As we move towards autumn and the nights draw in, we all need a bit of uplifting, and on a crisp October Friday evening, London indie four-piece Sea Girls bring the vibes to Cardiff’s Tramshed. Walking one-by-one into the pure white beams of a backlit stage, they’re each greeted with adoration, but the loudest roar is reserved for the final arrival, Henry Camamile.

The Sea Girls vocalist blends an incredibly energetic stage presence with a calm, grounded nature, reassuring the crowd that we’re in the secure hands of a true frontman. Camamile’s raspy rock tone is a pleasure to hear live, while Rory Young’s intricate guitar work is amplified by his infectious energy and beaming smile throughout the set. The band’s sound was crystal clear, from Oli Khan’s driving beats to Andrew Dawson’s rhythmic basslines.

Sea Girls’ ability to seamlessly transition between explosive anthems and subtler, more emotionally charged moments showcases their musical versatility. The audience doesn’t miss one lyric, reflecting the band’s energy – Camamile and go give everything, and the crowd match it to create an electric atmosphere. Something noticeable about Sea Girls’ fans is their community spirit: a large number of the sold-out crowd making new friends, united by the love they have for the band and their music. 

Towards the end of their set, the band are joined onstage by tour support Daydreamers for Does Only God Know That We’re Lonely? An impossible-to-ignore chant for an encore is heeded in the form of three more songs, kicking off with their cover of Shaboozey’s A Bar Song (Tipsy) followed by Damage Done and finishing with debut album hit All I Wanna Hear You Say. The crowd leave the venue with a palpable joy, high on the experience they have just had.

Sea Girls, Tramshed, Cardiff, Fri 4 Oct

words and photos JOSEPH ELIJAH