Written by Adam Gallagher
We headed to Whirling Dervish based at TS1 in Middlesbrough. where we were welcomed with the wait of three fantastic bands from Stockton on Tees (Idle Violets), Newcastle (Casual Threats) and Leeds (Forever Cult).
First up to get us in the mood for what truly was a underrated night, was Casual Threats, introduced by Joel Clayton, lead singer of Idle Violets 'They make Ebola look like man flu', Joel certainly wasn't wrong there. Casual Threats had been added to the bill a few days before hand. They opened with 'Sovereign Gore', the guitar riff opening to the song was truly mesmerising by itself, add the vocals of lead singer Oliver to the mix and you have got a fantastic way of opening the night up. As the night proceeded, I began to hear a mix of the Smith meets the Slaves throughout the set, yet somehow they were capable of making their songs stand out away from both bands.
A speical treat for the audience was the moment when Steven Bardgett (lead singer of Mouses) stepped on stage and became the fourth member of Casual Threats, even if it was for just one song. The audience were in for a treat, with Steven dueting with the band on the track 'Suarez'. Casual Threats ended on one of their more well known tracks 'Extra Maritime Affair', which certainly was the cherry on top of the musical cake that they had made all by themselves.
The trio that make up the Casual Threats, Oliver, Bazz on bass and Conor on drums, throughout the set, you could see the positive attitude that all three have on each other. Bringing their own personality to the band, you could see truly blew me away, I ended up been a massive fan by the end of the set, loving every track and not wanting them to leave the stage any time soon.
Casual Threats Set List
1, Sovereign Gore
2. Suarez
3. Stalking Awareness Month
4. Canonise
5. Extra Maritime Affair
After the slight disappointment of Casual Threats finishing, there was a smile that reappeared on my face soon after, when Joel annouced his own band were going to be playing next. Ladies and gentleman, Idle Violets.
I had seen Idle Violets support Pigeon Detectives at KU Bar last year, they were great then, but this time round, they had certainly progressed as a band. They opened with
Oliver from Casual Threats gave a very unique introduction to the band which set the tone for the next half hour or so. With the Idle Violets, proving to the whole of TS1, why they are still loved by the Teesside music scene.
From the get go, the boys carried on the tempo that Casual Threats had got going. We were blown away with the new tracks from the 'Jizz Rock' trio (that's right it even says it on their Facebook). I was unable to find a song I wasn't impressed with. From the powerful vocals of lead singer, Joel Clayton, to the bass sounds of Richard Federkiel or even the beats of drummer Micky Cuthbertson, each indidvual had wow'ed the audience with their music ability.
They even gave the crowd a taster of what is to come in the future from the band, by playing the unfinished song 'Culprit'. Yet we were liking the name 'Pussyfart' alot more and the rest of the audience certainly were too. They teased TS1 with the soundtrack and the written part of the song.
Overall, Idle Violets have certainly developed within the space of a year. A heavier sound to their tracks, stronger vocals and an all round positive move forward as a band when it comes to developing their own music.
Idle Violets Set List
1. Gunslinger
2. Culprit (Pussyfart)
3. Underground
4. Fever
5. Break Out The Crazies
6. Fuzz
What with my ears already ringing from the sounds of Casual Threats and Idle Violets, was it possible for Forever Cult to carry that tourch over the finish line?
Well they certainly crossed the finish line, but they also carried it even further. From the first yell of 'Yasmin' to the last beat of 'Sinking' the Yorkshire trio certainly wow'ed the crowd.
This was the first time I had seen Forever Cult perform and I certainly wasn't let down. With the very unique vocals of lead singer Kieran Clarke blasting 'Yasmin' out to Aaron Snowdon on drums beating and Alex Greaves on bass strumming the last notes of 'Sinking'. Half way through the set, they performed their newest single 'Winter's Glow'. This was another highlight of the night, everything about this track is truly phenomenal.
They are a band that produce a sound which certainly stands out from the crowd, which is possibly why we enjoyed them so much.
All three of the band, made sure that everyone left talking about Forever Cult. They were able to take a gig which was already in full flow, to that next level. Proving to the crowd, that Clue Records were right in signing this band to their label. It's only a matter of time before you see Forever Cult on the bigger stages.
Forever Cult Set List
1. Yasmin
2. Freak Me Out
3. Tunnel Vision
4. Winter's Glow
5. Something In The Water
6. Is This A Bad Time?
7. Antonio Banderas
8. Distant
9. Sinking
Overall, the night was a success, three fantastic bands who certainly know how to put on a show. Massive thanks to Wherling Dervish who put on bands every Thursday night at TS1.
