Vuromantics / Talkshop / Honey Smugglers / The Real
Ink
It was yet another sunny evening at The Fulford Arms, the first band had
just finished their soundcheck, the sun shone in from the back window to the
left of the bar and across the taps, drawing my attention to getting a pint,
and then seeing Jake and Sam from tonight’s headliners: Vuromantics (who also
happened to be at the bar with a pint, great minds certainly think alike).
After some light-hearted discussion about tonight’s show, their upcoming jaunt
into Scotland, and their show the following night at Huddersfield Town Hall
with 80s legends Shalamar, it was time for the first band of the night.
The Real Ink took the stage and needed no introduction to the crowd,
instantly and masterfully blending Funk & Reggae, with a smattering of Soul
& Jazz, drawing the crowd to just in front of the stage and holding many in
a trace. Fynn, Gabe & Arron, on guitar, bass and drums, held a tight rhythm
section and a strong groove, allowing vocalist Molly & Alto Saxophonist Joe
to melodically explore the genres they were mixing together. Molly’s fantastic
stage presence and engagement with the crowd made the set very enjoyable for
everyone watching. It was their first show in York, and the band will find
themselves a very warm welcome when they return.
Following The Real Ink seemed to be a tough ask for the rest of the
bands playing, but local indie five-piece Honey Smugglers did a fantastic job.
I’d seen these guys at least a couple of times before, and they have continued
to improve and mature musically and on stage. Sam’s vocals and Joe’s guitar
tones had an unmistakably Smiths style to them, but Anna’s piano & synth
playing gave the overall sound extra rhythmic and harmonic elements, a very
likable set. A standout band from York’s current indie scene.
Next up was something that had me very excited: a brand-new, York, rock
band! This doesn’t happen very often, so I hope everyone will forgive my
excitement, and Talkshop did not disappoint me. The four-piece had an
unquestionably alt-rock direction, with evident influence from bands like Muse
and Radiohead, but I could defiantly hear elements of emo, which after spending
too many nights at The Key Club in Leeds recently, was something I very much
enjoyed and wanted to see more of, but the bands evidently dark and minor
musical direction will be something unique, and very welcome on the York music
scene. I hope to see more of them soon!
Finally, the nights ‘main’ event, after three great bands, it would take
something truly special to really complete this night of live music. Luckily,
that seems to be something Sheffield four-piece Vuromantics specialize in.
Their dark pop sound takes evident influence from bands such as Chvrches &
Human Leauge as the three instrumentalists of the band played an intro to the
set on synthesisers and drums. Jake & Cal had their guitars hung on them
and were quick to pick them up and start playing their first song when Sam stepped
up from the crowd onto the stage and introduced the band. Dan, their new
drummer, is a perfect fit to the bands on stage dynamic, communicating well
with Cal who was holding tight grooves on the bass, and Jake who’s rhythmic and
expressive guitar style both complimented Dan’s confident style of drumming and
allowed a vocally articulate Sam to explore the stage and the melodies of each
song. Jake and Cal kept swapping between their guiters and synths throught the
set, providing great variations between sections of songs and the overall
performance. They played a number of tracks from their 2nd EP: In The Night, as
well as some outstanding new material that hasn’t been recorded or released yet.
Off that EP, a particular highlight was Waves, where Sam and Cal handed shakers
and bubble blowers to members of the audience, including members of Honey
Smugglers who were very much enjoying the set. The recorded version of Waves is
an absolute marvel, the band did the song more than the justice it deserved in
this rendition.
Overall, a first-class performance from Vuromantics, one to certainly
write home about as the band were well warmed up and raring to go for one of
their biggest shows yet, at Huddersfield Town Hall the following night.
Upcoming Vuromantics shows:
Sneaky Pete’s, Edinburgh – May 31st
13th Note, Glasgow – June 1st
Both shows: £5 for adv tickets and on the door. Doors open at 19:00.
Review by James Brown
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