Drunken tomfoolery, soulful swagger and a fist-pumping finish, Getintothis’ Joel Richards has a lark on Day One of Liverpool Sound City 2014.
The opening night of Sound City is always a challenge. Not only do you have to crucially study the map of who and where you need to be in order to see the bands you want, but you also have to have a good contingency plan in place in the event that you can’t get in said places.
With that in mind we got off to a far from ideal start when we began with Mummy Troll at the Duke Street Garage. Although their set was enjoyable enough, our time with them was cut short as we raced to our next gig. Damn shame.
Mummy Troll performing live at Duke Street Garage
However we were soon cheered up by the fact The Hummingbirds were listed next on the schedule in the rather intimate setting of Bold Street Coffee. Despite room being at a premium, the stripped back version of the band displayed why so many were shoe-horned and even stood outside to catch a glimpse of one of Liverpool’s hottest bands. They certainly didn’t disappoint and this cosy place certainly seemed to suit them.
After a quick dash over to Nation, our attention was captured by Ex-Easter Island Head who sadly played to a sparse audience which did them little justice really. Their slow guitar/electro combo soon quickly turned into a quicker tempo to show off their kaleidoscopic ray of stylistics.
Soon we were in The Zanzibar having our ears bashed by Little Matador, and it was no surprise we were confronted by another small gathering who were hardly forming mosh pits. In fact we were desperate to head back over to Wolstenholme Square if anything to chill out and sample the delights of the various food on offer.
But, feeling dispirited we soldiered on and our faith was soon rewarded when we managed to squeeze into a packed East Village Arts Club loft to catch a glimpse of GIT Award 2014 nominees Circa Waves. The foursome didn’t disappoint, playing a storming set from beginning to end, even if one of the guitarists admitted to being plastered!
Without a doubt, they were among the star performers of the opening night with Get Away being the standout track from their set.
Next up was GIT Award People’s Choice 2013 winner Tyler Mensah was in the laid back surroundings of Brooklyn Mixer.
Despite his young age, Tyler seemed at home in front of a crowd that were treated to an intimate set that included brilliant covers from Drake and Mario, as well as his own material. Add to the fact that he displayed such natural talent on the guitar and keyboard, Tyler Mensah is one worth keeping an eye on for the future.
To finish the opening night off, we headed back to Nation and caught Jon Hopkins where quite a lot of the clientèle got into the true festival spirit by wearing backpacks and woolly hats even though they were inside! Strange…
As for matters on the stage, Hopkins played an enduring set which the crowd fist-pumped and danced appreciatively to – a fitting way to cap an opening night which left us wanting more. Until tomorrow…
Pictures by Getintothis‘ Tomas Adam and Gaz Jones
Further reading on Getintothis
Liverpool Sound City 2014 Review: Day One Round Up.
* Liverpool Sound City 2014: Top 10 Merseyside bands to watch
* Liverpool Sound City 2014: Top 10 international bands to watch.
* Liverpool Sound City 2014: Top 10 UK bands to watch.
* Liverpool Sound City 2014: Getintothis‘ guide to the venues.
* Liverpool Sound City 2014: Things to do off the beaten track.
* John Cale – the grit in the oyster that shaped the sound we worship today.
* Liverpool Sound City 2014: Revo‘s routeplanner – the insider’s guide.
*Liverpool Sound City 2014: Getintothis presents Jon Hopkins and stellar Merseyside show at Nation.
* Liverpool Sound City 2014: Fringe events and John Peel World Cup revealed.
* Liverpool Sound City 2014: The Hold Steady ready to bear their teeth.
* Liverpool Sound City 2014 – a Getintothis festival playlist.
* Liverpool Sound City 2014 add The Kooks to festival bill.
* Liverpool Sound City 2014: He used to come round wearing make up and strange Japanese Kimono clothing – David Pichilingi.
* Liverpool Sound City 2014: Jon Hopkins, Albert Hammond Jnr, Drenge and more for May festival.
* Liverpool Sound City 2014 announce headliners Kodaline plus Gruff Rhys and Fuck Buttons for May festival
* Liverpool Sound City 2014: John Cale and Thurston Moore head up Conference speakers
* Liverpool Sound City 2014 reveal football, music and style themes
* Liverpool Sound City 2013: Top 10 bands and review round up of the festival
