LIVE FROM THE PIT: The Rumpled, Stereo Cupid and Girl Like That

Tonight, the packed out London crowd is chanting random Italian, as instructed by THE RUMPLED. However, even if they want to play on stereotypes, the band are much more than just 'mamma mia'. The sheer energy of the bunch is so infectious, it transcends all cultural barriers and unites all the wanderers at the Underworld.

Touring alongside the stars, GIRL LIKE THAT took an earlier slot for tonight with a sweet stripped-back set. Although their usual band is not here, the acoustic set turned out no less captivating. The singer and guitarist duo played their biggest tracks, with fun groovy melodies and screamy choruses like the ones in Bad Boys In Bands and Miss Midnight. 

However, the highlight of the set might be the yet unreleased song, which talks about a male friend betraying your trust. Even if not fit for the vibe of the show, there can unfortunately never be enough of repeating the lines "No means no". Overall, even if toned down, GIRL LIKE THAT have blessed the crowd with an amazing set as a starter.

STEREO CUPID were a special London-only addition for the tour, and how special it was indeed. The minute the band walk on stage, we are swept away by the waves of sound and dynamic force. With their classic punk rock anthems Feel Alive and Ready For Nothing, the five-piece could not be more fit to warm up the crowd for what is to come. The singer’s black rundown eyeshadow and a concerned stare into the void adds another layer to their ambience, getting STEREO CUPID to truly stick into our memory.

"It’s Monday night, we shouldn’t be here anyway, so I wanna see you jump!" — and with no hesitation, the audience obeys. A good indicator of a set that is just out of this world is when most of the members begin to lose their shirts one by one. In their true punk essence, STEREO CUPID launch the preparation for the Underworld summer, as if trying to get the crowd so berserk the sweat will start dripping off the ceiling.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lF7FYTVHLuk

THE RUMPLED run on stage quite tidy and put together, but we know that is not for long. After we’ve had an extended break between the acts, the whole room starts buzzing, ready to go again. The folk rock ensemble perform one hit after another, with the range of old and new material across the board. Highways & Hangovers, Hearts and Bones, You Get Me So High all carry away the crowd, making it practically impossible not to jump and scream along, and the violin solo being purely a cherry on top.

The band continue with one of their most popular tracks, which is a cover of Wellerman. Having travelled all the way from the Dolomites in Italy, THE RUMPLED bring their mountainous spirit to the isles, where this ballad is recognised and loved even more. The band generally take a lot of Celtic influence in their composition and arrangements, which might be part of the reason for their rampant success in the UK and so many sold-out dates. Here, THE RUMPLED take a breather and reflect: only last year, their London crowd consisted of 30 people — and now it is 500 and counting. 

Highlands or seashores, mountain goats or seagulls, one thing is clear — we are all spiritually and physically in one place together — on the dancefloor. The artists do not take it for granted, even adapting one of their songs to tribute the venue: "I was lost in the world, I was so far away", altering the lyrics to fit "Underworld". Any corner of this room is so lively, with lone  concert goers even creating their own spinning circles in the bar area, of which even we were not spared. At the end, it is evident — this stage is not enough for THE RUMPLED, we need to get them an even bigger one so that they keep jumping in sync.

Words and photos: Mariia Bulkina