#thelpcafe

[pauldamienhammond]

Record Store Day stocklist release party at @thelpcafe in Watford - March 2017

Website

Instagram

[potatofacemagee-blog]

Record Artwork 2014

There were two extremes in album art this year, minimalism and colour. One of the most notable uses of minimalism was Swans 'To Be Kind', which was blank apart from one of six illustrations of an emotional baby. Also, true to his unique creativity, Richard D James of Aphex Twin decided to have his album artwork be a receipt of all the costs of making an album, per unit. It even includes things you would never think about such as 'Taxis for planning meeting day in London'. Many artists also went for the mos basic approach of just having their name on the cover, including Jungle, Beyonce, and Clipping. The top of many peoples artwork of the year lists is FKA Twigs' LP1, a hyper realistic yet surreal portrait of Twigs, whose forlorn eyes seem to follow you across a room. This is indicative of the melancholy and seductive charm of this critically acclaimed record. Future Islands created a Dali-esque collage for their album Singles, and St Vincent took symmetry and control as part of the concept for her album. A reoccurring motif this year has been that of embracing. Seen on artwork from The Antlers, Wildbirds and Peacedrums, and Mercury Prize winners Young Fathers. Is this a message to the world that we should be accepting of each other and embrace everything that comes to us, or is it just a matter of coincidence?                                    

[potatofacemagee-blog]

Slaves - Are You Satisfied?

After building a fanbase through rambunctious live shows, the Tunbridge Wells duo have finally released their debut record – to much anticipation. Quintessentially British with lyrics like “Cheer up London, its not that bad”, lyrically the social commentary style of Sleaford Mods and Sex Pistols comes to mind. Musically, punk is a subtle influence, with the guitar lines dominating the arrangement, yet the bluesy and grunge tones of fellow duos Royal Blood and Drenge are evident. Cited as one of the breakout acts of 2015, this record is worth a listen no matter what genres you are into, purely for the observations it makes about the country around us.

[potatofacemagee-blog]

Goat – Commune

Goat return with acidic grooves, hypnotic incantations and serpentine guitar lines, much like their debut “World Music”, but bring an angrier edge not seen before on their previous releases. Goat have made many festival appearances over the summer before their first European tour which culminates in a huge show at London’s Roundhouse. We will also be stocking the exclusive indies only “Loser” Edition of the album, which is pressed on coloured vinyl, and comes with a never heard before 7”.

[potatofacemagee-blog]

Twin Peaks- Wild Onion

Presenting the listener with visions of Summer days set to Tame Impala influenced garage rock, Twin Peaks have produced a record that is the antithesis of it's David Lynch curated namesake. Giving nods to Black Lips, The Rolling Stones, and The Beatles, this is a charming album full of youth that borrows experience from those the band admire.

[potatofacemagee-blog]

Throbbing Gristle – 20 Jazz Funk Greats

A reissue of the third album from industrial pioneers Throbbing Gristle. Rated 10/10 by Pitchfork, this record is considered to be the peak of the bands unique sound. Predicting the sounds of electronica, ambient, and new wave, this is one of the key albums of the 70's.

[potatofacemagee-blog]

Lower Than Atlantis – S/T 

The fourth studio album from local band Lower Than Atlantis, see's them being backed more than ever by the likes of Radio One, Kerrang, and international magazines such as AltPress. After huge success with single 'Here We Go', and new double a-side release 'Emily/ English Kids in America', this record is sure to do well in the charts, bringing more to the current trend of alternative music being more accepted by the mainstream audience.

[potatofacemagee-blog]

Our Coffee

In the early months of 2013 we went on a voyage far and wide to find the best tasting coffee. It took us to cafes and roasteries, where we tried our best to find a brew that was unforgettable, a blend that works on its own as an espresso, or in perfect harmony with milk. It was very hard work, we promise.

The X on our treasure map of coffee took us to Hackney, where we met the lovely people of Climpson and Sons. This small dynamic crew of independent roasters live and breathe coffee, and the proof is in every cup.

Climpson and Sons trade directly with farmers, using certified brokers, which guarantees coffee which is ethically sourced, sustainable, and socially responsible. Coffee thats good for the tastebuds and the soul!

These guys pay attention to every detail of the coffee process, from the planting of the coffee tree, to the roasting of the beans. They even train our baristas to make sure that every coffee served is the best it can be. Our baristas know the difference between a good cup and a great cup, so you just have to sit back, relax, and enjoy the product of more than 2000 hours care and attention.

Every year the guys at Climpson revisit their blends, and develop them to provide an optimum taste for their customers. We're proud to serve the Climpson and Sons Estate 2014 Espresso Blend. Ground fresh this blend has notes of bakers chocolate, orange marmalade, and floral jasmine,and can be enjoyed with or without milk.

The latest recipe is a mixture of arabica crops. 50% Ethiopian Sidamo Sasaba 2014 crop (Fully Washed) 50% Brazilian Daterra Climpsons Blend 2013/14 crop (pulp natural Mondo Novo). This is the perfect recipe to bring out the orange character of the Sidamo and the robust flavour of the Daterra.

In fact, our very own Paul and Leila visited the Daterra farm in the summer of 2014 and saw how they produce their part of the Climpson Estate blend. The team at Daterra pride themselves on their sustainability and using every part of the coffee fruit. Stay tuned to our blog for Paul's post about his time in Brazil and the farm.

So, we hope you enjoy our coffee as much as we do!