Neurotic Mass Movement, who played at our Free Pussy Riot Benefit in September, launched their new single Tragic Machine to a packed room at The Old Blue Last last night. While hundreds of Shoreditch hipsters were queuing in the cold autumn air to get into the latest fashionable (and overpriced) clubs, we were treated to four fantastic bands with no cover charge whatsoever. This was a gig patronised by discerning fans of quality, original independent music, and not people simply looking for a freebie on a Friday night.

Opening act House of Light came all the way from Berlin to play, in a journey filled with misadventures, but still managed to put on a great set. Drop Out Venus hit us with loud, high energy session of their version of junk jazz. The Eyes in the Heat treated us to their own brand of guitar and synth pop that is a long way from ’80s.

Finally, the stars of the night came out, with their soaring guitar and synth sound and Yin’s powerful vocals bringing words of revolution and hope.

It’s great to see England and London, its beating heart, can still produce fantastic indie bands with intelligence and a conscience that are willing to put their art before money. For that they deserve our support.