Thursday night (20th February), Brighton played host to what might just be the best gig of the year so far. Alphabet on Dyke Road welcomed Leeds-based band Flat Moon, transforming the venue into a riotous explosion of sound and energy.
Flat Moon’s presence on stage is electric— videos of their set fail to capture, as they usually do, the atmosphere the band were able to drive into the space. Their performance was packed with wit and eccentric charm, led effortlessly by frontman Jacob. His sharp, punchy interludes between songs were as captivating as his masterful guitar playing.
Their music is full-bodied, vibrant, and often hilarious, yet never feels gimmicky. Each member plays with such precision and synchronicity that it’s as if they’re connected by some kind of musical umbilical cord.
If you’re wondering what they sound like, there’s simply no comparison. This jam band is a mix of jazz, funk, rock and… madness. The best I can do is a lovechild between King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard, Funkadelic and Steely Dan except it’s been bottle-fed psychedelics and plays the saxophone like a beast.
The crowd was fully immersed, especially during Dizzy, which demanded audience participation. Before I knew it, I was shouting Too Drunk to Funk alongside the rest of the room as they powered through their final songs.
A highlight of the gig was when they began performing a cover and crawling out from the saxophone was Slim Shady by Eminem seamlessly followed by Horrible Histories’ own version about Charles II. It was brilliant and you could feel the crowd levitate from the nostalgia, singing along with Cheshire Cat grins on their faces.
I walked into this gig blind, attending on a friend’s recommendation, and left feeling like a full-blown fangirl. Flat Moon’s originality and brilliance are undeniable.
A special shoutout goes to George, a key member of this musical collective, who commanded the conga drums and theremin (a vintage-looking synthesiser reminiscent of an old car antenna). His galactic funk rhythms drove the performance, and he even treated the crowd to a song that, for the life of me, I can’t seem to find in their discography.
Their music is available on Spotify and other streaming platforms, but Flat Moon is undeniably a band best experienced live.
Despite the long and perilous journey down the M1, they delivered a flawless performance. Should they return, I’ll be front and centre, ready to be swept up in their infectious energy. If you ever see their name on a gig poster—GO. No matter the cost. The best tenner I’ve spent this month, hands down.
Opening the night was another standout act—and this time, they’re local! Frankie LG set the tone with moody, sensual tracks and exceptional vocals.
Frankie LG’s voice is rich and full, effortlessly blending vulnerability with serious attitude. This up-and-coming artist is only going to get better with time. Their final song, Faucet, was irresistibly groovy, getting the whole room moving.
All in all, I left as a fully fledged member of the Flat Moon society.
