A few clicks from the heart of Camden, there is an offbeat little record shop that’s playing host to the underdogs of the music photography world. Just down the road from the famous The World’s End rock and metal pub, we stumble across Raven Records, and until 6pm Monday, they will be exhibiting the work of Steph Evans, Angelina Emmanuel, Sabrina Ramdoyal and our very own Jasmine Marceau.
The exhibition kicked off last night, with the building being more packed than the tube during rush hour. There was a buzz of familiarity with the space surrounded by music and everyday comforts from tea and coffee to puzzles and skulls (obviously), and as we descend downstairs to the Lucifer Lounge, we are met with the main event.
Photo by Grayce Leonard
Red uplighting, spooky candles and demonic wall art set the tone for the theme of the exhibition, intensity. First up, event organiser Steph Evans demonstrates the power of depth and use of the room. From capturing the crowd in their element to hollowing out the space around a lead singer without eliminating the background. Her work takes you back to a place you may have never visited before. A standout being Saint Agnes at Southampton’s The 1865, mid motion, like you are witnessing this photo coming to life whilst everything else stands still, almost enticing you to dance along.
Moving through the room, as best we can with it being so busy, Angelina Emmanuel’s style is almost the complete opposite, highlighting the details often missed by a crowd. Close-up, greyscale portraits that resemble those of Greek statues with their precision. Making use of the highlights and shadows to slow down the moment to a singular point. In particular, the still of Deafheaven’s frontman, George Clarke, looking out into the void with such a steep contrast, it almost envelops a sense of unease. Although the feeling quickly passes when glancing over the fun photo booth-style strips.
Photo by Grayce Leonard
Crossing the room, Sabrina Ramdoyal’s add a pop of colour in comparison to the black walls. With a dramatic shot of Apocalyptica against a bright red backdrop, Sabrina’s photography captures the fun and thrill of the rock and metal live music scene. With a vibrant snapshot of Nova Twins mid groove in the centre of the crowd at The Halls in Wolverhampton. A purple wash from the lights uniting each individual and a smile on everyone’s face, this is what live music is about.
And last but by no means least, the corner showcasing one of Jasmine Marceau’s many talents and reminding us of the common theme across all of the pieces displayed during this exhibition. The intensity and centredness of her work puts a spotlight on the subject whilst they do what they do best, and it takes us along for the ride. You can hear Daniel Winter-Bates’s growls during Bury Tomorrow’s set, experience the power of Chrissy Costanza’s vocals, and feel the lights on your face as a silhouette of Landmvrks is cast. Repping London’s OG venues from Ally Pally and the Roundhouse to The Garage, and how can we forget Brixton with the iconic Taylor Momsen from The Pretty Reckless being portrayed. Jasmine has translated audio to image, captured moments from across the city and brought together every sub-genre so they can be relived.
Each photographer showcased at Raven Records has helped to remind us that live music isn’t just about the performer; it’s about the feeling, the emotions, the community. Exhibitions like this one allow us to pause and slow down moments easily missed during live music, especially within the rock and metal scene. So if you are strolling through Camden over the next few days, pop into Raven Records, have a cuppa and travel back in time to the gigs that make you FEEL.
Check out more of their work on Instagram: