The Plug in Sheffield was treated to a phenomenal show on Thursday evening as Birmingham band JAWS brought the house down with their unique brand of indie-pop, playing to a what was certainly a lively, youthful crowd.
Taking in all parts of the UK on what could prove to be the final tour of their 2016 second album ‘Simplicity’, the Digbeth lads had the crowd eating out of their hand throughout as they led their audience through a 90 minute set of singles and album tracks, old songs and new, slow songs and songs leading to a room-wide mosh pit – the set quite literally had it all!
The main support were Yorkshire band Marsicans, who further displayed their credentials as one-to-watch for the future. Having been fortunate enough to watch and speak to them at their show supporting Clean Cut Kid last month, it was clear they were not a group lacking in ambition, and this support slot served as another step up. Playing to a room already over half-full, songs such as ‘Friends’ and ‘Too Good’ – my personal highlight – showed signs that Marsicans are a band on the rise and, whenever their first album is released it will be one that will be worth a listen! Keep an eye on any shows announced – they’re taking in Manchester, Leeds and Birmingham on their 2018 tour as it sounds, but we at The Mic will keep you updated on any Nottingham dates!
If Marsicans were a band showing promise, however, JAWS seemed to be the music industry’s best kept secret. Well-polished, fluent but, above anything else, mad!
Opening with ‘Surround You’, songs which on record appear mellow took on an entirely different tone, with the swaying crowd responding to every song with immense energy and noise – much of the vocals from Connor Schofield almost drowned out by a fanbase which had clearly come for a party! ‘Cast’ and the usually slow ‘Think Too Much, Feel Too Little’ led to very similar, as the gig showed no signs of slowing.
The lads were relentless. ‘Stay In’ was emphatic, ‘17’, recently accompanied by a new music video, was outstanding, and the anthemic ‘What We Haven’t Got Yet’ was perhaps the highlight of the evening. Schofield’s vocals were on particularly brilliant form, leading the crowd seemingly effortlessly through what he described as the ‘best date on the tour’.
Closing the main set with ‘Be Slowly’, the crowd had hit fever pitch, and the band returned for a three song encore including early single ‘Toucan Surf’, 2016’s ‘Right In Front Of Me’ and, as usual, crowd favourite ‘Gold’ to close the show.
JAWS may never play stadiums, may never top the charts, and may never get mainstream media coverage. However, this will not be through lack of talent or through a lack of energy in their live performances. They remain one of the indie music scene’s biggest hidden talents, and next time round – whenever that may be – they are one to watch for sure. Watch this space for new music in 2018!
Comments