WORDS AND IMAGES BILLY SEAGRAVE
Two Door Cinema Club have gained a loyal fanbase and is regarded as one of the prominent indie rock bands of the last 10 years. Coming from Northern Ireland, they came to prominence with their debut album, “Tourist History,” released in 2010.
The Rainy City has had its fair share of rain today, and as the fans begin to filter into the arena, there are blue skies are beginning to break through, just in time for the first act, The Royston Club, judging by the reaction from the crowd they seem to have brought a lot of fans with them.
The Royston Club are a four-piece indie band from Wrexham, North Wales consisting of Tom Faithfull (lead vocals and rhythm guitar), Ben Matthias (lead guitar and main songwriter), Dave Tute (bass) and Sam Jones (drums). They describe themselves as singalong easy Indie, and to be honest that does nail it. kicking off with “The Deep End”, they waste no time whipping up the crowd, the band is a tight expressive unit and Tom is a great frontman completely at home at the front of the stage, “Blisters” and “I Am A Liar”, really showcase what the band is all about, they finish with an extended version of, “Mariana”. The Royston Club has won more fans tonight, I’m sure these guys will be popping up all over the summer festivals catch them if you can.
Set List.
1/ The Deep End
2/ Shallow Tragedy
3/ Believe It or Not
4/ Mrs Narcissistic
5/ Blisters
6/ 52
7/ I’m A Liar
8/ Mariana
Next up is Sundara Karma an indie rock band from Reading the band consists of lead vocalist, guitarist and songwriter Oscar Pollock, lead guitarist Ally Baty, bassist Dom Cordell and drummer Haydn Evans. The band’s name is derived from Sanskrit words, meaning “Beautiful Karma”
The band’s star was shinning so brightly a few years back but they seemed to have gone very quiet over the last 12 months, so its been a while since I last saw them perform, but they are back with a new single a slight image change and a lot of new music to share with everyone, which is very exciting as they are one of those bands that have never been afraid to develop and try a new direction, helping them evolve and stay fresh.
After a little problem with the drummers set up the band launched into “Explore”, its a lively opener, and they flow straight into their new single, “Friends Of Mine”, getting its live debut, it sounds very exciting, if this new single is anything to go by, the band won’t be very quiet for much longer. Sundara Karma’s sound is anthemic, blending elements of indie rock, alternative rock, and pop. Full of catchy melodies, intricate guitar work, and introspective lyrics. You can hear Influences from bands like Arcade Fire, The Smiths, and U2 in their music. Finishing the set with “She Said”, I have to say it is great seeing the band back on the stage playing new music.
Set List.
1/ Explore
2/ A Young Understanding
3/ Loveblood
4/ Friends of Mine
5/ Flame
6/ Kill Me
7/ Greenhands
8/ Baby Blue
9/ She Said
It feels like Manchester is up for a party tonight, as they welcome indie favourites Two Door Cinema Club, to the stage, they are one of those bands that enjoy a cult following, so they are given a reception, that sounded like a band walking onto a hometown gig. They kick off with “This Is The Life” followed by “I Can Talk” and “Are We Ready”? The party is in full party mode now as lead singer Alex introduces their new song “Wonderful Life”. and the crowd already seem to know the words and it’s almost impossible to hear Alex as the sing-along is so loud.
Two Door Cinema Club’s set is full of energy they blend indie rock with elements of pop and dance music full of infectious melodies, and upbeat rhythms, there is a beautiful mix and balance of guitars and synthesizers, “Cigarettes In The Theatre” and “Sun”, make way for the classic crowd favourite” Sleep Alone”, Alex thanks the crowd as they launch into their closing number, “Something Good Can and what a show the band have put on tonight
And that’s a wrap for this year’s brilliant Sounds of the City, as always it has delivered again and long may it continue. As I watch the fans disperse into the night, the rain returns, something we are used to here in Manchester
Set List.
1/ This Is the Life
2/ I Can Talk
3/ Are We Ready? (Wreck)
4/ Undercover Martyn
5/ Eat That Up, It’s Good for You
6/ Wonderful Life
7/ Come Back Home
8/ Talk
9/ Changing of the Seasons
10/ Next Year
11/ Do You Want It All?
12/ Lucky
13/ What You Know
14/ Costume Party
15/ Someday
16/ Cigarettes in the Theatre
17/ Sun
18/ Sleep Alone
19/ Something Good Can Work
FOLLOW TWO DOOR CINEMA CLUB
FOLLOW SUNDARA KARMA
FOLLOW THE ROYSTON CLUB
