The Magic Gang bring frenzied close to first night of DIY’s Hello 2015

Limbs flailing from the opening second, The Magic Gang triumphantly closed DIY’s first Hello 2015 night, adding more fuel to their fast-rising status as the UK’s best unsigned band. Backstage, the Brighton four-piece seem firm in believing it’s best not to rush things, but there’s no holding back when it comes to stage time. The Old Blue Last welcomes in the year with flying colours and broken mic stands.

Two songs to the good, there’s not a great deal of mystery surrounding The Magic Gang. They’ve fast become a reputed live force, with various lo-fi side projects spilling out of their pockets. The same can’t be said for Realms, who have one blurry live video online to lay claim to. So far they’ve only offered strange hints of what they’re about, and tonight witnesses a two-piece still taking their first step. Songs are simple to the bone, steeped in traditional folk influence while washing away the initial Grouper comparisons their live video hinted at. Nothing showy, no fun and games, mystery rids itself until the singer dedicates the pair’s final song to joining a cult. Not the average newcomers, then.