CAROLINES | LIVE REVIEW
The Big Top, Cardiff, Fri 19 Jan
As people fill up the cosy upstairs room of 10 Feet Tall, The Big Top gets the party started with Hunter From Fremonte, whose laidback indiepop sound has an eclectic, stand-out style that screams nothing but fun. Next up is Fire Fences, who bring a rockier vibe – the two a great mix to prepare the crowd for Cardiff-based indie rock band, Carolines. Three examples of new Welsh talent worth highlighting.
As Carolines take their spot on stage, frontman Ashley Kidd’s stage presence is undeniable. Whilst the lighting changes according to song mood, the passion remains; the stage is small, yet the reception of the band is not, people squeezing in to The Big Top to secure a good spot. The boys’ family members gather front of stage, modelling brand new Carolines t-shirts, and are rewarded with selections from their four EPs to date: 18, The Window, Jealous and Blow The Gasket, amongst other material (a cover of The Strokes’ Someday goes down a treat). Singalongs prevail throughout, signature number Caroline forging a special connection – its mellow, rock-ballad style indicating that Carolines may have a wide appeal indeed.
The promise of popcorn from the venue’s own machine may have been broken, but all was not lost as Kidd gifted the crowd with last-minute shop-bought popcorn. It’s promptly thrown back at him and settles in his hair: “Well, that shower was pointless!” Confetti-filled balloons pop above the audience’s heads, and the Arctic Monkeys-esque Blow The Gasket ends the show with a bang – literally, as Tyler Vaughan and Mitchell Dare let off confetti canons into the crowd. With Kidd proclaiming, “Afterparty at my house, bring your own booze!” it seemed the night would never end.
The band used the night to celebrate their success over the past year, sharing their joy with friends, family and fans. But this only represents the beginning for Carolines. Watch this space.
words and photos AMY FARRER