Saturday in Middlesbrough witnessed another brilliant instalment of one of the region’s best one day, multi-venue festivals. Celebrating it’s 10th anniversary of bringing local, national and international talent to Teesside venues co-founders Henry Carden and Andy Carr (The Kids Are Solid Gold) are two of a number of local promoters proving that rather than being a cultural backwater Middlesbrough, together with neighbouring Stockton, should infact be regarded as a shining light when it comes to music and gigs.
Five main venues, three of which are in Teesside University’s student union, with a maximum 10 minute walk to the furthest together with pop-up sessions dotted around the town centre mean that it’s easy get from one to another which means you can see a lot of fantastic live music over the day. And with almost 40 artists/bands playing it’s a 100% guarantee that even if you’d previously heard of none of them (you will have done) you will find plenty that you not only really like but you’re also very likely to leave having discovered a new favourite band.
Brilliantly organised, great venues, bar prices that most people attending gigs elsewhere in the country can only dream about and a huge variety of food available both in the surrounding streets and one of the venues. All this for for a ticket price of just £25. Yep, you read that right. £25 (£17.50 for under 18’s). For those of a certain age it might also be worth mentioning that there’s also plenty of places where you can sit down and still hear the band you wanted to see.
Teessiders love their music. Gigs are always a really positive experience. People are friendly and welcoming. On your own? You’ll leave with a new bunch of friends.
With a proven track record of showcasing some of the best emerging bands as well as established acts Twisterella 2024 did not disappoint. Even the withdrawal of three bands on my ‘must see’ list didn’t make it any less enjoyable. Replacements were found quickly. Thirteen bands seen but remember my musical tastes will be very different to that of many others attending.
The Howl & The Hum open procedings in the student union hub. Twisterella has always opened the day with a well known act – it means people turn up early and the first bands of the day aren’t playing to just 10 people – and The Howl & The Hum are a big name round these parts meaning that the venue is packed and it’s only 1.30pm. Great to see a crowd singing along with a band so early in the day.
The Townhouse opens with Melanie Baker who underpins songs that she admits are often quite depressing with an uplifting beat that has plenty here dancing. And despite the lyrics the band are clearly having a brilliant time rocking the stage. Nice also to see (hear?) that the sound in the Townhouse has improved since last year and the lighting that is so awkward for photography seems just a little brighter.
Back in the uni, this time in the cosy surrounds of the Terrace venue, I discover the first of my ‘must sees’ will not be playing. Slate are replaced by Durham rapper Faithful Johannes who goes down well with a crowd who were initially expecting something much noisier. Saloon Dion replace Pet Snake (another ‘must see’) and prove to be one of the day’s standouts with their grungy, shoegazy, noisy alternative rock. New EP ‘Where You’ll Find Me’ is well worth some of your time. More guitar driven, raucous, punky, dancy indie sounds from The Ifords follows and a set of songs that grabs the attention of those who appreciate decent indie noise.
Perfect Chicken bring the bizarre to the Town Hall Crypt. Chaotic, shambolic and dressed in white boiler suits and balaclavas they are mesmerising. Songs such as ‘Parmo’ and ‘Fuck You, Not Me’ show how seriously they don’t take themselves and with every song played you’re wondering: 1. if it’s actually going to finish or end up in complete chaos; 2. whether or not they’re actually just making it all up as they go along (a real set-list proves otherwise) and 3. whether they prefer fighting each other and rolling around on the stage to playing music. Fantastic fun, hugely enjoyable and arguably what a music industry that is so often up it’s own rear end needs at times.
Unfortunately I can’t stay to the end and dash back to the Townhouse for Gans and their brutal onslaught of superb garage rock n roll. A huge noise held together with massive beats and rumbling bass riffs. It’s a frantic, throbbing, crunching sound that sees the day’s first mosh pit developing. Hard to believe Gans are a duo. Shared vocals, electronic sounds, loud and packed full of energy Gans are a real highlight of the day. As are Christian Music who tear the Student Union Terrace apart with their incredible, non-stop, manic paced punk rock noise assault. It’s heavy and it pummels your very soul. Brilliant.
Town Hall Crypt is packed out for the joyous return of Be Quiet. Shout Loud! Over four years since they last took to a stage, their return is a triumph. With glitter, confetti canons, pomp, glam and their perfect blend of glam and powerful pop. In front of a crowd full of dedicated fans their 35 minute set sees a room full of smiling faces simply appreciating the tunes coming from the stage.
Sadly Irked (another ‘must see’) couldn’t play their Townhouse slot but replacement Straight Girl doesn’t disappoint. Bouncing electronica, occasionally with a dark industrial undertow, always with huge dance-beats Straight Girl’s energy is infectious. They bounce around the stage, they’re in the crowd and they sing “I’m going to fuck you up” straight into the face of those at the front.
After a break for food, coffee and a sit down, a wander round allowed me to catch a few minutes of Baby Said before Norway’s Pom Poko give us another highlight of the day. Hard to catagorise them – experimental, garage, post punk, complex pop. Whatever, they rock the place. Brilliant musicianship (they were taught at one of Norway’s top places), a band that gels together perfectly and, in singer Ragnhild, someone for whom performing on stage is clearly a joyful experience. She literally bounces around, a huge smile almost permanently across her face. They do quieter numbers but it’s the noise of songs such as opener ‘Growing Story’, ‘My Blood’ and ‘Crazy Energy Night’ as well as the frenetic energy of ‘Go’ that leave the biggest impression.
Belfast trio Chalk close Twisterella with my set of the day. A flawless blend of relentless noise, guitar, keyboard, drums and vocals that switch between yelling, screaming and singing. Underneath it all a hypnotic beat refuses to let you go. Vocalist Ross Cullen says nothing between songs. Hood up, microphone gripped he prowls the stage seemingly lost in his own space. Chalk are not an easy listen. Their soundscape is challenging, savage and completely captivating. You can feel their music. It literally jolts through you, the perfect punch to end the day.
Twisterella did it again. A brilliant day with quality bands. Easy to get around, first rate organisation, incredible value for money and an atmosphere buzzing with appreciation for what has been given. Roll on the next 10 years.
Photos/words: Steve White
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