Vukovi have been working hard in the music industry for fifteen or so years, but if feels like their time has finally come with 2022’s ‘Nula’ and now January’s release ‘My God Has Got a Gun’. Their live shows have always been stunningly dynamic and enthusiastic, and they have an ever better array of slamming tracks to deliver on the bigger stages as headliners now.

Artio start of proceedings at this early start Saturday night gig. They’re an alt-rock band from Leeds, and they certainly don’t lack confidence. Bounding about the stage they look like an art project and sound like an array of bands from As Everything Unfolds to local crew Dakara. I can see how they fit with Vukovi on the bill, and there are clearly some in the crowd who know their material well. Notably it’s a setup of two guitarists, no bass, and hefty support from the backing track. It does make for an at times peculiar balance in sound and style. The drums are an integral part of their live sound tonight and it’s there that the power and definition actually sit, because despite that energetic drumming, the overall sound lacks power.

The guitars struggle to achieve clarity and definition, and the lead vocals from Rae Brazill feel thin and a tad too stage-school in style. Interestingly, the guitarists’ vocals (one clean and one harsh) appear much more dynamic than Rae’s...especially when at times there’s an unpleasant siren effect added to the latter. However, their second-to-last song ‘Product of My Own Design’ breaks the mould, featuring intricate and heavy guitar work that stands out as a highlight. Unfortunately, the vocals remain unimpressive. With so much hair and energy going on across the stage, the band certainly has a striking aesthetic, even if the music doesn't always hit the mark.

Unpeople are a London-based band featuring ex-Press to MECO members Jake Crawford, on lead vocals and guitar, and Luke Caley, on the other guitar, throwing out some deliciously killer riffs. It’s an eclectic mix of genres and influences, but comes together to form something genuinely special and joyous. From the off the performance is full of infectious energy, with Jake delivering plenty of high kicks and pulling wild facial expressions throughout the set. There’s a blend of dirty, evil rock and roll with a grungy edge to their sound creating a vibe reminiscent of Blood Command and Terrorvision. Fans of Weezer and Bis will also find plenty to love here too, with chunky riffs seamlessly interwoven with catchy, fun choruses. Richard Rayner is the smiling assassin on drums, and while Em Lodge of Delaire the Liar only formally joined on bass a month or so ago, she seems to have effortlessly slid into the band. Her vocals fit perfectly with the rest of the band, and their gang vocals on many of the choruses are a standout aspect of both the sound and style. It’s a key element of their dynamic sound. The band's stage presence is electric, and they take audience engagement to the next level. As if to prove this, for the finale Luke makes his way straight into the mosh pit to play his last riffs…and ends up playing on someone’s shoulders, bringing their set to an unforgettable close.

The crowd explodes with excitement as soon as Vukovi take to the stage, and in return they put on an electrifying live performance from start to finish. They start with guitarist Hamish Reilly, sporting his trademark headband, and touring drummer Martin Sharples-Johnston unleashing ‘My Life and My Trauma’ to intense strobe lighting aligning with the gnawingly heavy guitar riffs. It’s an immediately intense and immense energy that hits an even higher level as singer Janine Shilstone takes to the stage in her flamboyant see-thru red catsuit with flowing scarves from the sleeves.

All three live members strike a great balance, keeping backing tracks to a bare minimum and letting their raw talent shine. As always with Vukovi their energy is wild and infectious. Janine is a stunningly good performer – not just the voice and dancing, but the interaction with the crowd, her vulnerability in delivering the lyrics, and the character and humour she shows. At one point, she even mistakes her bottle of Buckfast for the microphone! Her voice is strong, soulful, and commanding, and she moves across the stage with confidence, dancing and bounding seductively.

With an ever-growing and varied catalogue, the set feels fresh and exciting. The band clearly has fun on stage throughout, feeding off the audience’s energy. Their sound remains heavy yet well-balanced, featuring a mash-up of crashing metal riffs into an ‘80s-inspired guitar tone that occasionally echoes the style of Duran Duran. Rae from Artio and Em from Unpeople both make guest appearances on vocals, but it’s when Unpeople’s Jake steps up to do some stompy harsh vocals on ‘My God Has Got A Gun’ that we have that magic moment. The set culminates in Janine crowd-surfing at the end of ‘La Di Da’. Vukovi continue to prove why their live shows are so thrilling—passionate, intense, and absolutely unforgettable.