Softlad Promotions presents – Nineties plus support

Gondolas & Match Fixing

at Friars Court, Warrington Friday, 17th February 2023 

A home town gig for me tonight, in Warrington’s locally famous indie haunt, Friars Court, and a home town headline for us too – local lads, Nineties, who never fail to deliver, and a great following too. It’s gonna be a good one, I’m a firm fan of this indie pop band’s shimmering sound. Softlad Promotions bring a good and varied selection of bands to their events and it’s no exception tonight. In support, we have Gondolas and Match Fixing. It’s to be my first time seeing both so I’m really looking forward to this. Friars Court has seen many a great gig, from very early Catfish and the Bottlemen to the K’S and Satyr Play.  To perform here is quite special.

(Gondolas)

1st support: Gondolas 

Benjamin Watt-Doak – lead vocal/guitar, Christopher Watt-Doak – lead guitar, Rosh Carlin – bass/vocals, Jacques de Prez – drums

Opening tonight we have Gondolas and it’s fast-paced from the off…high energy indie rock. Already I detect so many influences, indie at the very heart but with a slight 60s basement band feel, that Mersey beat sound. Vocal is varied, soft and gentle, hushed and breathy then louder, heavier and with real texture and character, very listenable and the harmonies using both male and female vocals are incredible; skippy, fast beats that drive the sound, stick-in-your-head tunes, really toe-tapping stuff! Excellent and very clean performance, vibrant guitars, and warm and delicious bass lines. Immense stage presence – this band are very likeable and interacts genuinely.  Literally, I loved them from the first song! 

As the set continues I’m getting a Kooks vibe, and the Zutons; it’s a real funky, bouncing energy – think Supergrass! It’s such a lovely and fun set, we’ve not stopped smiling and it’s near impossible to keep still. Then the influences broaden yet more, it gets more raucous, ‘Libertines-esque’ but with ’Ocean-Colour-Scene-like’ instrumentals. It’s bloody brilliant! Fun fuelling, a musical journey through styles, feels and sounds. Such a jam-packed set and so much enthusiasm. Nailed it. I really loved this band; I’m very keen to see more. Thanks, guys, such refreshing, original material.

Setlist: Joke with the Jag, Hiding from the rain, Swing and miss, Wasted, Hard to see, Isn’t that great, Never ends, Keep in mind

(Match Fixing)

2nd support: Match Fixing

Sam McLaughlin – vocal/rhythm guitar, Tom Allen – lead guitar, Stan Lewis – bass, Will McKay – drums

Next up tonight is Match Fixing, another band I’ve never seen, and another that’s instantly attention-grabbing, it’s hard-hitting from the get-go. A very well-rehearsed sound, musically tight and on point. These guys get completely lost in the music they are creating and it’s truly fascinating to watch. A complete change in genres here, this set is deeper, indie rock, alt, almost grunge feeling, yet still that indie guitar theme running throughout. Intense and totally atmospheric, angst-driven; muddy and pulsating bass lines, jagged and edgy guitars, loud heart-pounding beats…and the vocal – wow! The vocals go from low and dulcet, then almost growling and hushed, to loud and angry shouting; you can feel the anger, pain and emotion in the voice.

The sound as a whole is haunting, eerie, yet breathtaking and enthralling; wonderful changes in tempo throughout songs keep us alert and glued to this set. The hollow and loud banging of that ever-present bass drum is kicking away like the roots that ground this sound. Bouncing off each other on stage, the guys don’t stop, often back to back, swinging guitars. An incredible, textured, multi-layered, atmospheric and heart-stopping set. What a sound  A real treat this one. Epic set, Match Fixing!

Setlist: Intro, Tommy, Absent mind, Spaceman, Encore, Our society, The devil lies

(Nineties)

Headline: Nineties  

Matt – vocals/guitar, Isaac – bass, Tom – guitar/backing vocal, Dec – drums

I genuinely do love a Nineties gig, I’ve seen them countless times now. There’s just something so uplifting, happy making about a Nineties gig. No matter the weather, this band bring sunshine and as tonight’s set begins it’s already obvious that we’re in for another joyous and high-energy-filled performance. 

Bursting with glistening sparkles of indie pop sounds, verging on dream pop, with that hazy fuzziness in the sound, Friars Court is now shoulder to shoulder packed out and instantly, as the Nineties begin to play, the crowd is jumping about. It’s a great crowd feel to be within; it’s free and lively, but not too wild, not out of control; it’s happy and considerate.  People are just loving being here. The main feels are of summer drinks, of strawberry ices and cream soda, a spectrum of colours, hot weather and parties and the tunes are fizzing! High vibrational and sugary guitar lines and Matt has the lightest, dreamiest vocal that sits atop this colourful sound perfectly. Mellow and light, soaring bass lines and hard fast beats. Band members bounce about on stage, giving off a joyous energy that is passed down to us in the crowd. Dazzling, beguiling and jewel-encrusted sounds radiate throughout our venue tonight. It’s all so merry and light feeling; a moshpit of sorts has started upfront and when a cover is performed of ‘Sweet Escape’ by Gwen Stefani yet more bouncing is ignited within the audience. It’s a brilliant cover and it’s really made into their own. 

Another brilliantly intoxicating, high vibe performance tonight – excellent musicianship, clean sounds with a haze and dreaminess… I got my sweet fix of happiness big time. Really, do go see the Nineties – guaranteed uplift every time!

Setlist: Too Much To Ask, Thoughts, Fluorescent, Adolescent, Have It All, Night gown, Sweet Escape, Blame It On Me, Flavour, Hold On, We’re Going Home, Will We Change, Smile, You, Impromptu Gig Crash – the Young Ones…

So, after one hell of an event tonight with Softlad at Friars Court, an ‘impromptu gig crash’ ensues…calling in at Austin’s bar round the corner to catch the last of the Young Ones’ belated Valentines Special gig…and what we did catch was quite something, I just had to write about it… 

(The Young Ones)

The Young Ones

George Young – lead vocal, Greg Dixon – guitar/backing vocal, Rob Clark – keys, Joe Owen – bass, Matt Earl – drums

The Young Ones are a covers band consisting of musicians from an array of local original bands, known locally for bringing the party and controlled wilds along the way, and this I can personally vouch for.  BRILLIANT!  Such feel-good energy, everyone in the house is up dancing and singing along. The set ends, then begins again after shouts for more several times. We have crowd invasions, cavorting and dancing. Our drummer, Matt, is even asked to put his shirt back on mid-song by security. This surely is a gig first, but somehow adds to the frivolous energy and wild feels! What a wonderful (and total surprise) ending to a fabulous night! If you’re looking for a covers band that’s wilder than the average and is something a bit different, then look no further than the Young Ones!

Review by Janet Harding