the dim lights eagerly awaiting the performance and showing their approval for support acts Trails and Everything I. The semi-screamo band put on a fantastic warm-up, despite missing their lead vocalist. They were helped out by a small group of fan-girls who shouted the lyrics with high enthusiasm.

Suddenly and dramatically the lights went down, and a recording of Charlie Chaplin’s iconic speech A Message For Mankind blares. Chaplin vehemently declared “You are not cattle, you are men!” – a theme which foreshadows the band’s motto “Never follow”. 

Vocalist Sam Nicholls stormed onto the stage, opening the set with the popular post-punk track Hydrochasein, which was greeted by audience members singing along to the catchy lyrics: “sweet lines, sweet lines”. Full of energy, front-man Nicholls leaned over the crowd and animatedly sang to fans, inches from their faces. By this point, every hand was either waving along or fist pumping. The break in Black and Blue inspired a full force mosh-pit, with guitarists Cal and Ethan Owen circle head-banging, the pulse from their heavy riffs shaking the walls of the humble venue. Damage was certainly a crowd pleaser, with youths dancing uncontrollably as Nicholls shouted “Behold the black death!”

The five-piece, who take their musical influences from the likes of At The Drive-In, make for an authentic post-hardcore band and bear strong resemblances with Billy Talent and Taking Back Sunday, but with more of an electro feel. Their highly energised performance tonight almost brought the Barfly crumbling to the ground, and the crowd clearly agreed: Scholars’ shows are not to be missed.

Verdict: ★★★★★ 

Gemma Whitfield

Photos: Bartek Odias

 For further information about Scholars and future events visit here.

Watch the video for Black and Blue here: