So you may have heard us say a couple of times (okay more like a hundred) that Nottingham is home to an absolutely vibrant music scene at the moment. Yesterday’s most Nottstastic Dot to Dot lineup ever illustrated the point vividly. Last year, a massive 27 Nottingham artists took to various venues across the city. In 2013, our LeftLion pals tell us a mind-blowing 45 acts were asked to take part in the Festival, with more Notts artists than ever before playing across all three dates. Sadly I possess neither a time travelling machine nor any athletic ability so catching every single act was impossible, but with the help of a carefully constructed schedule (very rock ‘n’ roll) & several bevies along the way I did manage to see 17 acts take on the Notts leg of Dot to Dot.
THE GORGEOUS CHANS
Due to last minute cancellation from BABY GODZILLA (boo), THE GORGEOUS CHANS were first on my list (as opposed to second). This quirky six-piece are quickly establishing themselves as ones to keep an eye on and their performance proved why. Arriving a little late to their set, THE GORGEOUS CHANS had already got themselves an impressive audience for so early on. Their cheery Pop melodies ripe with nifty hooks have the crowd’s heads bobbing along like a sea of nodding dogs, clearly loving the youthful charisma the band radiate so effortlessly. Clever & catchy songs reminiscent of Vampire Weekend, these guys were the perfect start for the sunny day.
CHESHIRE & THE CAT
I have been meaning to catch this band live for SO long so I was one happy camper when I found out CHESHIRE & THE CAT were winners of this year’s Acoustic Rooms competition. Delivering the tightest of sets, their sound has evolved to a much fuller one & even features a guest vocalist on ‘Devils’ Jazz’ – the standout track of their set. Easily one of the most fun bands I’ve seen live.
AMBER
Another surprise of the day, I have to admit that I was unaware that AMBER is the band of singer JOSHUA KEOUGH till walking into their set. But I am so glad I know now. It’s an intense mix of reverberating guitars and fragility-laden vocals and more and more people gather, drawn in by this impressive performance.
GREAT BRITISH WEATHER
A quick dash upstairs, I stumble through the darkness that is Stealth to catch GREAT BRITISH WEATHER. Halfway through their set, the band have already filled the floor, their funky basslines, syncopated drums and gritty vocals bouncing off the walls & making it impossible to stand still. As well as the ability to turn Stealth into a futuristic disco, these guys write some of the best guitar lines I’ve heard. They also possess some of the best hair. Delicious.
BITTER STRINGS
Charged with the task of opening the legendary Rock City main stage, BITTER STRINGS step out seemingly unfazed by the prospect. Dressed to impress in matching polo necks, they already have a sizable audience & launch into their set with utter enthusiasm which transcends into the audience instantly. They may only be in their early 20s but the trio ooze a vintage Rock ‘n’ Roll charisma with a Northern twist and firm favourites like ‘Drenched’ are lapped up by the crowd.
ONEGIRLONEBOY
A quick dash back to Stealth to catch Notts Factor winners ONEGIRLONEBOY. The electronic duo waste no time launching into their set and whilst initially a bit sparse, an impressive audience soon gathers, captivated by their passionate performance. ‘If This is Love’ proves a highlight of the show, their fusion of Electro hooks and dark Indie Rock creating a sound that is totally unique and can only get better. Ones to watch!
BAND OF JACKALS
They’ve built up a rep as one of Nottingham’s most hard working bands and it seems to be really paying off for BAND OF JACKALS. The basement has a hefty crowd of fans and the lads set is filled with would-be Rock anthems and raw, unrestrained passion. It’s not surprising therefore that the band have recently recorded a track at the legendary Maida Valley studios. ‘Trapped by Lasers’ creates an rich & intense wall of sound live that fills the walls of the basement and is a personal highlight. A must-see for any Rock lovers.
ADY SULEIMAN
Queuing up to get a drink, I overhear others sharing their excitement about seeing ‘this ADY SULEIMAN, he’s meant to be well good’. One of the artists asked to play all three cities of this year’s Dot to Dot, he’s recently bagged a spot on the Radio 1Xtra Introducing playlist as well as slots supporting Laura Mvula, Professor Green & Michael Kiwanuka. Not bad eh? His stripped back performance showcases his biggest asset – an incredible and effortless blues vocal you’d be mad not to envy. Live Suleiman is relaxed and confident, his Reggae-infused Soulful Pop with undertones of Jazz proving refreshing, unique and totally addictive. Standout track ‘State of Mind’ demonstrates Suleiman’s witty lyricism, its catchy refrain being sung by audience members long after his set.
I AM LONO
The electronic duo I AM LONO take inspiration from the 80s and bring it right up to date. Their performance is hypnotic and watching it live is almost trance-inducing. Big beats meet thrashy guitars and impassioned vocals creating pounding, paranoid Pop gold that is enticingly dark. ‘Leland’ sound insanely good live & these guys rock out in braces like nobody else can.
GREY HAIRS
Walking into Rock City’s Basement I am instantly hit by a gut-shaking wall of sound. Yup, it’s definitely GREY HAIRS. A band who find the future ‘confusing and upsetting’, they instead challenge their frustration into awesomely intense live performances that even Rock City struggles to contain. And that’s a lot of awesome.
SAINT RAYMOND
Another act who has filled to Rock City stage, SAINT RAYMOND is clearly overwhelmed by the amount of audience members stating ‘I only thought there’d be like five of you’. Nevertheless, Callum Burrows delivers a beautifully tight set filled with his signature catchy choruses & clever lyrics. Evidently he has some dedicated fans in the crowd who seem to know the lyrics to all his songs & drunkenly sing along. ‘Bonfires’ is warmly welcomed and each ‘Wo-oah’ is a met by an enthusiastic audience response. If this gig was a taster of what’s to come, SAINT RAYMOND is on to big things.
RYAN THOMAS
For this act, you really have to let your imagination run free. RYAN THOMAS has made some buzz around this city through his signature Americana Blues. His gritty vocals & twangy guitar take you from Rescue Rooms to Dixie and the crowd are lapping up this completely refreshing act. Depsite a mild technical difficulty during ‘Hangover Blues’, Ryan launches straight back into his song much to the delight of the cheering spectators. Watch this space!
KAGOULE
The excitement around this band is tangible. As KAGOULE step onto the Subculture stage, they instantly fill the room with a dark and heavy grunge aura that reverberates around the room. ‘Mudhole’ and the anthemic ‘Made of Concrete’ (I can never get enough of this song) are spine-tinglingly awesome and Cai Burn’s hazy vocals soar above growling basslines and throbbing drums. If you haven’t seen this band live yet, you need to.
ESTHER VAN LEUVEN
One of the exports from The Elementz Studios, ESTHER VAN LEUVEN“> takes to the Acoustic Rooms stage. With support from the lovely FRAZER LOWRIE on guitar, the contrast of their vocals is simply gorgeous and has punters stopping in their tracks and looking round appreciatively. Opening tracks ‘Calling Out’ & ‘How We Do’ go down a treat with Esther’s graceful vocals hooking more and more passers-by and a unique interpretation of Will Young’s ‘Leave Right Now’ is just as welcomed. No doubt Esther will have gained herself a fair few extra fans following that performance.
INDIANA
It’s still hard to believe that it is only a year (and one month) since INDIANA’s first live performance. From her shy beginnings, she has flourished into a fully fledged artist and has packed the room for this highly anticipated performance. Despite a few minor tech difficulties at the beginning, INDIANA’s breathtaking vocals know no bounds as she silences the room into a state of intoxicated awe from her very first note. This performance is exactly what I’ve come to expect from INDIANA and signature song ‘Blind As I Am’ rings throughout the room. One word = wow.
HARLEIGHBLU
From one amazing female vocalist to another, HARLEIGHBLU is another level tonight. The Rescue Rooms is transformed into a Jazz lounge as her smoky sweet Soul fills its four walls. It’s a simple and sultry set that fills out the room, her songs ranging from soulful ballads to improvised Scat. It’s a performance that would no doubt be at home on Jools Holland and with an album imminent, HARLEIGHBLU is deserving of every bit of success she is sure to get.
KAPPA GAMMA
Over all the way to The Corner to catch ‘Geography Rock’ pioneers KAPPA GAMMA. With a relaxed on-stage presence, their complex, disjointed Indie Rock resonates throughout the venue and songs like ‘Just Another’ and ‘Wildfire’ showcase the intricate, math-rock approach the band have adopted. It’s an exciting performance, not just because of technical prowess but because the whole set is rife with unlocked potential, that they’re this good already and it is only the start of the KAPPA GAMMA journey. I am going to have to report the bassist though to the RSPDK – Royal Society for the Proection of Drum Kits.
I have no voice and no energy but it was so worth it. What. A. Day.
Yours in Love of New Music,
Maddie Hammond. X
