Forceful rockers TIGERCUB captivate in confident Welsh capital gig

Tonight’s show at Clwb Ifor Bach is sold out, owing to Brighton band Tigercub having amassed a dedicated following in recent years. Their combination of gigantic blues-laden riffs with experimentation and melancholic lyricism shows they are capable of becoming increasingly significant. Witnessing their performance, it’s easy to see why so many in this crowd adore them. The songs speak for themselves, each proving incredibly anthemic and memorable while being performed with the passion and precision of a band who seem to know that they’ve stumbled on to something unique, whilst still honing their craft. 

Bad Nerves are a ferocious and powerful support band. Their high-tempo take on rock’n’roll works to energise the audience, who seem instantly stimulated by their frenetic stage presence and knack for memorable hooks. Irrespective of the Essex group’s newcomer status, many of the crowd members I spoke to felt inspired to listen to them in future – showing the importance of always turning up in time for the opening act.

Tigercub gets off to something of an uncertain start, much of their melody drowned out by layers of reverb. Still, they seem unfazed, and the issue is resolved by the end of the first song. This band are not necessarily one for confident crowd participation. That said, songs such as the instantly captivating Stop Beating On My Heart (Like A Bass Drum) or the bombastic closer of Beauty, featuring impressive guitar improvisations from frontman Jamie Hall, ensure the crowd’s attention is utterly captivated from start to finish. Indeed, venues as small as this lend to more informal interactions with the audience as Hall jokingly asks for critical feedback after one audience member loudly remarks on how impressed they are. 

That attendee’s sentiments are shared: for every moment of this set, there’s a sensation that Tigercub will soon be playing to larger audiences than this, as more people turn their heads and pay attention to their forceful yet intriguing take on modern rock. 

Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff, Fri 10 Dec

words ALEX SWIFT