With a bar thoughtfully placed just to the side of the stage, pint in hand and a few steps down the stairs, a place at the front was easily secured with the crowd relaxed, eager for the nights headliners to arrive. With support from fellow Dutch band Personal Trainer, Pip Blom entered onto the stage showcasing the flurry of talented bands emerging from the blossoming indie music scene in Holland.
Despite difficulties with the mics during their set, Pip Blom gave the room a real treat with their hypnotic melodies, angsty riffs and steady punk percussion with that certain relaxed Dutch flare. With Courtney Barnett-esque vocals and storytelling lyrics, front woman, Pip (of whom the band is named after) seemed humble with her talent speaking for itself. With the help of the rest of the quartet, her bedroom recordings were brought to life on the stage, and the pleasure was all ours.
The performance was not flawless and at one point the bassist forgot the set list and casually joked to his fellow band mates on stage. But this only adds to Pip Blom’s undeniable charm. They create a friendly, unpretentious atmosphere for fellow music lovers. Pleasantly greeting you at the merch stand, happy to sign cigarette packets and flogging their own custom bucket hats, they seem like the kind of people you’d meet down your local for a casual drink or two and a packet of crisps. Their music is infectious and with a strong head bop guaranteed, it leaves no one standing still.
With their new album Boats released this year and opening the John Peel stage at Glastonbury in the summer, Pip Blom have hit the UK with a bang! This band is definitely one to watch out for and are certain to float your boat.