Friends

Local blitz-pop’ darlings Curxes kicked off the proceeding at Coalition with a unique concoction of understated elegance and blistering dynamism. The first of three outstanding female-fronted acts on the bill, they set the bar high for hotly-tipped trio No Ceremony whose penchant for luxurious textures seeped in house, electro and indie influences impressed the eager crowd.

But if there will be one lasting memory of the gig, it will be Friends’ Samantha Urbani being mobbed during a stage invasion to a totally unrehearsed cover of Limp Bizkit. She is an enigmatic and alluring front woman, impossible to keep your eyes off. The set, which previewed many new funky-RnB jams, is defined by her versatile vocal style and engaging humour. The free cider handed to the crowd also helped. Let it be known: there is nothing like a party with Friends.

Coalition, 16 July 2013

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