If you've never heard of trip-hop, after spending a night with West Londoners, Babeheaven, you’ll be wondering, “Why have I never heard this beautiful art form before?”, then: “Why did I not find this sooner?” On what seems a normal, autumnal Monday night, The Prince Albert is filled with a night of experimental music, where only great concoctions of musical mash-ups arise.

The fresh faced MOONOVERSUN kick off the evening, these guys bring together, in their own words, “Garbled electronics, languid beats and lo-fi, improvised vocals to create something that hovers just on the borders of the familiar”. This is a perfect description of this band, MOONOVERSUN offer a great example of the ways younger artists are always able to stretch the boundaries of conventional music. Each track brings an entirely new dynamic as each member not only plays their instrument perfectly but interchange with each other as though it were second nature. The appearance of a flute throws me completely, yet it works so magnificently with the rest of the electronic sound. MOONOVERSUN are one of the freshest bands around, definitely ones to watch.

As second support Puma Blue start, a room which has just experienced messy electro is soon morphed into a tranquil space filled with what I can only describes as grunge jazz. Puma Blue offer a soothing vocal track alongside loose guitar riffs and smooth saxophone solos which mix in a way that comfortably hits the ear, sending the listeners into a state of bliss. At times the vocals become punchy and hard-hitting, changing the mellow listen into more of a heart-wrenching tale of woe. This London band made a remarkable addition to the evening.

Experimental music is always an interesting one to judge. It can very easily fall flat on its face; or, if an artist is able to walk the fine line between genius and disaster, is able to create a new dynamic which not only expands the horizons of music, but offers one hell of a great listen! Babeheaven bring a sound which has not been this exciting for a long time. As soulful vocalist, Nancy Andersen begins, the control she possesses is immediately apparent, showing her ability to bring huge and powerful notes yet immediately contrast them with a plethora of more subtle intricate tones under a blanket of ambient electronica.

This is Babeheaven’s first headline tour and will most certainly not be their last. The room is packed with a variety of attendees, all coming to witness genius in the making. As single ‘Heaven’ begins, the room lights up, becoming a sphere of perfectly tranquil sound. Each hip-hop drum beat pierces the air as Nancy continues to effortlessly control each bar. The band’s humble nature emerges towards the end of this track, becoming excited and emotional as they realise that members of the audience know each lyric just as well as they do. It is especially heart-warming as the track reflects upon the loss of Nancy’s mother, who passed away when she was young.

The entire band sound tight and every instrument is executed perfectly, despite technical issues with the drum synthesiser. Nothing is compromised as drummer, Harry, carries the song as though nothing was amiss. Even during the delay of attempting to fix the synthesiser, the band offer a humorous interval, as though they were having a conversation with an old friend rather than the state of panic and confusion that many bands fall into when something goes wrong. A number of unreleased songs are also played in order to flesh out the set, which offers a great new insight into this mysterious band, as well as a sense of excitement and optimism for future releases.
As the evening draws to a close, the newly released ‘Ode To Dom’ and ‘Moving On’ are played. Both tracks are perfect examples of what Babeheaven are all about and exceed the already high degree of hip-hop psychedelics on display. ‘Moving On’ is arguably the best demonstration of Nancy’s voice during the night, darker undertones of lyrics such as “run for your lives”, are miraculously complimented by the breakdown of the song as Nancy emits an enormous note which sends shivers through the entire audience, a personal highlight of the evening.

Many will love and relate to the sound Babeheaven create. They are a perfect example of an up and coming band spreading the message that music is all about experimentation, tearing up preconceived rules that artists must follow to sound ‘good’. Just as the influence bands like AC-DC hold to rock music, Babeheaven are a band which could easily go down as one of the key founders of trip-hop. Definitely not a name to forget any time soon.
Ben Walker

Website: babeheavenband.com
Facebook: facebook.com/Babeheaven