Hotel Lux bring the essence of Independent Venue Week to a sold out Portsmouth show

Hotel Lux band, which look every bit just a group of mates from the pub, in a sold-out small venue, for Independent Venue Week (IVW); it doesn’t get much better or appropriate than that. English pub rock at its finest, clever song writing and an air of indifference that belies their talent.

IVW in the UK celebrates over 200 grass-roots independent music & arts venues and the people that own, run and work in them, and provides a superb opportunity for both audience and bands alike to celebrate live music. We caught Hotel Lux on their extensive tour in the small room at The Wedgewood Rooms in Portsmouth, UK, presented by ABH promotions.

Frontman Lewis Duffin has a distinctive spoken word delivery, compelling and full of sarcasm, occasionally with can of beer in hand. But others in the band also share the limelight, with lead vocals for the superb “National Team” delivered by bassist Cam Sims, and guitarist Max Oliver also taking a turn.

Hotel Lux’ debut album Hands Across the Creek provides several of the set list including “Old Timer” and “Common Sense”, mixed with some back catalogue including “Ballad of You & I”, but missing breakthrough song “The Last Hangman”. It’s ok, we forgive them, the performance is a rousing, engaging affair, ending with “Tabloid Newspaper” from 2019, perfect.

Support came from Shtëpi who delivered a rather remarkable live show. Literally filling the room with energy, blending post-punk guitar riffs with noisy electronic experimentation, this was captivating stuff.

First support was from recently formed Ugly Ozo, led by Lauran Hibberd‘s bassist Jess Baker. This exciting new psych band are definitely worth a follow.