Hutch stop by Craufurd Arms for a celestial performance
The Brighton band played their first show in Milton Keynes.
Photo: Kamala
Hutch, the psychedelic band based in Brighton, are, undeniably, a force to be reckoned with. Not only are they fantastic, witty songwriters, but all equally talented musicians with a knack for the sort of psychedelic music that should be played loud. They’re a band we’ve followed for years, even before they released their debut single Radiator Centre, and one we’ve had tipped for indie legend status for some time.
When the date was announced and, given the fact my house is a very short distance from the Milton Keynes venue, it seemed a crime to miss it. It’s not often bands consider MK to play and, considering Lizzo and Wolf Alice both graced the Craufurd Arms stage back in the day, it’s a mystery why bands don’t consider it more.
Photo: Kamala
It’s no secret that we might just enjoy anything remotely psychedelic at The Indie Scene HQ, with the foundations of the site being built on our love for bands like Temples, Mild High Club and Tame Impala. And that’s exactly what impressed us about the band: performing live, they captured the essence of Temples’ sound, Mild High Club’s relaxed spirit and Kevin Parker’s vocal abilities. They truly captured our attention with their funky, carefree stage presence and made this a gig to remember.
Halfway through Ice on the Lake, my friend leaned over to confess, “These guys are actually really good!”. I had dragged him along, asking him to “just trust me”, and this was a gig he went into completely blind. If that doesn’t show how brilliant this band is, I don’t know what else does.
A key highlight from the sweet display of musicianship and wonderful togetherness were the very memorable harmonies; some of the best we’d probably all heard live, as the band played through their debut EP and interacted with the crowd like they’d know them their whole lives.
