How a Home Counties show became the unlikely spark for some long-overdue festive cheer.

There’s something about London during the holidays. I’m usually not one to decorate, since I’ve always been on the move during the holidays, traveling far to see family. Never really felt the need to decorate my home if it was going to sit dormant during Christmas. Yet as I left the station at King’s Cross on Tuesday night, surrounded by lights, ornament adorned trees, and a busker singing Jingle Bells, I changed my mind. It was time to decorate.

But the real inspiration and spirited nudge came from a social media post hinting that something festive was in store at the Home Counties gig at Scala.

However the night began with some energetic songs from the Netherlands. Parker Fans, an electronic trio from Amsterdam kicked off the show with some punchy drum beats, groovy bass lines, and a vibrant synth that had me reminiscing about all the 80s music my mom used to play in the morning car rides to school. The frontman seemed to match the energy of the beats. I don’t think there was one second where he wasn’t jumping, dancing, or moving. His energy definitely woke the crowd up. From the balcony I could see one guy on the barrier almost mimicking the energy. I think I had seen him before, starting a mosh pit and crowd surfing at The George Tavern a few weeks prior. Seems like he hasn’t stopped moving since.

Next up was My First Time, who took the stage, calling out all the people on the balcony to move into the pit area and join the party. I’m sorry to say I didn’t follow the call (these old lady, millennial knees can only take one mosh pit a week now, and I had already reached that quota). Regardless, from the balcony I got to see the band wind up the crowd into a frenzy with their singles like ‘Wind Up Merchant’ and ‘Much Better.’’ My First Time’s lyrics make a statement and I think the band is about to do the same in the coming years.

A massive crowd, already warmed up, greeted Home Counties as they made their way to the stage. The evening at Scala was the final show on the band’s tour, and it was the biggest. So the anticipation of a celebration was already persistent among those of us in the crowd, and arguably the band as well. It felt somewhat of a festive homecoming and we all got to celebrate Home Counties and their newest album Humdrum.

Despite the title name, there wasn't a humdrum or humbug in sight. From love letters to pubs, guest back up dancers, and to what I think was a mosh pit conga line. I also have never seen people dance and sing so enthusiastically to a song about taxes. All in all, Home Counties celebrated one heck of a new album and inspired some Christmas cheer (or doldrums if you follow the lyrics of the song). Donning santa hats, the band debuted their first ever Christmas song ‘Better Last Year (Home Counties for Christmas).’ From the balcony I could see the entire pit area come together, lock arms, and sway together as the band played the song. I thought this was my kind of Christmas carolling experience; at a rock gig in the middle of London.

Even as the song and gig came to an end, the band asked us all not to fret. They also announced a special Christmas show on the 17th of December at The George Tavern.

Walking back to King’s Cross I decided I was going to put up a Christmas tree, while ‘Better Last Year’ plays in the background.