This is a review I’m going to enjoy writing, as it’s the kind of bands we love supporting. Grass roots, small scale, tiny venue, and so on. They were also up against some competition as there was another gig on in the same building tonight! As Everything Unfolds, taking place in G2, was sold out and almost certainly drew a few punters away from this bargain 4-piece. Welcome to the life of the fledgling band. These guys face all kinds of obastacles, and their “fuck it, let’s do it” attitude never fails to impress.
A prime example were Iridium from London. They all looked like they managed to squeeze this tour in during half term at school (no offence, I’m old and every other bugger looks younger than me these days), but they certainly knew how to play. The lead singer was channeling My Chemical Romance in the stiff black jacket, and the band had an emo look overall, but the music was way heavier. Metalcore, maybe a bit proggy with some huge drops and some impressive musicianship were on display. The sound wasn’t great for them, and one issue with a small venue is that the listener does pick up on every little issue… and there were a few.
It did take Iridium a couple of tracks to really seem like they were comortable, but then there were five of them crammed ont a stage that you could probably post through someone’s letterbox. They strike me as a band who would look three times better if they had the space to move around a little bit more, and the confidence to do so. But they’ll get there. The vocals were a little rough at times. The passion was there, but sometimes the notes weren’t… but again, they’ll get there. The clean backing vocals were spot on, but the volume could have been increased a bit – not the band’s fault. I really had the feeling they were just getting into their stride when their set drew to a close.
It takes some balls to open a show, moreso when there are only about 20 people in the venue and you don’t know anyone. Iridium show bags of promise – keep working at it, guys!
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The next band were the ones I was here to see. Manchester’s Waterlines were one of the best bands I saw at Bloodstock ’23 where they ripped the Jager tent apart with a unique brand of crossover dance/rap/metal and absolutely mandatory audience participation.
No change tonight.
Prior to the first notes being hit, frontman Ben was already chastising the crowd in his own inimitable, tongue-in-cheek and marginally insulting way… and it worked. Within seconds, the entire audience was indeed away from the bar, up at the stage and being hammered by the beginnings of 30 minutes of grin-inducing metal. Waterlines’ extra experience showed in their too-short set (essentially the same one as they played at Bloodstock) and what amazed me was how well it went across.
At Bloodstock the band had all their friends there. Everyone had travelled down to see them on their biggest show to date. Tonight? Maybe three or four were obvious fans (myself included), but the band didn’t care. They played with the same passion, enthusiasm and madness to 20-30 as they had to 200-300 back in August. And they got every bugger fully engaged.
There was bouncing, there were arms over shoulder, there were fistbumps, there was “step to the left-left-left”-ing, and there was the first all-female moshpit that I think I’ve ever seen in 35 years of going to gigs. And, sadly, there was an ending. They definitely left the crowd wanting more and I can’t wait to see them back up here again. One person rudely (kidding) interrupted my chat with Ben later to enthuse that they were his new favourite band, and that they stole the show. I won’t argue either point.
Oh, Ben – apologies for missing your fistbump during the first song. The stage light was right in my eyes and I couldn’t see what you were doing so I went for a handshake! D’oh!
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October Ends are based in my original home turf of Newcastle Upon Tyne. Another young-looking band (how dare they), they were along the same lines musically as Iridium with just a dash more panache, likely due as much to experience as anything else. Similarly to Iridium I did notice some flaws in the vocals. The heavily tattooed lead singer nailed the higher end of the scale and his clean vocals raised the hairs on the back of my neck in the good way, but some of the harsh ones didn’t quite hit the mark. Again, not a criticism and more of a “point for improvement”.
They certainly seemed relaxed on stage, despite a couple of sound issues which they dealt with with an air of ease and professionalism. Musically, not quite to my taste butI can appreciate what they’re doing and they did it well. Another band who, with a bit of polish, could really make things of themselves.
Tonight’s headliners Cabin Boy Jumped Ship have been on the go for a decade or so now and it shows in their swagger. They know they have half an hour to ram in a bunch of (head)bangers and such they do. I have heard of them, but I don’t know their stuff so please excuse a lack of knowledge as I plough through this review.
The opening few tracks were OK, but the material definitely grew stronger as the set progressed. The last three really dragged me in, and it was a genuine shame to see them round their brief time off and depart. They’re an entertaining band to watch, even for a non-fan, though the bassist needs to develop a bit more spatial awareness… It’s fortunate that he only knocked over his mic stand while spinning in circles rather than clocking one of his bandmates!
Also, note to bands: scale your smoke machines to the size of the venue so you don’t get lost! This applies to bands playing the Academy as well. Ice Nine Kills, I’m looking at you. Or I would have been at that gig if I could have fucking seen you.
Anyway. I’ve focussed on vocals a lot in this review, and I have to highlight Conor’s technique. He nailed all the nasty stuff including some really deep notes. Reece Miller on drums also carries the clean vocals along, and does a damn fine job. Again, not a band I’m a fan of but there’s no denying they’re good at what they do and the audience definitely appreciated tonight’s show.
The small show attitude continued for a good while afterwards as all of the bands hung around for photos, merch sales and so on around packing up their kit. Here’s hoping they sold enough shirts to cover fuel to the next show! These concerts shouldn’t be missed and often cost very little (I know tonight was a cheap gig). Get your arse out there and enjoy these up-and-comers and more niche bands before they get too big for their boots!
