I am descending down a set of stairs decorated with fairy lights and playbills for upcoming gigs into an underground Victorian public toilet. For a public toilet, there sure are a lot of amenities including a full bar, a large sound system and stage with a rather nervous-looking set of teenagers in the middle of a set of ska music and, what’s this? Someone asking for money and waiting to stamp my hand.

In fact, what was previously a public toilet has been completely renovated and recovered to become Ginglik, a west London indie music venue and club that hosts numerous events throughout the week. It’s Tuesday, 28 April and I’m here, with a very large percentage of the Spoonfed staff to support Years of Rice and Salt (YORAS) including their guitarist/vocalist Julian who, by day, is a member of the Spoonfed development team. YORAS are competing in a battle-of-the-bands style competition hosted by The Music League. The Music League was set up to try and give unsigned bands a platform to get their music heard and they have launched a ‘Battle of the Bands’ style competition with the final prize being a spot at a big UK festival. With the majority of the Spoonfed office in attendance, YORAS certainly takes the prize for most fans present.

Years of Rice and Salt are the third act to play – following the teenage ska rockers I noticed when I entered – and immediately stand out for their highly polished performance: these guys can play their instruments. Their music is a haunting instrumental form of rock/folk music and definitely worth a listen. When their alloted time on stage comes to a close, the applause is tremendous.

This is the first time I’ve visited Ginglik (despite a fair amount of prodding by various friends and its proximity to my flat) and it’s the perfect venue for a smaller gig such as this Music League event. As with every London location I’d put off visiting, I wonder why I’ve waited so long and make mental notes to return for more Ginglik events. As for YORAS, they’ll win hands down for the night and have another gig coming up at Half Moon Putney and if tonight’s performance is any indication, they’ll have quite a few more besides.

Check out Years of Rice and Salt on MySpace and LastFM
Check out upcoming events at Ginglik