Three superb live bands smashed it up at the super cool and intimate Geordie venue, Zerox Newcastle, on Sunday night. Awesome local bands, Idle Hands and Porcelain, offered two radically different but equally impressive blends of alternative rock. Headliners Sterling Press wowed the crowds with their synth inflected, heavy vibes.
IDLE HANDS
Local faves, Idle Hands, played a sensational support set. This was a gig that the lads were absolutely buzzing to play and despite low turnout they absolutely smashed it, playing as if the room was full.
The set opened with the now familiar sound of Bullets. This absolute ferocious beast of a track always ramps up the crowd. Evan’s thunderous drumming really punctuated the devastation of warfare being conveyed. The piercing snare and pummelling toms signalling the action. Harrison’s bass was mean and menacing to add to the hard nature of the track. Jude’s guitar adding the atmospheric edge, while Joe conveyed the passionate vocals. Epic start which then broke straight into the instrumental Stompa.
The band are definitely gaining confidence to throw some interaction with the crowds. Joe quipped about his need for a pint. And made a bass players jibe, while tuning his guitar. He still praised the superb Harrison on the four strings; the snarling bass lines an important component to their sound.
The lads obviously enjoyed playing together on stage with some fun interactions between them during each song. Among other highlights of the set were Silent and See It Big; both with Jude’s epic guitar soundscapes which really came reverberated impressively around the room.
The final track, Overtime, could be their best yet. I love the way that it builds to crescendo point. Evan’s incredible drumming really setting the pace and the awesome instrumental jam to round things off. This should be the next single release. I look forward to an accompanying launch party.
PORCELAIN
Delighted to see another local band, Porcelain. These guys recently impressed me with their big headliner at the Grove. This set was more intimate, which suited their more introspective sound impeccably.
There is a clear 90s alternatively rock vibe to the Porcelain sound. Frontman Curtis on vocals and acoustic guitar really reminds me of a young Richard Ashcroft which I really mean as a compliment (The Verve were one of my fave bands of teenage years).
The rest of the band are also really accomplished musicians. I liked how they could play with dynamics on tracks such as The Opportunist; heavy guitars, bass and drums muscling in where appropriate, while leaving space for moody swirling soundscapes. Joe from Idle Hands who was enthralled by the set too, remarked on comparisons to early Coldplay before their more commercial incarnation. Maybe a bit Travis and Radiohead too.
Their newish track Half-Truths with epic chorus line was the best of the Porcelain set. I look forward to its release.
STERLING PRESS
Headliners were the awesome West Londoners, Sterling Press. I had originally come across these lads with their retro indie debut smash, Very Fun Times, in 2021. Now really accomplished with a harsher, alternative rock sound, they really smashed it up on stage.
Among the big highlights of the set were two recent tracks. Firstly the song Concrete Trampoline featured heavy bass stabs and harsh grungy fuzzed up guitar. The chorus was notable as almost a chant with Ed’s brilliant vocal that has an instant appeal. Lucien on drums really pounded out the tastiest rhythms on this one.
The other real standout track, Feel Like Dog, was one of the tracks to massively emphasise the use of the Moog synthesiser. This has provided great depth to many of newer Sterling Press tracks with some wild soundscapes created. The Idle Hands lads were also suitably impressed! Great band camaraderie between all three outfits which was super cool to see.
Sterling Press are currently enjoying their UK tour. I understand that they have a debut LP in the works. Certainly with the evidence of this gig, they are a band to watch in the coming year!
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