Live Review: Hak Baker - Koko, London 29/09/2023
Last Friday, Isle of Dog’s Hak Baker took over KOKO Camden. Bringing his ‘Misfit’ fans tales of youth, loss and politics in a fusion of alternative tracks ranging from emotional ballads to knees-up danceable numbers. The set included songs from his old records and his latest album Worlds End FM that was released in June.
The gig kicked off with DOOLALLY. The jam-packed KOKO venue was thrown into a frenzy with vocals resembling the storytelling abilities of The Streets Mike Skinner. But, of course, with a cheeky-Chappy East End twist. After a quick pit stop at the upbeat end of his discography, Hak Baker took us through a plethora of his slower tracks, including Conundrum. A simple but powerful song exploring youth with an overwhelming feeling of reminiscence. The music was interrupted by a heartfelt poem by singer-songwriter Connie Constance before moving on to ‘Tom’, a moving song that is an ode to a lost friend.
Throughout, you couldn’t help but notice the prominent influence of genres like ska, punk and reggae on Hak’s discography, particularly with the songs Venezuela Riddim, Thirsty Thursday and PC Plod. Something much more noticeable in his live performance than on record, thanks to the knees up, pint in hand dance moves of the ensemble on stage. This was replicated by the lively KOKO crowd, who at points took on the role of a friendly football crowd, throwing occasional pints. During one track, there was even a bloke in a policemen hat that bounced onto the stage in a Bez-from-Happy-Mondays type manner.
Hak was joined by two more guests during his set, including BBC Sound of 2020 artist Celeste for a rendition of West End Girls by the Pet Shop Boys. Celeste, handbag in hand, took on the iconic chorus and Hak Baker did the rest. The final guest was Hak’s brother, Zee, who stood for the song Brotherhood. One of the highlights of the gig for its beautiful portrayal of male vulnerability, a subject Hak Baker regularly explores in his music.
To everyone’s disappointment, the gig had to come to an end at some point, closing on Hak’s punkiest track Telephones 4 Eyes and 7AM for the encore. This gig felt special. Perhaps it was because it was a hometown gig or perhaps it was because of the vulnerability and authenticity of Hak Baker’s music. What was clear is that he deserves the accolade as one of the best alternative artists on the scene at the moment. But most importantly, his performance at KOKO proves that Hak Baker is a certified cockney geezer.
Words by Izzy Felton
Photography credit: Jed Welland / @justjedw
