York, though often remarked as a sleepy city only marked by its cobbled streets and postcard scenery, is home to a deeper musical scene that begs to be discovered. Last night GIRLBAND! and Tom A. Smith disrupted that peace and quiet with their electric, unconventional sounds.
Gracing The Fulford Arms, one of the city’s most rousing grassroots venues, in celebration of Independent Venue Week, the three-piece hit the ground running as they performed the first leg of their tour with Tom A. Smith. Also showcasing their talent was Bleach, an alt/grunge quartet from York.
“This is our first gig of the new year… we’re a bit rusty,” vocalist Georgie remarked over the mic. However, as they quickly found their groove, “rusty” was the last word that came to mind. Energising the 150-capacity room with hits like ‘This Is Not Goodbye’ and the Mansfield-inspired ‘Heartbreak Town’, they had the crowd thoroughly engaged in their set.
Their set proved to also be one of many firsts, as the band debuted their new track, ‘Halo’, dedicating the number to “all the mums out there”, before turning up the heat with a cover of T-Rex’s ‘Hot Love’, a cover they coyly admitted to never playing live before. However, they proved once again on each occasion why they are ones to watch within the contemporary UK rock scene, showcasing their perfected on-stage chemistry and rhythm.
Having previously hosted now-massive bands like Idles and The Howl and The Hum, the pokey yet charming venue, combined with GIRLBAND!’s bold and refined sound, hinted at their strong potential to make waves in alternative circles in the years to come. Drawing the night to a close with some of their most-loved tracks, including the feminist anthem ‘21st Century Suffragette’ and the deeply emotive, anecdotal hit ‘Not Like The Rest’, they finished on a high. Most of the audience, whether new or long-time fans, were clearly pumped up.
Shortly after GIRLBAND! vacated the stage came Tom A. Smith. Just 20, you’d be easily fooled into thinking he is just breaking into the industry on age alone. His impressive track record, which includes working with Miles Kane and earning praise from Sir Elton John, was startlingly clear through his act. Paired with his natural charisma and ease on stage, it made for an utterly captivating performance.
A highlight of the rising star’s set was his newest unreleased track, ‘What’, the most unique and experimental song of his short but impressive discography to date. With erratic dance moves reminiscent of Mark E. Smith throughout the song, it felt like a glimpse into the future for the next generation of indie royalty.
Smith’s headline performance showcased his myriad of technical talents, demonstrating his effortless adaptability as he transitioned seamlessly between electrifying, anthemic tracks like ‘Get Me Started’ and more sombre, introspective singles like ‘Never Good Enough’.
As the night drew to a close, the room buzzed with an energy only grassroots gigs can conjure. Three up-and-coming acts enthralled a keen crowd, serving as a reminder that without small venues and the opportunity to support emerging bands, music risks losing its heart and charm.
Words by Ruby Brown
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