Four young men are sat around, waiting for their headline set at Barnsley’s premier Indie Nightclub, Lucorum. They’re all smiles, and quite happy to be kept waiting for their set.
‘It’s not our first gig,’ bassist, Tom, informs. ‘So it’s not like we have first night nerves or anything.’ Indeed, it is not the first gig for The Northern Swagger, but it is only their second as a band. Drummer, Marc and lead singer Matt, used to be in a band with Tom, and will treat us later on to a song from their previous incarnation. New member, guitarist Dave, does look somewhat nervous.
‘Things didn’t work out for us with the last band, the sound wasn’t quite right, and we had some other issues. Matty called Dave, and as a guitarist, he’s got Swagger!’ Marc informs, grinning from ear to ear.
So, it’s a totally different sound from your last band then?
‘Oh, yeah, totally. It’s fuller, somewhat heavier. Not so punky.’
Finally, the band come onto stage, at around midnight, which is a shame, as most people have by now, left. They start with The Crazy Gang, a fairly thumping Oasis-esque floor filler. They easily progress into the next tune, Fairy Tales, before asking the remaining audience triumphantly ; ‘Who’s Got Swagger?’ This announced their third song for the night.
Unfortunately, the sound wasn’t quite right, and nothing could be heard of Matt’s vocals, or Dave’s lead guitar. The songs, however, sounded melodic, drawing influences from Oasis circa ’96 and Kasabian. Thumping Stone Roses style bass lines, and a slight Muse feel to the drum riffs rounded off their sound.
The band finished their 7 song set with Cast Your Problems, the sole survivor from the bands previous incarnation, before the encore Me and My Friends.
All in all, a good night, even if the band were on late, and there were issues with the sound. Who’s got swagger? You boys, I do believe.
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