A Sunday night drive up the A1 to Rock City Nottingham at least meant no clock watching for the last train home this time out and believe me this was not a show to miss.
Well, we did miss Liverpool's Circa Waves unfortunately (navigating Nottingham's one-way-system) so, our first band was the almighty volume of Royal Blood. Only formed last year in Brighton, Mike Kerr and Ben Thatcher launch an onslaught of sound, loud enough to match any four or five piece hard rock band. It's awesome. Just an EP out to date and heavy radio play of the single 'Little Monster', let's keep any eye on these guys!
Next up, the excellent Temples. As an aged rocker these young guys hit the psychedelic spot in my heart. Much like historians they seem to intentionally attempt to transport their students back to days past to the likes of the early Floyd, The Pretty Things and Small Faces. You would like to think that the tour bus is drenched with the sound of the Beatles, Hollies, Hendrix, Stones and 13th Floor Elevators.
The effect on the younger generation in the audience was positive even though there was no sweet smell in the air to accompany the trip this time around (only plastic two pint beer glasses of Tuborg). Perhaps before the year is out, the band will play a three hour jam session gig? .. Just a thought. Another band to keep an eye on!
Finally it is Interpol with a very strong fifteen song set including four new tunes and the hits! It is great to see such an established band take the plunge and tour with the Kids around the venues of these isles for a couple of weeks. Knowing that the audience will be generally there to see the hot new bands, Interpol must have won many new fans this evening. Strong, confident, loud, most of the songs so familiar that it was just one big sing-a-long! A brilliant finale to a great evening and a band we have always kept our eyes on!
Pete
Paul Banks - Interpol