Tuesday, 19 June 2007 |

Yes, we all saw Lost In Translation and thought, ‘hang on a minute, if
Bill Murray can seduce Scarlett Johansson by singing ‘More Than This’
then maybe we could too!’
Let’s face it, karaoke has always been the butt of bad movies, and its
reputation is currently languishing somewhere between Japanese
businessmen necking methylated spirit and hen parties ‘cutting loose’.

But recently, it has started to reclaim its cult status from
half-tanked brides-to-be, and become a little bit more palatable.
This new karaoke bar has been quietly, or rather, loudly,
winning acclaim for its alternative approach to the nation’s favourite
pastime.
Rather than the dark booths of your standard karaoke club, this
new private members’ sing-along has incorporated young artists to help
liven up the interior. Think Manga cartoons but with a
Lichtenstein edge.

Each booth has its own distinctive decor, and every surface has a
graphic to reflect the spaces they fill. Which is a far cry from
the matted walls and vinyl floors some bars choose. And most of
all, it’s members only, so there’s no need to worry about being
harassed by a woman with oversized fairy wings stuck to her back. By Matt Hussey.
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