Shiva hail from Falkirk and open tonight’s proceedings with their youthful punk enthusiasm. A band in their humble beginnings are the perfect opening act, frontmen Aidan and Daniel lead the line swapping vocals and instruments throughout the set. Drummer Michael puts in an impressive shift as the drums and guitars distort together for an absorbing raw sound from a band so young. Set highlight for me had to be a cover of The Sultans of Ping FC Where’s me Jumper which fitted in perfectly vocally with the rest of the lads set, good things to come for these lads if they keep up the hard work.
Next up are Calva Louise, whom I have seen 4 times over the last few months so I could be a little biased. The band bounce on stage to bring their ‘fuzz, lo-fi rock’ to the venue, I first came across Calva a mere 2 months ago supporting Spring King and was impressed from the first chord from lead Jess Allanic’s guitar. The set is loud and full of energy as they open with the frenetic Outrageous and Getting Closer, the latter screamed perfectly from Jess. The band have a great on-stage presence which is showcased with huge guitar riffs, distorted vocals, hard bass and strong drumming from the talented Alizon Taho and Ben Parker respectively. The set ends with the brilliant I’m Gonna Do Well and we a treated to a now customary square up between Jess and Alizon. Ones to watch.
Strange Bones are our headline act. I was rather worried that front Bobby Bentham wouldn’t be his energetic mental self after a recent back injured meant this gig had to be re-scheduled. However, these fears were allayed within 30 seconds as he stage dives into the audience. The band roar out tracks Big Sister, Energy and clear favourite We Are The Rats.
The intensity from Bobby, guitarists Jack & Will Bentham and drummer Stub Newman is at times overwhelming. I have no idea how these siblings (plus Stub) manage such a ferocious show night in night out. This energy encases the crowd which makes for an utterly fantastic gig; this is my 3rd time seeing the boys and I would go again tomorrow and the day after.
The nights highlight has to be a scintillating cover of The Prodigy’s Spitfire along with the gift of a balaclava for each member of the jubilant crowd (makes for a scary looking mosh pit). We close the night’s proceedings with our favourite frontman launching himself off an amp during God Save The Teen leaving an emphatic crowd in awe. Big things are on the horizon for Strange Bones; they are one of the best live bands doing the rounds and will only get better.
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