WORDS AND IMAGES KEIRAN ANDREWS
The Malakites are taking their debut album on the road, kicking things off in their hometown of Cardiff at Clwb Ifor Bach. After making a name for themselves at festivals such as Shine On, they are ready to embark on the next chapter of their journey.
Fans braving the cold while queuing at the front spoke excitedly about the band. Some of them, like Meg and Cassie, last saw The Malakites perform at Bristol’s Crofters Rights, having made the journey by train from Cardiff. They expressed their love for local indie bands, highlighting the strong community support behind the group.
First to open the night are The Rogues. Performing as a three-piece tonight, they showcase an acoustic-led set, with a solo electric guitar filling in the gaps beautifully. Typically a five-piece band, they’ve slimmed down for the evening but still manage to deliver a compelling performance. Hailing from Newport, Wales, their set is a fantastic start to the night, with plenty of crowd support behind their homegrown talent.
Next up are Ratoon, a band from Merthyr, formed during the COVID era when extra time at home allowed them to hone their music. They aim to carry on the legacy of the Welsh Valleys’ rock scene.
Ratoon Band Members:
Jack Garrett (Lead Singer & Rhythm Guitar)
Sam Davies (Lead Guitar)
Matti Huxtable (Bass)
Eifion Davies (Drums)
This four-piece alternative rock band quickly kicks things up a notch. Their powerful drumming and aggressive rhythm guitar electrify the room. For a band that’s only been around for about two years, Ratoon deliver an unbelievable set. They leave the stage to roaring applause, undoubtedly making a mark on the local music scene.
Finally, the headliners, The Malakites, take the stage.
The Malakites Band Members:
Jacob Webber (Vocals/Guitar)
Thibault Segrott (Vocals/Guitar)
Daniel Rizzo (Bass)
Ashley Smith (Drums)
The room is packed, and the moment the band walks on stage, the crowd erupts in cheers, setting a high-energy vibe for the rest of the night. They kick things off with the infectious “Get Out,” encouraging the crowd to sing along. As the music flows, the crowd gradually pushes forward, eager to catch every guitar solo and feel the emotion pouring out from the stage.
The Malakites also treat fans to some unreleased tracks, like “California,” which garners a particularly strong reaction. As they move into the final part of their set, they play four more familiar songs, each one available on streaming platforms. The crowd sings, dances, and jumps to every beat, completely immersed in the experience.
As the band leaves the stage, Jacob remains for a special solo performance of “Would I Lie to You,” an intimate song that resonates with the crowd, making it feel as though he’s singing directly to them. It’s a touching moment before the band cranks the energy back up, launching into “Lucy,” complete with an epic guitar solo that floods the room.
The night ends with fans swarming the band to express their gratitude, clearly moved by an unforgettable evening.
Setlist:
1/Intro
2/ Get Out
3/ Roses on the Dancefloor
4/ Everything
5/ Looking at Me
6/ California
7/ Forgotten
8/ Only Sometimes
9/ Why Would I Lie
10/ Lucy
11/ Morning After
FOLLOW THE MALAKITES
FOLLOW RATOON
My life is a soundtrack, i track my life through music, photography is my passion, my escape, my expression. Without both i have pieces missing, thankfully i’m blessed and get to combine both.
Born in Manchester, lived in Australia for 22 years where i was heavily involved in the Australian Music Industry, firstly in bands (Singer) and then managing bands (all original), I moved back to the UK, Wales specifically 10 years ago
