Howay man! AN evening of Geordie Delight and soggy pants awaits…
In the heart of Highbury, there’s a tangible buzz of anticipatory excitement, mixed with the relentless driving rain. It seems the rain is the only thing driving with purpose, especially considering the standstill traffic due to those ever-irritating temporary lights on Holloway Road. But there’s a silver lining – we’re quickly ushered inside The Garage, ‘gawd bless you, security,’ escaping the downpour and being greeted with warmth, a stark contrast to our soggy surroundings.
Tough Cookie, first band on tonight, are unknown to us- and possibly to you too. Formed just a few months ago; the members, Will, Jess, Dan and Gav-their set, a guitar-driven, beautiful melodic shoegaze of an event, which hypnotised the early 20’s audience from the first chords strummed.
Nirvana–like melodies with Doors-like interludes prove very enjoyable"
There are slower, contemplative sections interspersed with frenetic, energy-filled slides, swoops, whoop de doops, frenzied playing, intense drumming and harmonised singing from all members. Impressive lead and bass solos are supported by driving rhythm on drums; Nirvana–like melodies with Doors-like interludes prove very enjoyable and soon there is a buzz to the slowly-filling Garage.
Next on are Berries. Yes, Berries again! We at First Three Magazine have witnessed their live performances several times now, and we weren’t really sure if there would be anything more to say, or indeed if they had anything more to show. However, their trademark energy pulsated through the crowd as they once more presented an engaging and forceful set of blistering, fierce, punchy yet melodic songs. This evening, they turned it up to 11. ‘They’re back with a bite,’ commented a fan next to us in the front, who had seen them three months ago supporting Sleeper. Berries – Holly (lead guitar-and-vocals), Lauren (bass guitar-and-vocals), and drummer Lexi – embody their ever-present triangular properties of stability, strength, and zero dimension, such is their intensity, control, and connection.
The vocals are the cherry on top; Holly’s voice sounds the best it has ever been"
Tight, accomplished, and confident, their sound has an extra quality to it this evening, which we are going to describe simply as conviction. Holly starts with a catchy riff and strong intro vocal, with the pace building through each song, from ‘Wild Vow’ to ‘World of Noise.’ Lexi’s heavily syncopated driving beats are the perfect base for Holly’s convincing lead riffs and hooks and Lauren’s comprehensively flawless bass playing. The vocals are the cherry on top; Holly’s voice sounds the best it has ever been. A triplet-based beat, a well-loved feature of the Berries sound, is present throughout ‘Copy’ and ‘Grow,’ which both feature soaring, electrifying guitar solos, a fuzzy, ardent, repetitive bassline combined with driving drums. As the band launches into ‘We are Machines,’ twitchy, tense vocals accompany the fast and furious riffs and beat, this song sounding angrier, electrified, effortlessly fluid. After the impressively delivered ‘Control,’ there is a quick tune-up before the finale ‘Spirals’; the dynamic contrast wows the much fuller and certainly appreciative crowd.
We are aware that the Berries are smiling more than ever during this performance – and so are we. The confidence, the authority on stage (previously perhaps a touch more tentative) is now very much present. The Berries know they are good. Really good. Even… dare we say… outstanding?
Suddenly, The Garage has become a lot busier; this band hails from Newcastle, and Geordie accents fill the air. In the audience, there are also a few fervent fans from Germany. They don’t speak English, but their adoration for this seemingly Farrow and Ball named band is evident from their intense facial expressions and expansive body language—arms are outstretched, torsos are leaned forward. These guys are eager for some Pale White.
The Pale White is a three-piece indie rock band, consisting of brothers Adam (Lead Vocals, Guitar), Jack Hope (Drums), and their long-time friend Tom Booth (Bass). Attention on these three has been rapidly growing for their signature melodic guitar playing, emphatic rhythm section, and hugely entertaining live shows. We know we are in for an out-of-this-world experience.
Jack, manning the drums, is nothing short of a rhythmic beast"
With a call out, ‘Are we ready?’ Adam launches into the first song, ‘How Far Can You Push a Man?’ It’s an intensely wild and whiplashed affair that sets high expectations for the evening. An impressively long set follows (21 songs in total), each one building on the success of the last, creating a whirlwind of sound, a tornado of emotion, and forging a tribe of committed worshippers. Adam beckons to the crowd in a confrontation, ‘Come on…the silence divides us,’ and there are shouts of ‘Rock ‘n’ roll’ and utterances of assent—’Yeah!’
‘Downer’, the third track, kicks off with a deceptively serene lyrical melody, lulling the crowd into a false sense of tranquility. But then, after a suspenseful pause… it erupts. A fierce, relentless triplet beat and a driving bass line explode into the air, jolting the energy levels through the roof. ‘Panic Attack’ follows, oozing with a raw, classic rock vibe. Adam and Jack are in their element, forging an electric connection with the crowd. And Jack, manning the drums, is nothing short of a rhythmic beast. His relentless pursuit of perfection is a sight to behold—his hands a mesmerizing blur, hammering the skins with a precision that’s both savage and sublime. Fast? No, he’s lightning-fast, a whirlwind of beats that leaves the crowd breathless and begging for more.
..an electrifying cocktail of raw passion and gritty edge"
The lyrics to the songs tonight are typically relatable—anger, the anger that surely everyone has felt of being conflicted with yourself, angry at yourself for not being able to make a decision, or knowing something’s wrong even though it feels right. That cognitive dissonance is so universal in its hold on us human beings.
Among the stunningly vast set, ‘Infinite Pleasure’ emerges as the clear standout. The fans, already dialed into every note, sing back with an intensity that borders on fanaticism. Their raucous applause is a thunderous echo of the band’s raw, creative power. Tonight’s show by The Pale White wasn’t just some bland blend of Magnolia and Elephant’s Breath—it was an electrifying cocktail of raw passion and gritty edge. A fusion of classic and alternative rock, spiked with a dose of Geordie grunge. This was more than a performance; it was a roaring testament to their undeniable prowess. A Tyneside triumph!
Tough Cookie and Berries supported The Pale White at The Garage – Dec 8th 2023
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