Gig Review: Candid w/ Free Galaxy, The Ellipsis and Second Hand Strings 24/11/18

Another Saturday night, another gig. Something I love is checking out new venues and Square One in Coventry was the perfect setting for a night of awesome music and atmosphere. The space had been set-up brilliantly with a decent size stage and some pretty cool lighting for the four local bands on offer: Candid, Free Galaxy, The Ellipsis and Second Hand Strings.

The music eventually got underway after an impromptu fire alarm when new band Second Hand Strings took to the stage. The band were drafted in last minute following another act pulling out of the line-up and I tell you what they were a fantastic addition. Playing a mixture of well-known favourites and their own material such as “Brushing Off The Fake ID” they created a brilliant atmosphere. They only had their first gig at the beginning of October and the nerves from the singer did show but I think they have promise.

Next it was award winning local band, The Ellipsis, who took to the stage and immediately brought so much energy. It was the bare-footed frontman, Henry Bristow, who got the crowd moving as they reeled off tune after tune. The alt-rock group borrowed Free Galaxy‘s bassist, Callum Ward, for the night but that didn’t throw anyone off. The set was seamless. What I liked about them was not only their sheer enthusiasm but also how their music combines the classic rock sounds with meaningful lyrics. My personal favourites being “Wasted Potential Me” and “Elsewhere”.

A band who I have mentioned a couple of times on this blog is Free Galaxy and on Saturday night they did not disappoint. It was the second time I have seen them live yet it felt like the first because the excitement was still there. Every track is a tune with them from the beginning of the set to the end of “Everlasting” and not only do they have the alternative rock style nailed but also add individuality to it. One thing I love in a band is having two vocalists, it is something I have seen utilised so well by other artists such as The Cribs and HIMALAYAS but it is something Free Galaxy also do so well. It just seems to work and everything ties together effortlessly. I’m looking forward to hearing what they have going on in the future following them playing new song, “Dreamstate” on Saturday.

Right off the back of supporting Scouting For Girls, Candid put on a headline show that is unforgettable. I was absolutely blown away by the talent of the band as a whole but also the voice of frontman Rob Latimer. I had never seen the band before but had heard only good things and they were definitely worth the hype. They have a catalogue of great songs including “Breathless” and latest single “Time Will Tell” which already has over twenty thousand streams on Spotify. This band is going places.

Something I always say is some artists shouldn’t be covered because competing with their original version of a song would be futile. A band I would categorise in this is Oasis. However, I think it is fair to say I was proven wrong when Candid performed a next level version of the classic “Champagne Supernova”. Unreal. It got the crowd singing and the atmosphere was even more lively after that. Moshes ensued and a party had begun.

In short, I would see all of these acts again. The night was definitely a success for not only them but the organisers, Live Loud Cov. Give them all some love and check out the links below.

Artist Links: