Thamesbeat
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Thamesbeat is the name given to a music scene that started in South West London, including the areas of Twickenham and Wimbledon.
The Mystery Jets were the first major success of this scene, and the first to release an album, 2005's Making Dens. This band are based on Eel Pie Island, a bohemian idyll steeped in history and musical heritage - The Rolling Stones, amongst others, used to perform here. The Mystery Jets have hosted gigs on the island, featuring many local bands.
Another successful band is Larrikin Love, fronted by the charismatic Edward Larrikin. Influences include Irish music and literature (in particular the poet Rimbaud). Larrikin Love used to perform frequently at The Rifleman pub, in Hounslow, along with other bands.
Jamie T, from Wimbledon, was also an early member of this scene. Early followers would have seen him perform in such low-key venues as The Peel, Kingston.
Other bands include the Nudes (from Northolt), Marner Brown, The Downbeats (from Twickenham), Good Shoes (from Morden), The Holloways, Acton-based Dustin's Bar Mitzvah and cross-over member Patrick Wolf.
The record label Transgressive has played a key role in the scene, signing up many of the bands. Young and Lost Club have also played a part.
Not all bands from this area are considered Thamesbeat, however. Battlekat are from the Richmond and Hampton area but would not be held under this title due to their different style.
