KILBURN pub The Good Ship is fast developing a reputation as the kind of venue where you may be able to catch a glimpse of tomorrow's stars today, or more appropriately, tonight.
An archetypal Indie tavern on Kilburn High Road, egos are left at the door and there is a healthy and welcoming mix of clientele.
As well as a wealth of live music, the bar offers a number of other arts events, from book clubs to comedy nights.
Mary-Jane Hardinge, organiser of the monthly 'Squiffy Chicken' band night, is a regular even when not promoting. "It's my favorite venue in London - the atmosphere is just right," she says.
At the first event of 2009, the punters are knowledgeable and enthusiastically chat away about the evenings acts even though none are yet signed to mainstream labels.
This will surely not be the case for too much longer. The three groups on display have distinctive edge, marking all them as ones to watch for the future.
As people continue to filter slowly inside from the cold street, opening act Vaults show off a catchy rock set, demonstrating why they have already developed a sizeable following in the capital and beyond.
As they close and head to the bar, their front man is happy to chat: "This is a great place for bands starting out, people here really enjoy their music," he says.
The second group of the evening really catch the eye though. The IC1s, a Pinner-based outfit, play a stinging set which takes us back a decade to the re-emergence of Brit-rock.
Their lead singer Daniel Coburn is obviously enjoying himself. He says: "The underground music scene around Harrow is massive at the moment.
"There are some awesome unsigned bands out there."
Third up are Rivalries, already attracting attention from big names in the industry, who close the evening with a stirring performance reminiscent of a youthful Joy Division, rounding off a great night.
The music scene in Brent is clearly alive and kicking!
**'Squiffy Chicken' is held on the first Thursday of the month, 7.30pm-2am at The Good Ship, 289 Kilburn High Road, Kilburn NW6 7JR. Entry costs £3. Kilburn Tube and Brondesbury British Rail stations are both really close. See www.thegoodship.co.uk
