Live Review: SON Estrella Galicia x Paper Dress Vintage Presents Prima Queen + Shanghai Baby - 14/09/2023
Settling nicely into Hackney’s live music scene, SON Estrella Galicia has presented their latest event in continued collaboration with Paper Dress Vintage, a partnership which aims to support emerging artists while promoting Spanish beer culture, gastronomy and positive impact. Their latest instalment included performances from former Hinds bassist Ade Martin under her new side project Shanghai Baby and indie-rock outfit Prima Queen, in addition to DJ sets from Los Bitchos, Mandrake Handshake and Jeff Higgins/BBE Music throughout the night. With Estrella Galicia lager and small bites from Yellow Warbler Coffee, the evening was alive with attendees in good spirits.
Previous events have seen positive impact encouraged using interactive recycling demonstrations. This time around, SON Estrella Galicia’s message of sustainability was promoted with up-cycled denim patched jackets customised by illustrator Tim Rockins. Six of these limited pieces were made available for attendees to purchase, with each jacket having unique SON Estrella Galicia motifs which tied in music and sustainability.
Guests floated around the venue for most of the evening, but when it came time for Shanghai Baby to take the stage, the performance area filled out swiftly. This would mark Martin’s live London debut since launching under Shanghai Babi in 2021, and it would not disappoint. While noting that she did not have many songs out under the new moniker, Martin brought a taste of her head-bopping garage rock sound with tracks from her 2022 EP ‘EP01’ and latest single ‘Is This The Right Time’. Her fuzzy, grungy tones appeared to draw upon different sources of inspiration ranging from punk to gothic rock with Martin’s raw, slightly droning vocal style. Abandoning any sense of timidness as a newcomer, Martin effortlessly gripped the audience, earning a stamp of approval from new listeners and her existing supporters.
Shanghai Baby created a positive stir in anticipation for an hour long set from Prima Queen. Fronted by Chicago native Kristin McFadden and Bristol-born Louise Macphail, the energy that the duo delivered was light and easy – two best friends who simply enjoyed performing. Their transatlantic bond was boasted through their storytelling, a testament to their talent as songwriter, with a presence that felt homely and sentimental. Coursing through their four-year catalogue including a selection of singles and their May EP ‘Not The Baby’, they poured their emotive streams of consciousness into grooves that ranged from laid-back to excitable – at one point incorporating hints of violin. Whether the pair sang of dead crows, the woes of growing up or called out to the Dylan’s of the room, their playfulness fuelled the remainder of the evening.
SON Estrella Galicia and Paper Dress Vintage have created a unique opportunity for cultural exchange. While encouraging community through gastronomy and positive environmental impact, they also provide a platform that recognises budding musicians, expanding the local music scene. After yet another night of vibrant performances, we can only anticipate which new faces will be featured in future events.
Words by Kayla Sandiford
Photo Credit: Alex Amoros (SON Estrella Galicia)
