Rounding off over a year of frequent next-level live shows, the current Oh Yeah youth team Volume Control signed off with a final sell out gig to be remembered.
Kicking off the night right, Martha Greer takes the stage, performing the ideal set to rapidly warm up a crowd of eager faces prepared to indulge in the varied talents of the local scene. The highlight of the set was her latest single ‘Mary’, a short but sweet sapphic indie-folk tune that ended the set on a high. But it would be remiss not to mention, ‘one step’, an upbeat yet wholesome ode to hopeful yearning that had crowd smiling and shimmying while uttering the words back to Greer.
Next up, Belfast’s newest acclaimed band whose striking live performances have sent storms of praise through the local scene, Cairo Station. Performing setlist classics as well as fresh sounds, including debut single ‘Menace’, bringing an indescribable energy to the packed out room and establishing what’s to come. This track intertwines the raw integrity and mesmerising vocals of Wolf Alice and a prominent drum sound reflecting hints of the likes of The Strokes, a true indie-rock fusion.
Upholding the already stellar energy from the first two performances, one of the most highly demanded and praised live acts in Belfast, Disorder, play an enthralling set. The room was hooked by every song, from recent single ‘Millennial dreaming’, a post-punk ballad with hints of modern indie such as Inhaler and Wunderhorse to earlier tracks including ‘Power to the people’, a heavier hit fuelled by youthful indignation. Undoubtedly cherished by the local scene, Disorder beholds a rockstar-like presence on stage, yet speak their praises of headliners Brand new friend, and this is most certainly reciprocated – a moment of support within such a tight-knit community.
The moment awaited for hours and hours had finally arrived, and Brand New Friend enthusiastically take the stage amongst their bustling supporters. They play a setlist sprinkled with nostalgia including tracks ‘Plastic flowers’ and ‘Girl’, with moments where the crowd took over on vocals (not as gracefully, I may add), yet exclaiming years of support and adoration through the memorising of beloved lyrics.
The crowd were treated with a few unreleased songs too, as they tease a fresh sound building up the already prominent demand for new music. A handful of songs from recent album, Grandstand, feature too with ‘Lucky’ proving to be the standout. Rounding off the show with the tearful banger projected throughout the room, prompting what I would describe as, the most wholesome mosh ever.
