Dave McPherson

It is hard to know what to expect of a dim-lit slightly seedy looking venue, who stamp the wrong date onto your hand as you enter, (or make you believe you have travelled two days back in time) but Camden’s Purple Turtle has some peculiar sort of charm to it, dark, edgy, filled with obscure paintings and houses an intimate little stage upon which we focus our eyes and ears.

Tonight’s bands seem intent on out-doing themselves with covers, with singer 'Lost on Campus’ singing tuneful pop songs alone on stage with only his guitar and his macbook. He surprises the growing audience with a cover of Papa Roach’ 'Last Resort’ adding a melodic spin to it.

The next band – 'A Stranger in Moscow', fill up the stage with their 5 members, with a front man who seems to have lost his shoes in the purple turtle’s chaos (though more likely he just likes the feel or danger of bare feet). Shoes or no shoes, he delivered his vocals and sway-rock guitar style as if in a musical trance. They are a band who look like they’ve just changed out of their school uniforms but don’t let that fool you, they emit an energetic and catchy indie/emo sound, topped with a talented vocalist. Sadly it is hard to see something original in these youngsters, intent on breaking into an already overpopulated genre.

Lastly, on comes Dave McPherson, a humble looking guy who could easily be a local in your pub. He begins with 'I Dont Do requests’ as he fills the room with his no bullshit happy bopping tunes. He comes across as a passionate man singing about the things that matter. I feel his myspace recordings do him an injustice, as live, he emits a vigorous vibe that enhances his musical prowess which is difficult to capture in a recording. His eyes are closed, his feet are tapping along to the sound - he is visibly immersed within the song, as are the audience.

A slow love tune shines tattooed, bald McPherson in a softer light, with lyrics such as: 'You are my energy, so why do you hate me,’ showing his heartfelt honesty, and translating his feelings through music to all in this quirky Camden Venue.
McPherson whistles while he sings, he tells us a funny story of two, at least we think it’s funny by the giggles he himself lets out, but his fast-paced Essex accent doesn’t translate. He thanks the crowd for being here right before he sings a song telling a faceless girl 'I still think you’re beautiful.’ He loves what he’s doing and it shows.

In a break of his set he brings out a stack of paper, on which are songs of possible covers and asks the crowd what they want to hear. He offers Radiohead’s 'Creep’ which goes down a treat. Another surprising cover is Bill Withers – Ain’t No Sunshine, a perfect delivery with his beautiful voice and gentle guitar strumming, captivating the crowd. Lastly, he ends the set with his version of 'boom shake shake shake the room,’ – adding a melodic sound to this well-known rap tune.

All in all an enchanting performance from InMe’s front man, who really shows that he is capable of a solo project a far cry from his band’s post grunge/nu-metal- sound. He is currently still touring Solo but his InMe are back in April. If you don’t already have tickets, get them quick as London’s show is already sold out.