If you don’t know by now, Thursday means YoYo at Notting Hill Arts Club. Head down there and you’re bound to see who’s who of the entertainment world. This week was no exception. With Clement Marfo & The Frontline and Mikill Pane on the line up, it was sure to be another wild night at YoYo. Despite the below zero temperatures, Courtney Buck headed to West London to check out the talent.

Opening the show this week was Warehouse Republic. I hadn’t heard of them prior to this evening, but I’m always down for new music. The 5-piece band is an interesting mix of urban rock and bit of soul. They performed 4 tracks including an incredible reworking of the Ben E. King classic ‘Stand By Me’. It did seem, however, that they were a little reluctant to interact with the audience, and because of that, the audience were unwilling to interact with the band. A real shame, as they were rather good.

After a quick intermission and a cheeky glass of coke, (no alcohol) band of the hour Clement Marfo & the Frontline took to the stage. Main man Clement revealed that he had performed at YoYo four years prior and reminisced about how much his situations had changed in those four years. Pretty incredible if I do say so myself. The South London collective rocked the house how only CM&TF can. One of the more poignant moments came when the group performed ‘Warrior’. Slightly slower than their current tracks, Clement dedicated it to a friend he’d lost a few years back. I must say, it’s a beautiful song, and I’ll be petitioning it becomes a single. Closing the show with their new single ‘Mayhem’ the group was unexpectedly joined by Kano, who also features on the track - much to the approval of the audience.

After another short intermission, headlining act for the week Mikill Pane strolled on stage around 10pm with his usual uber cool swag. Dressed in a green varsity jacket and an exclusive Dope Fresh tee, Mikill used his first ever YoYo headline slot to showcase some new material from his forthcoming EP ‘The Morris Dancer’. Mr Pane was joined by XO Man for their collaborative track ‘Follow Fashion, and it was at this point I noticed that Mikill Pane has some serious hardcore followers! For the second segment of his set, his band The Remidies joined in the festivities stating that he didn’t want to be “outdone” by Clement Marfo & the Frontline. With the band, he performed track from his last EP ‘Guinness & Blackcurrant’. Having seen Mr Pane live a number of times, it was nice to see him with a live band, particularly with his popular track ‘You Don’t Know Me’. For his closing track ‘The Return of Mister Pane’, Mister Pane switched it up a little and recited his verses over the popular D’Angelo track ‘Lady’ (If you didn’t know, he’s in town at the moment!)

Ignoring the weather, it was another great night at the Notting Hill Arts Club. I thoroughly enjoyed all the performers. For those of you who have been to YoYo before, you’ll know how busy a night it can traditionally be. I think the cold weather forced a number of people to stay in. While noticeable at times, it was a pleasure not having to be sandwiched into the club. I have a feeling they’ll be back next week (Feb 9) for Rita Ora’s first ever show in London!

http://www.nottinghillartsclub.com/thursday.html