Friday 24th July
The Franklys
at the Soundhouse
with Bloodsugar and Vendettas
Tonight the show at The Soundhouse was the first event presented by the new Casbah Music Management and Promotions. A large crowd had gathered to hear three good bands.
Opening the evening, Leicester band Bloodsugar delivered a sensational set. This is a band that has grown and developed since its formation in the summer of 2013. The band’s varied set of songs provided numbers that were varied in pace, played with subtlety and led by the excellent vocals of Callum Jones. Now a four-piece group, the band has taken on Michael Whitehouse as a guitar and synth player. The Loughborough-based band provided an outstanding performance and is now one that, I would say, deserves wider recognition. When they were at the Soundhouse back in April as a support to Neon Waltz, our reviewer said:
‘…the effortless unassuming confidence and although the band confessed to a few mistakes, I didn’t hear them and the set flowed smoothly. Bloodsugar’s music is self-described as a mix of light and heavy indie-rock. I would add anthemic rock to the description. The band play mostly up-beat catchy songs with a powerful dual guitar sound which for one song is augmented with some keyboards from a prostrate Luke Immins, as lead singer Callum assumes the role of second guitarist. I like the way some of the songs ebb and flow as they slow them down before building the sound back up. They demonstrate their adaptability by adding in a slowed down number, Kaleidoscope, before returning to upbeat rocking. The band has a great sound and play with a refreshing, visible, natural enjoyment of their music. If they keep up this latest level of performance and continue writing new material of this quality, I can see a very bright future for Bloodsugar. ‘ [Music in Leicester]
Tonight Bloodsugar played their songs: Eye of the Storm, Shangri La, Casper, Cold Light, Kaleidoscope and Phantom. Hear some of these on Soundcloud.
Vendettas, from Leeds, supplied a set of rock ‘n’ roll and garage numbers. Described as ‘mod revivalists’, this trio provided a vibrant set of songs and a boot-load of beats. With their two two strong singers they drew the crown down to the front and belted out a blistering set of good tunes. This is a band that has drawn plenty of acclaim and recognition; they have featured on BBC Introducing, called “insanely talented” and “they have so much energy, so much enthusiasm and a fresh and brilliant attitude to bring to the scene.” It was a pleasure to see them tonight; they fired up the crowd and energised the room big time.
The all-girl garage band from London – The Franklys – were on their ‘Bad News Summer’ tour and chose Leicester as one of their stops. The band’s highly energetic performance and sizzling stage presence from lead vocalists Jen Ahlkvist (lead vocals and rhythm guitar) and Fanny Broberg (lead guitar), delivered a rocket-fuelled set of powerful songs executed with endless passion and colossal commitment. Stunning.
The members of the band originate from London, Sweden and the USA. They were in Leicester on 30th January when they played at The Cookie. They played at the Strawberry Fields festival in 2014 and the Isle of Wight Festival in June.
What marked Casbah’s night as different was their compere; they took on a stand-up comedian to introduce all of the acts and he added a welcome note of humour into the night. Most nights leave it up to the bands to introduce themselves but it shows the extra mile that the promoters wanted to go to make this a stand-out event. If tonight is anything to go by Casbah gigs will become must see events.
See also:
Our coverage of the Simon Says… festival
