The Effras are a rather lovely band from the Norwood area, and they sing rather lovely songs about South London. Actually, they sing songs about lots of things, but being named for the river that links Norwood to the Thames. They’re also friends of mine, and when it turned out they were playing the Plough, just down the road, as part of the Dulwich Festival, I thought I’d swing by; needless to say, I took my camera.

Rather pleased with these. There was, unsurprisingly, almost no light – nothing dedicated, given it was just an area in a bar – so I was pushing the sensor to its limits. On the plus side, that did mean I was nice and close to the band.

And: what a set they put on! Lovely songs, and great performers; if they’re passing by your area, do check them out.

The week before I went away, I went along to the Scala to see the first “proper” show from Arrows of Love, a band formed out of the ashes of Hush The Many (Heed the Few), who I’d been following for a good year or two. They were supported by the Eraserheads, a fun set from Beans On Toast, and an amazing, raucous set from Wild Boar, otherwise known as “Ed Harcourt’s Loud Side Project”. It was a fun night, and whilst I’m still going to miss Hush The Many, Arrows of Love had a lot of promise, especially in their new material. I’m looking forward to their next show.

I took along my camera.