Indie bands tipped as the ‘next big thing’ by Radio One have been ten a penny over the past few years, but despite the hype it’s usually only a matter of time before they fizzle out of sight and memory only to resurface on a lost Spotify playlist.
Every so often though there comes a band with an undeniable hunger to rise to the top who cast away skepticism and leave you with no doubt that they’re here to stay for the long haul.
Enter stage right Van, Johnny, Benji and Bob AKA Catfish & The Bottlemen, winners of this year’s BBC Introducing Award.
Arguably the most exciting band of 2015, the Welsh four-piece from seaside resort Llandudno returned to the city to play a highly anticipated sell-out show at the Manchester Academy on Friday.
Despite comparisons to the likes of Arctic Monkeys, The Kooks and The Cribs, the lads have managed to carve their own sound and scored a Top 10 album with their debut The Balcony last year.
It’s been a long hard slog to get here for the indie rockers though, who have gigged relentlessly over the last few years and subsequently spawned an army of adoring fans – despite a string of industry knock backs.
NME refused to feature them in the popular music magazine and Kasabian guitarist Sergio Pizzorno declined to take a demo from a then 16-year-old Van McCan outside a gig.
Fast forward to 2015 and the lads have racked up support and all important airplay from the likes of Zane Lowe, played at more than 30 festivals and embarked on a four-week North America tour.
It’s all been a long time coming for frontman Van – named after Van Morrison – who has the crowd in the palm of his hand with the very first chord of opening track, Rango.
“Manchester, take the roof off,” he enthuses, hanging over his guitar with undeniable swagger and dressed in a striped T-shirt and jeans.
Despite being 21, the Australian-born and Welsh-raised singer tore through the set list like a true pro, showcasing strong, husky vocals and only pausing to thank the packed out venue who are hanging on his every word.
He’s compelling to watch on stage and although evidently adored by fans who are screaming his name, he’s far from pretentious and, at times, seems a little overwhelmed by the response from the crowd.
Despite describing their record as an accumulation of ‘scatty love songs’ in the past and lyrics like ‘let’s get drunk in your bedroom and have a smoke in your window,’ it’s surprising to see the crowd isn’t just made up of boozed-up sixth form students in Van’s trademark black skinny jeans and leather jacket.
The band then reeled off tracks Pacifier, Business and 26, much to the delight of the crowd who sang along to every word.
A highlight came from debut single Kathleen which catapulted the boys into the mainstream earlier this year and was dedicated to Manchester’s XFM who have given the track significant air play.
Now well in their stride, the Bottlemen strummed their way through tracks Homesick and Hourglass before introducing second single Cocoon, which signaled the 12-set show was drawing to a close.
Tyrants provided the ideal ending to the sweaty gig, perfectly showcasing the boys doing what they do best and proving rock and roll is alive and well.
They might be the band of the moment but after tonight it seems these lads are here to stay so you definitely should believe the hype.
Image courtesy of Island Records, via Youtube, with thanks.
