Mat Hook is an English singer-songwriter, and former frontman of the well-known Sheffield indie rock band ‘Kartica’ between 2008-2014. The international press and celebrity endorsements may have since passed, nevertheless Mat Hook’s popularity seems to be on the rise again following the success of live shows at Tramlines and Saturday’s excellent performance, plus the release of two extremely solid single recordings ‘Runaway Road’ and ‘Alone You Go’. Runaway Road was also played at Bramall Lane During Sheffield United’s Saturday home game.
So, how did the night go? I arrived at the venue around 6.45 on a dark rainy and somewhat cold December evening. It was nice to see people there already waiting, and the atmosphere was buzzing with the crowd’s anticipation of what promised to be a great evening’s live entertainment.
The night started around 7.00 pm with solo artist singer-songwriter Bethany Pashley, a great singer and talented writer. Pashley brought a nice air of change with her pop style, to an otherwise indie-dominated lineup of, firstly, local lads ‘Bloom’ a great band to look out for, and The Wirral’s finest ‘The Causeways’. I have to say that all the support acts did a great job in warming up the sellout crowd for Mat Hook.
Mat and his band came on stage around 9pm, to a great reception from the capacity crowd, who were shouting and chanting, judging by the smiles, and expressions of excitement on their faces, they were really exhilarated to see him perform some great songs.
Mat and his band played some fantastic songs, the single Runaway Road; this his debut studio solo single and Alone You Go, his latest offering released in November, were really well received. It was really nice to see arms raising, people dancing, and smiling, Whilst the band on stage were relishing in the wonderful ambience of the evening whilst playing a cracking set.
The band were really well received by the audience gathered at Record Junkee, and Mat looked really happy to be performing his own Headline show again after being absent from the music scene for a decade. Hopefully, he will be wowing audiences for years to come, and performing to bigger crowds, as I’m sure his popularity will only increase on the strength of his songwriting and Saturday’s performance.
I look forward to seeing Mat Hook play again next year, he and his band are a friendly bunch, and ones to watch out for, so if you’re looking for a great night out, and enjoy great live music, catch them playing at a venue soon. You will not be disappointed.
Have a merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Words by James Woolen
FOLLOW ON FACEBOOK // X // INSTAGRAM // WEBSITE
MORE RGM NEWS HERE