Spring King, Moats: The Shipping Forecast, Liverpool

As some old Liverpool favourites return to their original home, Getintothis’ Michael Fowler is there to rediscover the fun side of live music.

This gig doesn’t come round enough; two fresh and energetic bands leaving all in wait on a shared high. One band an upcoming local act, the other a well known touring act, albeit with strong local ties. It was a short but oh so sweet show.

Upcoming Liverpool based, Moats, with their treble turned up guitars and fat, with an f, thudding bass, are indie revivalists. Their guitars have the dancing riffs of Interpol and their singer’s voice, like a market seller with a hangover, is not too dissimilar sounding to the frontman of long forgotten band, The Paddingtons.

Usually we’d be pretty happy to see the back of these bands, but Moats are an exciting act who can be slow and loud, harsh and gentle, not something you’d find at an indie disco.

Originally formed in Liverpool, now calling London their home, the well known touring act of the night are Spring King. They make cheeky and fast, surf-pop tunes, sounding like Arcade Fire and Black Lips.

Usually laid back, lead singer Tarek Musa’s vocals become more aggressive live, noticeably on Can I?, because he also plays Spring King’s high tempo drums. It gives the gig an intensity, their music becomes even more raucous and their sound charges at the audience.

They’re a fun band, the way Spring King play you want to get involved with them, you want to jump, sing, scream, shout and knock each other around. The gig ended ridiculously, with their guitarist being lifted and raised to the roof, and we were in the Shipping Forecast, the space between his face and the ceiling was nil.

Why aren’t there more gigs like this? Where are all the bands ready to enjoy themselves hiding? Too many stand around doing nothing trying for cool. It’s high time for wild abandon, it’s time for some fun.

Photos by Getintothis‘ Martin Waters

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