Arriving late (I know there is a theme emerging) I only caught the end of The Throwaway Scene. The venue is quite empty, but it is early, and it has been a surreal day after the announcement of the death of Queen Elizabeth yesterday. This trio are rock/ emo comprising a rather smartly dressed singer, a bassist, and drummer. Having no guitarist is weird, so we get a stripped back sound, but it works; a mix of clear, angsty but energetically delivered vocals with a heavy accompaniment. They have recently added the video for ‘Conscience Alley’ to YouTube, so give them a listen. 

Next up is something completely unexpected and I have to say I am taken aback. VLMV are a London-based ambient post-punk ambient outfit… I think. Although a mixture of ages here tonight, it appears to be predominantly a younger crowd (with the room filling up a bit now), who also seem to be a little unsure about what is unravelling. It is a strange departure from what came before (and what is to come next), but it is absolutely stunning. T\’here are Mountains Underneath Us’ is a highlight for me but throughout we get hauntingly beautiful lyrics, ethereal backing track and one man alternating between a guitar and a keyboard. There is a Thom Yorke vibe as the vocals wash over me and I am transfixed. There is not much in the way of dialogue from this softly spoken musician, but the performance speaks for itself, it is atmospheric, sombre and I am intrigued to hear more. By the final song, the volume is building to a crescendo and I am perplexed by what he is holding until I realise it is a screwdriver, which is soon deployed to play his guitar. People talking in the audience is momentarily distracting but as the song draws to a close, he lays his guitar down on the floor and continues to play. It is slow and steady, very different to what you would usually witness at Academy 3, but I would still urge you to check it out.

During the interval Ryan, our photographer and I get talking about gigs of yesteryear following the recent Taylor Hawkins Tribute event. I was talking about seeing Foo Fighters for the first time and he mentioned seeing Linkin Park at Download when they did “Hybrid Theory” in full. Then he tells me he was six when the album came out!!! I was considerably older than that… but then again with age comes experience and I did see Foo Fighters at Academy 1 in 1999, and Linkin Park at Ozzfest 2001. So, it is all good. 

Our chat is brought to a halt by the arrival of Lonely the Brave who appear to loud applause and get straight into ‘Keeper’ from the latest album “The Hope List”. Now the place is about two-thirds full and down by the stage is much busier. This alternative rock band hail from Cambridge and were formed in 2008. This comes as a surprise as I think I only heard of them in 2020. They have four studio albums under their belt and seven EPs. Similarities to Biffy Clyro seem the best way to describe them but I think I actually prefer these guys, who are Jack Bennett (vocals), Mark Trotter (lead guitar), Gavin Edgeley (drums), Andrew Bushnen (bass), and Ross Smithwick (rhythm guitar). 

This is only their second date on this tour, which was originally planned for 2019. Jack seems to be having problems with his earpiece during the first song and throughout. I think he quickly realised having the volume control in his dungarees pocket was not the best idea, bless him. He seems nervous but says they have not really rehearsed and by the time they get a few more songs in they are really hitting their stride. I do not recognise any of the songs yet, but I like what I hear, and they obviously have a strong following as there is much singing along and an infectious enthusiasm among the crowd. 

Next up is a vaguely familiar song ‘Trick of the Light’ off the debut album “The Day’s War” from 2014. It is well received and a great sight to see so many young people enjoying this performance, making me nostalgic once again. My first gig was at the tender age of thirteen at Manchester Boardwalk (yes, I am old, we already established that) and Academy 3 always reminds me of the intimacy of that venue and how awe-inspiring it is to get so close to the band (and have the chance to meet them after). At one point Jack asks the audience “who is here to judge me” and for a minute I think nothing of it, but then remember that is ME. Thirteen-year-old me would be super proud! 

The band cite their influences as Bruce Springsteen, Pearl Jam and Deftones but I think there is definitely a melodic Audioslave vibe to the guitars. The next song is the one I instantly recognise ‘Bound’ from 2020, which is followed by another familiar track ‘Open Door’. They continue on before Jack remembers to introduce the band and then they introduce a song they say everyone will know ‘The Blue, the Green’, again off the debut album. I do not know it but as they get into the song, people are rushing about, and someone enters the stage to speak to Jack. He interrupts the song to say someone in the crowd has passed out and stops while they check they are okay. Luckily, they are, and they start again, much to everyone’s delight. 

The encore includes new song ‘Only You Say it’, taken from the latest album and described as a celebration of new music and finally being able to perform it live.

“Passion lingers at my fingertips 
Just tell me all your favourite hiding places
Bury me in something oh-so-cool
They call me chaos, I, I the fool
But only you say it”

While some may say the music follows a tried and tested formula, I do not see a negative in that. The lyrics are full of melancholy and meaning, but without cliché. The last song of the night ‘Black Saucers’ from the first album is much heavier and I dare say slightly reminiscent of The Cure, with its atmospheric tones. To my mind the best thing about them is simply this… while so many bands out there are doing the screamy thing (or even worse… alternating screamy with non-screamy) with rock guitars, these guys avoid all of that and tonight they show us what they are made of. 

The tour continues throughout this month across the UK.