Viarosa - Borderline, London, 11/4/2007

  by Olga Sladeckova

published: 15 / 4 / 2007

intro

At the Borderline in London, Olga Sladeckova watches rising alt. country bands Viarosa and Hey Negrita, the latter playing its first gig in a new line-up, play stunning sets

I must admit the first time I went to see a gig at the Borderline, the music venue situated in the centre of London just off Charing Cross Road, it didn’t make a good impression on me. First of all it was a summer night and their heating was on making people boil and then when I wanted to get a drink I had to pay £ 4.50 for a large glass of wine as they weren’t selling small ones ! Since then things have changed. 3 years later you get charged £ 4.50 for a large glass anywhere in central London and secondly you don’t bother with a large glass and go for a bottle as it’s much cheaper… and you know you will get through it anyway… Tonight my friend and I are heading for the Borderline and are looking forward to seeing the two London alt.rock bands Hey Negrita and Viarosa. Hey Negrita are already on the stage at 8:30 as we walk down the stairs into the darkened venue. The band have recently changed their line-up and this is their first gig with their new members. As I find out later from Felix Bechtolsheimer, the lead singer of the band, he was so nervous about the new line-up that he did not announce the gig until the night before! There is, however, nothing to worry about. The venue is crowded and the band are getting people into the swing of things with their energetic song ‘Here I Come’. Their country cross rock cross blues songs are getting awarded with louder applause every time. Finally, Hey Negrita close their brand new set with a convincing final tune called ‘Lies’. Most of the people gather right in the front of the stage for the best view and there is even a couple who are dancing. In the break time my friend and me head for the back of the venue looking for a seat and then with no luck lean against the wall listening to the next band. Viarosa, the headliners of the night, come on before 10. The venue is now almost full up. Richard Neuberg, the lead singer, introduces the band and they go straight into their country flavoured set. The third song the play is my favourite called ‘Only Child’. The song has a dark feel with a little bit of mystery but if you listen closely to the lyrics it makes you shiver: “So she died with a break of her neck and a knife from behind, And all because of a blood she couldn’t deny” I notice there is a girl right in front of the stage who starts dancing, or perhaps drifting would be more appropriate word, to the tune of the seductive music. You know the feeling when it’s getting late and you have had a few drinks and just want to get lost in the tunes of your favourite music. Richard talks in between songs to the fans how appreciative he is of all the attention and they shout back at him. The band attempt to leave the stage at around 10:30 but the fans uncompromisingly request them back. Less than one minute later Viarosa come up back on the stage and treat us to one last song called ‘Shame’. And it is a shame that it’s all over now. What a great night, two great bands and a great venue…

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