Show Review: Lex Vervain, Silverfin, CRY-99. Old Blue Last, London. August 19th, 2026.
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“Think of me as the calm before the storm”
August 20th, 2026
When I made it to the Old Blue Last, Anneke was already at the bar waiting to order. Outside after a serious discussion of which shows and films required recasting of muppets followed by catching up over the past month of new jobs, new crushes, and a complicated trip back home to the states, we went upstairs for the first act. Lex Vervain was on first before Silverfin, and CRY-99.
If you happen to be one of the very few who religiously reads my reviews you will notice a recent increase is singer/song writers. But last night, Lex Vervain officially became my favorite. There was something so incredibly captivating about his performance that entranced the audience. His songs were intimate in a way that kept the audience frozen from stepping too close from the stage, but not in the typical way where it almost feels voyeuristic to listen to. He declared himself to be “the calm before the storm” compared to the heavier full bands to follow.
Outside after the set, Lex joined me for an interview. He shared that going from playing keys in bands to performing and writing solo was “way more scary” at the beginning but with the new songs he was writing it was time to “break free”. Lex described getting to interact with the audience more now because it “helps to engage the audience to believe what you’re trying to say” versus playing in a band. On Bandcamp you can listen to his self-titled album Lex Vervain and his newest single, New Weight.
I hadn’t been to a gig in a bit longer than I would prefer so when Silverfin got on stage, the first pang of distortion made me feel like I was back home in a different way than when I had landed at Logan airport a couple weeks ago. The band started when cousins, Sam (drums) and Tom (vocals/guitar) invited Ed (bass) to “come to Tom’s birthday party” and “would you like to play bass”. Songwriting was described as “not as rigid as other bands”. Sam put it as “it comes out, it comes out”. They also said songs will probably adapt over time but they need a “few more gigs to gauge it”. This was their second gig after playing the Victoria last month, but it definitely didn't feel like a second gig. You can listen to their demos on Soundcloud.
CRY-99 is another true original. They play with speed and intensity. They pause in a way I haven't seen before. The audience learned to wait for a polite “thank you” before clapping and yet they played music while tuning between songs. With just one single out so far, Steph (vocals) said it was her first time recording. Despite her being her first time she found comfort in getting to explain the meaning behind songs in the studio.
Songs often begin with a riff from Leo (bass) or Tristan (guitar). One song began with a bass line that was pretty soft and as a joke the band decided “let's speed it up”. Charlie (drums) describes his process as making sure to “hit stuff really loud”. Lyrics come last as “like a diary” of Steph’s life. Stuck in the Middle for example was written on the way to work inspired by thinking “fuck I’m so depressed” about how much she hates her job. But overall, the band agreed their music is at its core, “happy/emo/misery” and “making misery fun”. You can listen to their new single, Feeble, out which came out on Tuesday here. .
Tonight reminded me why I am staying in London and continuing to abandon almost everyone I love in the world back in the States. There is nowhere in New England where 5 bucks on a Wednesday can get you such a great night of amazing artists coming up. I will always love my homeland, but it just can't compete (until I can't get sponsored in 2 years, then London just wasn’t for me).
| Keywords: | London | Old Blue Last | Lex Vervain | Silverfin | CRY-99 |
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