After a 3 year hiatus, local and somewhat legendary promoters Never Mind The Bullocks returned to Hereford, and what an incredible comeback. September 6th, Hereford’s finest venue opened it’s doors to an array of live talent, majority of which all homegrown. With 4 acts playing the main stage, 3 of which local support to the headliners EMPIRE. Two stages of live acts, free plectrums, DJ’s and an uplifting atmosphere- NMTB are back in full force.
Kickstarting the live music for the evening, on the second stage, Claire Perkins pulled together the crowd and warmed up the evenings proceedings.
B at Gippa
Following Claire, and first to play the main stage, Aulos. Hereford/Bristol duo Oli Montez on Guitar and Josh Lamdin on drums had their first ever gig at a NMTB show, fast forward 4 years and the pair returned to open the stage on NMTB’s return. Together the duo eliminated their set- fast, intense and loud. Now with added hip-hop elements, the pair provided a hard hitting eminent set mixed with captivating elements within each track played. Their grand finale- bringing out the gameboy to play alongside drummer Josh Lamdin, smashing the kit.
Following Aulos and back on the second stage, two acoustic acts followed, firstly local duo Vaginaopocaplyse followed by local singer Bren Haze.
Vaginapocalypse B at Gippa
Bren Haze
B At Gippa
Back to the Main Stage Worcester based 4 piece Holy! (originally Holy Casper for those that grabbed our 21 track compilation) delivered another mesmerizing set. This act consisting of Dan Soloman- guitarist, Harry Payne- vocals/bassist, Aaron Whittaker – guitarist/keys and now one half of our favorite Worcester duo (The Broken Oak Duet), Howard Kenny on drums, our love for this band just maxed out. 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. These musicians are developing their own characteristics in front of us, and it’s rewarding to see. Holy! are onto big things, the future of this band can only get better. Their set captivated everyone in the crowd.
Whilst the bands changed over on the stage, the second stage kept everyone engaged as local hip hop act Rope and Field performed a special acoustic set as a duo. Delving into a genre altering the atmosphere of the venue and all tracks well received.
B At Gippa
The penultimate act to the Main stage- four piece alternative emo rock band Richa hailing from Brighton/Hereford took to the stage. An act we’ve not seen live at The Jailhouse for a few years, and what a difference that makes.The energetic quartet built a robust wall of sound. Their set broke boundaries with compositions ranging from aggressive to more melodic and meaningful tracks.
Whilst the headliners got ready for their set and closing the evenings proceedings,local artist Footdragger performed on the second stage hypnotizing the audience with acoustic notable orchestrations.
B At Gippa
Finally, an established act we longed to see live. After a string of impressive 2014 festival appearances including Sonisphere, headliners EMP!RE took to The Jailhouse performing an array of their killer melodies and virtuosic vocals. This sub genre defying band, hailing from the South West has been described by Kerrang! as ‘The best new voice in Rock’ and we can stand by that. Taking to the stage in the early hours of the morning, the act were simply charming. Engaging with the audience on every level and waking themselves up within each track performed to give one of the most energetic attainments seen. The band have a very unique presence about them, their energy, their talent and their attributions- all striking. This was a band not too miss and we are thankful NMTB put this act on our doorstep.
Unless otherwise stated- All images by Naomi Preece and Oli Montez.
Email oli@circuitsweet.co.uk for copies/permission of use.
The next NMTB gig is November 29th- more details will be announced soon, but trust us when we save to save this date.
https://www.facebook.com/nmtbullocks
http://nevermindthebullocks.co.uk/
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