London Riots

Sunday 7th August.



I turn on my computer at around half six in the evening, intending to review the Crystal Fighters album that was re-released last Monday... but of course I log-in and check my facebook first.

And as the stream of most recent posts loads up i am greeted by photos of my local high street in the town that i live, that i work and that i have grown up in, with windows smashed, a police car with it's front window put through and degenerate youths running wild.

It was the first that I had seen or heard of any expected trouble in Enfield, following the devastating scenes of Tottenham that many woke up to on Sunday morning.

Any mind to do anything is soon forgotten as i quickly text friends and constantly refresh my twitter and facebook feeds, shocked by the few skirmishes that had broken out in broad daylight, but as darkness fell, and news networks finally began arriving, the trouble, and twitter rumours, only worsened, and i, like many other Enfield residents kept Sky News on repeat throughout the night.

In the cold light of day, it seemed that many problems had been overstated, none of Krispy Kremes, Cineworld or Nandos had gone up in flames the night prior and warnings of petrol bombs thrown on the A10 were pure chinese whispers that had quickly passed as fact.

Enfield Town itself was bewilderingly serene, as curiosity brought in those wanting to see the damage done, but as the afternoon drew on and grey clouds drew overhead, the atmosphere visibly changed, talk of offices recieving advice to evacuate prompted an ominous vibe that hung heavy in the air.

Thankfully we did not witness a repeat of the same scenes in Enfield Town.

Although sadly, the devastation continued across London and the UK.

Among the casualties of the widespread chaos was another Enfield location, and one significant to the country's music scene, as Sony's distribution centre, housing the entire back catalogues and stocks of many independent record labels was nothing more than a smouldering wreck by morning.

As opportunist thugs have channeled their energies into emptying the shelves of JJB sports, upstanding citizens have been co-ordinating marches and clean-up operations in response.

And I'm certain that more creative types will be using the current climate of social unease to inspire new music.

Whether it be joining together as a sign of unity at underground raves, or politically aware activists with a guitar strapped to their backs as they take to the streets. Genre, race and religion will be irrelevant.

Just like any other disaster of conflict faced, I'm sure we will get back on our feet again, soundtracked by musicians providing their very own social commentary.

My thoughts and prayers go out to everyone that is suffering and involved and caught up in this in anyway through no fault of their own.

  stream: I Love London by Crystal Fighters