THIS FEELING | LIVE REVIEW
The Moon, Cardiff, Thurs 3 Feb
The fairy lights taped to the guitars are switched on as indie-pop trio Hunter From Fremonte [above] take to the small stage of The Moon. “All you people sat down, get up and dance!” frontman JJ Gagg says, encouraging the small but captive audience to get involved. Songs from the set include Polaroid and Wolf, the vocalist dedicating the latter to a friend; support amongst bands is shown when a guitar is lent to Gagg when his own instrument suffers a broken string. At the end of the set, a decorative flower is thrown out into the crowd, the trio leaving their mark.
Next up are The Scruff [above], a Bedford-based group who bring vigour, passion and a different sound to Hunter From Fremonte. Frontman and guitarist Adam James Urwin shows such character in his performance, with an array of intriguing gestures, body language and interactions with the audience (“Did you know clapping reduces the chances of getting arthritis?”). Most recent single Her, a Radio 1 Introducing track of the week, is introduced thus: “This song is about losing your mum, for anyone that’s lost someone special to them.” White Flag ends the set on a high, Urwin urging, “I know it’ a Thursday, but let’s pretend it’s Friday – get a little bit lively!”
By the time The Rotanas [above] make their This Feeling debut, The Moon is full. Despite a snag to the set first song in, guitarist James Wilson makes it up to the crowd with a sincere apology and soon, all is forgotten. The Cardiff band tease new song, Tell Me A Lie and reveal it is the second time they’ve played it live. Joint vocal support comes from Wilson and bassist Aled Owen, while confident frontman Harry Watton looks the part in his shades; Dave Lewis while out of view on drums, smashes the set. The set ends on huge anthem Fuel For The Youth, and “Rotanas, Rotanas, Rotanas!” chants ring through the venue.
Birmingham headline act The Surrenders prove they’re worthy of their prime slot with a nonstop set full of passion and energy. Their sound, so different from the other acts of the night, highlights their individuality as a rhythm & blues band – an underappreciated genre in the contemporary guitar scene. Take Pursuit Of Love, where Connor Brooks taps away with his tambourine as his strong, raspy vocals blast through the venue. Brooks uses the small stage space as much as he can, often leaning into the crowd or joining them for a boogie – his braids whipping away with each movement, whilst the three left on stage hold the tune and do it spectacularly.
“If that’s not rock’n’roll, I don’t know what is!” Brooks exclaims as he signs a poster for a fan. The perfect act to end the night, The Surrenders are an experience for sure, and one that should be witnessed by all.
words and photos AMY FARRER