Ben Sommers ‘Avocado Chip’ Album Release Party

BBM’s Ella Delancey goes to get the lowdown at up-and-coming, Ben Sommers ‘Avocado Chip’ album release party…

The venue – The Slaughtered Lamb, a little hideaway pub just off Old Street. Upon arriving the venue is like a nice normal pub, with very ‘London’ people in trilbies and fur coats milling around guffawing. I couldn’t see a stage and wondered how the music of Ben Sommers was going to make this lot shut up. I was taken downstairs to the ‘venue’…this was definitely more like it.

Transported from the noisy pub into what gave the appearance of a faux copy of someone’s basement or garage, with black paint smeared about and casual armchairs and stools – you couldn’t help but feel all of a sudden, rather cool.

The guy on the door announces that everything’s running late, which is fine by us as it gives us a chance to catch up with Ben’s team. They call him a ‘genius’.

Sommers started to warm up by tuning his guitar and positioning his microphones. Distracted by my wine, there is suddenly a deathly silence, no applause, as Ben Sommers begins to play. It was definitely all the introduction he needs, as everyone, including myself, was suddenly spellbound.

Playing solely with an acoustic guitar, I soon noticed the loop pedals and bits of equipment I’d never seen before in my life, which made the entire experience rather special – but bear in mind that none of this technical business was detracting from the main feature, it was merely adding to the magic, which was simply Ben and his guitar.

Not long after a few solo songs, Sommers was joined by a band of three – which is where you’d expect things to get a bit more raucous. I was surprised. The band added to Sommers’ charm by using harmonies, drumsticks run across the cymbals rather than bashing them, creating an enchanting atmosphere.

What should be noted about Sommers is that he is an animated performer and completely taken over by the music and lyrics (which were beautiful as well, by the way), but when addressing the audience or introducing songs, he transformed and was suddenly shy and almost apologetic, making him rather endearing to the audience.

The entire experience was fantastic and I’m sure I’m not the only one who would describe it as moving. I’m incredibly impressed and if you get the chance to see Ben Sommers live, you definitely should.

By Ella Delancey

Twitter: @ellaaadxb

See the videos of the gig here:

Cinematography by Lucas Brown-Leao