The Dovedale Social cultivates weekly Liverpool gigs showcasing good old-fashioned talent, pluck and ambition. As they celebrate their first birthday on Thursday, Getintothis’ Joseph Viney reflects on a belting 12 months and the shape of things to come.
As a city we pride ourselves on our community spirit. The forging of a vibrant and well-stocked music scene has garnered attention from national and international press, looking to ride the crest of a new wave.
But sometimes it’s not enough for bands to simply share each other’s latest track or video. When there are myriad groups and fresh sounds floating about, somebody has to take the bull by the horns and show the people what talent we have lurking on the sidelines.
To mix zoocentric metaphors, you have to lead a horse to water before it can drink.
Of course, we are spoiled for gigs in this city, and there are no end of venues, enterprises and promoters keen to get in on the action.
So it takes something a little bit special to enter the arena and set about creating brand new traditions, opening a port in the storm to all comers and any style.
In the space of twelve months, the Dovedale Social, hosted at the rejuvenated Dovedale Towers on Penny Lane, has showcased an exciting array of groups on a weekly basis; Death Masks, Tea Street Band and The Mono LPs among many others.
The icing on the proverbial cake? Each and every event is free.
The warm confines of the venue already carry with it a sense of history; the tiled walls scattered with band names and the odd glib remark from the many that have passed through already.
Silent Sleep will be opening eyes at the Dovedale Social’s first anniversary show
Taking place on Thursday July 4, their first birthday show promises to be a belter.
Long-standing power-poppers Married To The Sea will be aided and abetted by Silent Sleep and an acoustic set from the fun, scatterbrained Ragamuffins.
Promoter John Gibbons (he of The Anfield Wrap) said: “I’m proud we have got to a year and the people are still coming down on a Thursday to support the night and to listen to brilliant new bands.
“The quality and quantity of bands we’ve had show the scene is stronger than ever. I can’t wait to see who we get in to play over the next twelve months.”
Fidel Afro were one such band who got their turn on one of the hottest stages in town in recent weeks.
Promising “cigars and socialism”, the four-piece instead delivered well-crafted guitar pop tunes with a punk tinge.
With liberal doses of energy and some always-welcome guitar noodling, tracks like Sittin’ and Coffee and Waiting For Yesterday present themselves as nice little earworms.
“¡Viva la Revolución!” indeed…
Further reading on Getintothis:
The Tea Street Band: Dovedale Social, Penny Lane, Liverpool
The Mono LPs: The Dovedale Social, Penny Lane, Liverpool
Cold Shoulder: Dovedale Social, Penny Lane, Liverpool
