The London four-piece plays a headline set at the relaunched Camden Assembly.

Though admittedly “quite nervous” before their big headliner, there is little signs of nerves as Jamie Batten and the rest of Honey Lung takes to stage at Camden Assembly. In honour of their recent single, Sophomore, Honey Lung and a couple of other bands gathered at the renowned Camden town venue for rowdy Tuesday night.

Following the gallant warm up by Shiners and Fox Chapel the room seems to be buzzing for the boys of the night. Though easier said than done, as we hold a moment to wait for half of the band to attend to stage. Everyone finally in place, and Honey Lung kick off. It might be weird to start off with End Of Time, but Honey Lung’s influx of energy and fun seem to justify the slip of song title.

Following up with more solemn P.E., the London outfit slowly escalates into grungier territory. Drawing on rougher edges, the track still offers some intuitive melodic explorations that are well appreciated. “We’re going to play a new one. We’re actually playing two new ones. Never before heard,” Jamie announces.

First ‘new one’ is steady Stuttering Mind. The yet to be released tune is a sound one. Though the crowd seem to stutter upon taking it in, the stern drum beat soon kicks up a little dance. Though entitled Stuttering the soundscape itself carries more swaying qualities, yet it might demand some more time on its hand to achieve full potential.

“This next song is about sex!”, Jamie shouts, immediately calling for reaction. It’s not a new one and that seems to boost the confidence of Honey Lung’s loyal front row following. Taster is fun, yet the following Oh So Real is the one to really crank it up a notch. The audience swiftly mirrors the bouncy guitars. Though the raw enthusiasm sadly reaches beyond the second row, though Honey Lung fiercely champ on with their dark-framed indie rock.

“Shout out to the warm ups. We’re going to play an old song from our EP.” In addition, it only takes a few chords for one crowd member to gleefully shout, “That’s a good song”. And surely, Real Reason is ‘good’. Drawing slightly on early 2000’s vibes, the guitar based tune flourishes in the live element, drawing on a much wider and deeper spectre than what’s capture in recording. It’s incredible how someone can crowdsurf in such a tiny space, but a willing and determined crowd makes even that possible. Apparently, nothing stops the fans of Honey Lung.

“Its amazing to see a full fucking room. Thank you so much for coming down”, Jamie states. “I love you. This is a very old song. It means a lot to me. It’s about a dark time in my life.” Though the start takes a tool, they final get their hang on Something.

“Thank you so much for coming. We’ve been Honey Lung – see you again soon”, followed by a polite request for “a moshpit please”. Delving into Sophomore the star of the night, Honey Lung do get that moshpit and even more importantly, they fully seem to catch their potential. The London quartet still has a way to go, but their youthful enthusiasm, raw honesty in what they do, and the heaps of potential there, it is sure that Honey Lung have a chance at something real.

Photos: Aurora Henni Krogh