ESTRONS / HOMES / WASTERS | LIVE REVIEW
The Moon Club, Cardiff, Thurs 3 Dec
Cardiff’s live music scene continues to experience exponential growth and whilst it’s by no means the only place to see quality Welsh music, it’s arguably one of the most exciting. Other communities may have to wait for the weekend to satiate their appetite for a good gig but Cardiff has something on offer almost every night.
Last Thursday was a fine example of this as well as a markedly special occasion: the launch of a new single from the hotly tipped alt-rock four-piece Estrons. Make A Man has been making the rounds across radio and press for weeks, ahead of their new EP released on Fri 11 Dec, and with this unfaltering momentum, the group is sure to dominate the ears of the UK populace well into the new year.
Joining them were Wasters in what was sadly revealed to be their very last public appearance. Though they announced that they were parting ways, their onstage chemistry suggested they had never been a closer knit band. This came across well in their performance; a memorable blast of enthusiastic indie-punk. It’s a shame then that we won’t be hearing more from them but they will certainly be recalled fondly.
Following on and continuing the hyper atmospherics were another Cardiff band, Homes, who came together last year with the intention of creating unique and unconventional rock’n’roll. In my verdict they’ve succeeded. Being the first time I’ve witnessed their live set, I can affirm that it is a myriad of influences (indie, country, blues, hard rock, pop et al) compounded skilfully into one focused and engaging sound. They bounce, they fly and they stir with effortless zeal and spirit.
Lastly came the main event. At this point a tangible hysteria was brooding in the room before it was swiftly vanquished by the opening chords of the first song. Estrons are a unified and fearsome force in music. Having reviewed and already professed my enthusiasm for their upcoming EP I was ecstatic to hear it live in all its unmitigated glory. The captivating highs and lows of their impeccably crafted, simple and raw songs are a joy to behold. Having easily filled the room and more (and it was a school night) it was clear that no one wanted to miss this.
It’ll be interesting to see what the future holds for all three of these bands (possibly in a different format for Wasters), as this event has proven their shrewd capability and professionalism. I can only surmise that this is just the beginning.
words CHARLIE PIERCEY
