'The best club in the UK for future rock & roll stars!' was Noel Gallagher's bold description of ThisFeeling's live music club nights and after a champagne evening of indie guitar bands, it's hard to disagree.
First up are Reading four-piece Mellor. Having checked them out online earlier in the day, they take their positions on the front line with an unexpected three beard pronged attack, lead vocalist Gary's newly stubbled look matching his bandmates on guitar and bass. But enough of the nonsense, Mellor are definitely one to take seriously.
After a steady opener, they launch into 'Safe Word', an absolute banger with its driving bass, mega sized lead riff and super catchy chorus. Next follows 'Bone Idle', another uplifting tune, again with a great chorus and a pulsating bass which gives the mercurial lead axeman license to thrill with his scientific use of leads and effects. A darker intro to the next tune and you get the feeling the bass wants to carry the sound into a heavier zone but it's always wrenched back by the indie guitar and vocals as is the case with the dreamy, melodic 'Arms Length'.
A fine set comes to a rousing and energetic end with the menacing Tri-State Blues. To hear more from Mellor, check out
mellormellormellor.com We move up the country to Birmingham for The Clause who come on looking slick and cool, best epitomised by the stonking white rickenbacker proudly brandished by the lead vocalist. Police sirens precede the opener 'Tokyo', a pumping, brit pop number, very much in the mould of an upbeat Stone Roses with its ryhthmic drum beat, great riffs and a great melody. A stone wall banger!
The two guitars work to great effect again for 'Sixteen', a Catfish type anthem, as the boys exude supreme confidence. I didn't catch the name of the third song but it's a slight change in direction along the lines of their Brummie predecessors, dare I say it..... Duran Duran (although I think everyone's secretly a fan of the wild boys!)
'In the mood for a bit of rock 'n' roll'? the lead vocalist inquires as the band continue to encapsulate a fusion of 80's post punk and 90's britpop before ending on a high with new single 'In My Element' recently released to strong critical acclaim and which will hopefully propel the band to get the record deal they deserve. With its infectious riff and driving beat, it's a real foot stomper which leaves the crowd on a high. Check them out on theclause.co.uk
Just when I thought things couldn't get better..... we go to Manchester for Lyerr who take to the stage somewhat humbly. But on a night of great bands and banging tunes, Lyerr have no intention of being outdone and shoot straight into the high tempo, inspirational 'Taking Over'. Expertly constructed with great harmonies and superb vocals.
This is followed up by the slower, contemplative 'Doctor's Orders' as the crowd start to boogie. We're then treated to a soothing, aspirational tune underpinned by a simple and effective bass, just as I like it. The bassist himself is almost apologetic in his stance although this is more than compensated by his technique and anyway, the stage presence and charisma comes from the excellent front man who then challenges the London crowd to go crazy for the next one.
A fantastic set ends with 'Fun to Lie'. A rallying, rousing classic which musically has it all, sung with stimulating vocals which give it poignancy and emotion. No surprise then to find out it was Radio X tune of the week! Not sure where this lot have been hiding but I'm looking forward to catching them again. Check them out on facebook or
lyerrband.wixsite.com/lyerr From Reading to Birmingham to Manchester, it was champagne all the way tonight!
