The evening kicked off with a stand out set from Mahogany, and with them having only played 4 previous shows, optimism was in the air. They met the audience with brief introductions and elegantly lead the way into their first song. The modesty of their presence replicated in their humble melodies. They really came into their element during the penultimate song of their set as they ripped into a catchy up beat tune, which differed greatly from the reserved and reticent tracks they played prior. The energy lifted and heads bobbed in time with the music as they graced their way to their final song.
Fade followed soon after. The contrast compared to the previous band was clear to see as they fell into a fairly average punk-esque set. After the release of their 7" earlier this year titled 'One With Serenity', high hopes were bestowed upon them but unfortunately they just didn't appear to deliver the record justice with their live show as they drawled through an adequate set. Cramped, droning guitars powered around the room at a barely tolerable pace. Despite their seemingly mundane set there were incredible elements to their instrumentation which was really refreshing to see in a scene where a lot of bands are just mirror images of each other. They are not the kind of artists I am willing to just write off as trite as seeing a band experimenting with a unique style is always an invigorating experience.
Up next were Walleater and with only one release under their belt they make it clear to see why you shouldn't judge a band based on how lengthy their discography is. It's incredibly rare to see a group of musicians align their instruments with such perfection as what they did. Although at times the three guitars seemed to be fighting each other for breath, the layers it added to their songs was musically charming. They stormed through a relatively flawless set while their charisma beamed over the audience and sent smiles in waves across the room. After each immaculate song was through, they were accosted with applause and cheers. They left the room having truly satisfied their listeners and without a doubt gained some new fans. They thoroughly made the most of their short lived time on stage .
After an already incredible line up it would've been difficult to make it even better but the promoters pulled through and managed to secure a secret set from none other than Massachusetts indie rock band, The Hotelier! Their most recent release titled "Home, Like No Place Is There" stormed onto the scene throughout the UK and received outstanding reviews across the board which put a lot of pressure on their shoulders with people expecting an impressive show, and they certainly did not disappoint. They introduced themselves as "Hit Otherlee" to which laughter unfolded around the venue Note: "Hit Otherlee" was the anagram the promoters used for them in order to keep their set a secret until the night of the show. They played a rip roaringly good set with an acoustic like vibe rippling across the room and every element of their musicianship was filled with a sentimental and lively aura. They appeared to play all the crowd pleasing songs offering many chances for sing-a-longs. If you're looking for a band to touch a nostalgic, homesick nerve then you need look no further
By the time Pity Sex's set rolled around, the room was a buzz with anticipation which soon silenced even as they begun sound checking. As soon as they opened with their first song the room came alive as they embraced the stage like a second home. Each song rolled effortlessly one after the other, all of which presented pitch perfect vocals from vocalist/guitarist Britty Drake and with her producing such an exceptional performance, I've seen first hand how she really raises the standards for females in the scene! The whole band was truly in their element up there and with them stating that it felt just like shows they played back home it was easy to see why this was their favourite show of their UK tour. As they strummed their way into the classic "Sedated" which is off their debut album titled "Feast Of Love", four slightly over enthusiastic drunk guys made their way to the front to have a 'lil dance much to the amusement of both the audience and the band. They really lifted the mood and brought home what shows like this are all about... having fun and letting go. Despite requests for "When You're Around" which they declared they couldn't remember how to play they ended with the favoured flower girl. They left the room leaving a hint of dissatisfaction but nevertheless they were breathtakingly remarkable and I really hope this isn't the last time we see them over this side of the pond.
