Saturday 22nd September 2024
Back in the city of sound, Liverpool, at its iconic Jacaranda Club in the basement venue. It’s the Seminals I’m here to see: thrills and spills guaranteed, one of my favourite local bands. However Softlad promotions put on sterling events which really showcase local talent, new, rising and established and it’s been these events where I’ve discovered so many treasures (including the Seminals). So tonight I’m keen to see 2 bands I’ve so far not managed to catch live – Wull and Glass Skies. I’ve seen the headline, Parlours, a few times too. It’s guaranteed any Softlad gig is always top notch.
Glass Skies
Next year Glass Skies celebrate their ten year anniversary. I know their music but have just never managed to get to a show so I’m happy these guys are on the lineup tonight. Our set begins in a fiery and fierce whirlwind of shimmering musical magic. Energy is in huge abundance here and it’s a real “brimming with joy” performance. Sounds are uplifting, high vibrational, glittering indie pop. Bass lines fly high, guitars are jangly yet free, drum beats whippy and pacey and the vocal soars – carefree and filled with happiness.
We have such a feel good atmosphere created here, our venue is brimming with smiles, and everyone is loving this. Honestly it’s such a good environment to be in and I cannot wait to see Glass Skies live again. One free spirited, glowing, radiant and most high vibing set! Very impressed.
The Seminals
I’m a HUGE Seminals fan and I just love seeing this band play live. It never gets boring or old, each time delivers in every way. And tonight’s begins in the expected explosive manner. First song is latest release “Snap dragon Soul “ which evokes so much atmosphere and actually gives me goose bumps. It’s full on rock n roll, with a psychedelic edge but with real early 90s indie Madchester feels, but then there’s a heaviness to it – think Limp Bizkit meets the Stone Roses.
The drumming is rapid, like machine gun fire, fast, hard hitting and complex. The bass lines soar, creating that atmosphere that’s felt throughout our now full venue. Guitar lines are incredible, taking us happily on this musical rollercoaster, and vocal is steady, characterful with a grate that sits perfectly amidst the multi layered sounds being created here.
As a front man Bobby oozes cool, rocking out so hard he loses his glasses into the crowd at one point, but carries on regardless – on his knees; in the mosh pit it’s full on wilds in this performance. Another stand out, this is why we love this band! Everyone needs some Seminals in their life!
Wull
So this is a new band to me, but I can honestly say I’m instantly a fan. A complete change in feels, although still very atmospheric, just a different atmosphere; there’s a dark undertone, a gloomy sadness, with an epic sound woven through it. Very retro; I get Joy Division feels. The vocal is angst ridden and full of suffering yet light at the same time – a real contrast but one that works well. Drumming is like rolling thunder coming down from darkened mountain ranges; guitars melodic, then jangly with strong hooks whilst bass lines have that “The Smiths” like quality. Stage presence is immense, these guys are completely spell binding and fascinating to watch. Each band member is lost in what they do, wrapped up in the music they make. I’m completely blown away by this – and it seems so is everyone else.
The guys throw themselves around the stage and into the crowd. a nonstop tsunami of sounds, feels and energy and it really sweeps this crowd into its mesmerising world. Once the set ends I’m left totally in awe (safe to say we all are). Totally brilliant band that go all out and create the most intricate, moving and captivating sounds which also manage to rock and be danceable. Ten out of ten for this set, I’ve certainly found another favourite new band here tonight.
Parlours
I’ve seen Parlours a few times, they bring a huge and very loyal following with them and it’s not for the faint hearted – it will (and does) go off big time. A tumultuous mosh pit from the first few notes. Very stylised, Oasis at their biggest feels. Musically a very tight performance and the band give a cool, swagger style performance. There is a kind of hysteria that accompanies this band so do be prepared for a rough mosh pit that spreads rapidly and engulfs all. Anthemic feeling songs are chanted back and when Hacienda is played a volcano erupts. If you didn’t manage to bag that golden Oasis ticket then go see the Parlours.
I’d just like to mention that another gig was going off tonight, held on the top floor within the famous Jacaranda record shop. The wonderfully talented Paul Molloy (the Coral / Serpent Power) was performing a solo acoustic set to launch his new solo album “The Madmen of Apocalypso”. He visited our basement gig a few times to check out the bands and chat to people and show support. What a guy! And the album is well worth checking out too.
Words – Janet Harding
Photos – Lucy Bell
