After being quiet over the summer I was ready to start gigging again and a great way to start if off was a Future Sound Project event at The Tin in Coventry.
When I arrived at the venue it was quiet which is always a worry but as I sat and waited for the first act more and more punters came through the door. There was a definite mix of a family and friends of the acts but also some locals who just love their music.
It was a late start because of a flurry of technical issues but eventually indie act Mickey Blouse took to the stage. The twenty-two-year-old, real name Kyle McGurk, now has joined forces with three of his under-graduate course pals. They are an act I had not seen before so was looking forward to seeing – and especially – hearing what they are about.
They started their set with new track, “Chaucer” which opens with a cool riff and steady drum beat before eventually the vocals set in. McGurk has an interesting voice, soft that perhaps could be described as clean – very different to the tone he speaks in. Before playing song, “How Can Love Somebody Else If You Don’t Love Yourself” (great name) the frontman explained that they received some negativity to latest single release – I’m not sure why – but they’re not letting it affect them. Which I think is very admirable. Finishing with single, “I Wonder” there was a whoop from the audience getting them that desired audience participation.
Next up was alt-pop trio Everything Aside and I could immediately tell that a lot of the crowd were there for them. The Coventry band played a mix of originals and covers which I think was a good idea as strangers to the band quickly warmed to them. They played mainly upbeat tracks such as opening song “Better Life” which immediately got people dancing but also threw in a couple of slower, more emotional songs like “Another You”. All of which were musically brilliant.
I remembered their “Hard Times” cover vividly from when I first saw them back in April (which made me fall in love with the song again at the time) but what is great is how they perform it with so much energy as if they wrote it. Awesome vocalist and great chemistry between the band; I honestly think they have something special. The great news is that they say new music is in the pipeline. I will look forward to it.
Last Autumn I saw Birmingham band Flares for the first time when they completely blew me away. Ever since, I have been hoping to see them again and I am so glad I got that chance again last Friday. They are a young band but already have so much confidence and energy. They made the small stage feel alive with unmistakable chemistry very quickly when they started with “Waiting”.
I’ve said it before and I will say it again, these guys are mega. They effortlessly got the audience to participate whether it is singing along to their most popular single “Tunnel Vision”, clapping or jumping about. The audience was up for everything they threw their way! Their mashup of Icona Pop‘s “I Don’t Care” and M.I.A.‘s “Paper Planes” went down a treat and not only was ambitious but simply amazing. They’re a must see.
Last up was local band Easy Company. I didn’t manage to see all of their set because of having to go home early but from what I saw they went down a storm. They are a young band gaining confidence show by show and have already had some good success playing headline shows and winning their U18 Godiva Calling heat meaning they played the brilliant Godiva Festival during the summer!
I saw them play last year under a different alias Second Hand Strings and I thought then that nerves were evident especially from the frontman – this is no longer the case. They are very much blossoming. I will have to make it to another one of their shows sometime soon to get the full experience.
Luckily, I will get that opportunity in October when Easy Company join ten other local acts for The Future Sound Of Coventry Weekend also at The Tin. This is a must go to event and I am very much looking forward to it. Weekend tickets are only £10 which you can get here.
What I saw at The Tin last Friday was the future. It was great to have a lineup with two young headline acts and young people in the crowd. This is something which isn’t seen enough but from what I saw, the future is bright.
Thank you The Future Sound Project.
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