Saturday 26th April, we had the pleasure in attending one of the best local gigs we’ve been to yet! Another great event at Hereford’s finest venue, The Jailhouse. Porridge– in connection with The Jailhouse and Transmission Music Group– hosted another successful indie/rock night bringing in touring talent from across the UK to our doorstep, and in doing so allowing us to see acts we might not have had the chance prior. Porridge are working hard to introduce us to some promising talent.
The doors opened for local bands Survivors Of The Modern Age and Holy! to showcase their abilities followed by Violet Skies and headliners found in Brighton’s Fickle Friends.
Kicking off the evenings proceedings was Hereford’s trio Survivors of The Modern Age- a man down and performing as an acoustic duo, guitarist Toby and bassist Michael adapted their set and projected their flair to a 30 minute performance of original songs fused with some classic covers. The pair looked a little lonely on the big stage as an impromptu two piece but that proved no problem as the musicians warmed the crowd with their harmonies, impressed the crowd with their professionalism and their age and booted the night into a fantastic amicable atmosphere. A local act with a lot to look forward to later- a journey we hope to follow.
Following Survivors Of The Modern Age was Worcester based 4 piece Holy! (originally Holy Casper for those that grabbed our 21 track compilation). This act consisting of Dan Soloman- guitarist, Harry Payne- vocals/bassist, Aaron Whittaker – guitarist/keys and Craig Sharpe on Drums. As soon as these musicians graced the stage, something magical happened. We were in the presence of one of the finest Worcester bands yet. Having only been together for a few short months it’s safe to say that this quartet have conquered their own genre, they are one of the tightest experimental psychedelic rock bands around. Their compositions featured traces of Black Angels, Tame Impala, Stone Roses-esque riffs and drum beats and Pixies type vocals. They are simply an act you need to see live in order to understand what they posses. With a hypnotic singer who is completely committed to his role within Holy!- Harry has a mesmerizing demeanor and one which will certainly captivate you throughout the set. Mixed with the showmanship from Aaron and Dan each side of him and a phenomenal drummer at the back- they’ve got their bands projection nailed. Holy! are without a doubt an act to watch- this time next year they are guaranteed to be one of the hardest working live bands- with an enviable fanbase.
Following Holy! was South Wales talent Violet Skies. A talent in her own right. Singer/Songwriter Violet was joined by her backing band- two piece session musicians and together they shook The Jailhouse with their intellectually composed electronic soulful pop music. Violet writes delicate tracks then projects her powerful vocal abilities and puts an upbeat twist on all. An artist whose name will soon be a familiar household favorite. Think BANKS and Lorde esque. Her sound is described as balancing her love for artists she grew up with such as Joni Mitchell, Sting and Paul Simon, and the soundscapes of James Blake and Massive Attack.Her first release, How The Mighty has reached afar with support and airtime from Jamie Cullum BBC Radio 2, BBC Radio1 Introducing and featured across NME magazine, The 405, HillyDilly and Earmilk. Her live stage presence is alluring. Violet is set for big things- remember the name.
And finally Brighton’s 5 piece Fickle Friends took to the stage in an explosive end to a brilliant night. Fickle Friends consist of Natassja Shiner – Vox/Synth, Sam Morris – Drums, Harry Herrington – Bass/Backing Vox, Chris Hall – Guitar and Jack Wilson – Synth/Backing Vox. The upbeat pop act filled the venue with the finest disco beats, illustrious vocals and delectable synth sounds. This tangible act bought an early festival feeling to Hereford, perfect summery experimental pop with some serious 80’s grooves. Think Passion Pit mixed with Los Campesinos. A captivating band we can’t wait to see live again.
All images by Oli Montez.
Email oli@circuitsweet.co.uk for copies/permission of use.
We can’t urge you enough to support Porridge– they’re bringing what was once lost, back to Hereford.
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