Softlad Promotions presents the Nineties with support from Rosellas and Wild Signs at Friars Court, Warrington

18th February 2022

In the midst of storm Eunice on this Friday night, I’m in Warrington with the promise of a great lineup again, provided by Softlad Promotions.  I myself feel it’s well worth braving the extreme weather, and it appears I’m not alone! 

The venue tonight is Friars Court in the heart of Warrington town centre. It’s well known and well loved around these parts as the home of live music and particularly of indie music. It’s a regular hang out for the local creatives and musical community and has a rich past of bands who’ve performed here – Catfish and the Bottlemen and The Lottery Winners being among them. Having quite recently been refurbished, it’s welcoming and inviting with a fresh but traditional feel. There’s a large courtyard area which during better weather sees live acoustic performances regularly within it. Tonight, thankfully, we’re inside – the band set-up is on the raised dance floor area. A fair few people are already gathered as we arrive, there’s a very relaxed and laid back energy in here. This is to be my third time seeing tonight’s headliners, the Nineties, and both times previously they’ve really ‘brought it, big time, so I’m looking forward to tonight’s set.

Rosellas_Credit:Christabel

First Support- Wild Signs 

So, opening tonight’s event, are 5 piece, Wigan based, indie rockers Wild signs. Bringing a very cool vibe on stage with them, the feels are of real, pure, rock n roll. That early 90s retro, indie style, rock n roll – think Reef, think Primal Scream, but with something different, their own take, an edge, almost metal feeling in parts. It’s modern and current and works really well. We have banging…and I mean banging…bass lines, a real heaviness, a bluntness…it gives a real thump. Some tracks do border on heavy metal, but the distortion and wahwah bring up the indie vibes too…the male lead vocals are out of this world…very strong, full, loud, and deep, with a strong gravel running through it which is constantly there.  It’s edgy, it’s raw, but it’s used well and controlled. It’s perfect for this sound and very listenable. It’s a lively, banging set, people are dancing, it’s very well received. With great stage presence, Wild Signs are a good band to watch, the frontman is quite captivating and cool enough to rock blue denim dungarees!!  A bloody good start for tonight …I recommend catching these guys. Very original, something different, but with the nostalgia and 90s inspiration at the heart.  Great set, Wild Signs.  Thank you. 

Set List: Window Pane, Rosie, Lotus Tree, Breakout, End is nigh, Vulcans, 70s Bang, U.C.O.D.

Rosellas_Credit:Christabel

Second Support- Rosellas

Drew – vocals/lead guitar, Luis – keys/backing vocal, Evan – guitar, Ollie – bass, Mark – drums

It’s filling up nicely in here now but next up are Rosellas, a 5 piece, Manchester based, indie rock band and I’m looking forward to finally seeing them live. A pretty well known band, a large following, and they play some decent events and venues. This will be my first encounter seeing them, and it’s an impressive start …the opener, with an extended intro, feels like an anthem of epic proportions. With a real Britpop feel, it’s a no frills, just play, set and it’s coming right at us…with sheer brilliance and musical force. Very tightly performed, well rehearsed and polished, incredibly fine tuned. The songs already feel huge…like stadium gig worthy…all original, all individual, there’s sometimes an Oasis at Knebworth kind of a vibe but with an intricacy.  The guitar riffs are very The Smith’s-like. With echo and keys giving a sometimes 80s vibe, the vocals are melodic, free, and light, with real storytelling. With extended guitar and drum solos, there’s a very special feel to this entire set, and with the keyboards, in the mix, there’s a very layered, built up sound. It really does have that sound and that feeling of big things to come. A musical tapestry, multi dimensional, woven and bound together with creativity and great musicianship, with a steady, free, and likeable vocal leading it. Bloody brilliant, loved this set. I’ll be looking out for these guys. I strongly suggest seeing them. Epic set, well done Rosellas!

Set List: Common ground, Before the Storm, Damaged, Time machine,  Over, Born under a cloud.

Nineties_Credit:Christabel

Nineties – Headliner 

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

Another good, solid band here, the Nineties deliver a good solid performance, I know from already seeing them previously, so this is one to look forward to. It’s packed in Friars Court now, I mean shoulder to shoulder crammed!  There’s a real buzz in the air, people are eagerly awaiting this, the crowd has surged forward and is now right up to the stage edge. Warrington based, 4 piece, indie pop band the Nineties sure know how to bring the party, and throw so much energy into performances it’s no wonder they have this large following, even during a raging storm! It’s another energetic set from the off tonight, chanting from the crowd has begun before a single note is even played! 

Starting straight in with ‘You’, it’s a performance filled with passion and enthusiasm, a real high vibrational feel, the sounds have a summary, carefree, sugary and glistening feel. It’s effervescent. feel good and fizzing tunes. The performance is highly animated and full of energy, no one is still, the guys are throwing everything into this tonight, all bouncing around, swinging guitars, and pounding the drum kit! It’s bouncing in here now, full on moshpit…the ripples are carrying this energy throughout our venue and everyone is loving this! Shimmering guitar lines are on fire, light but very defined bass lines, skippy, light, and fast drum beats. It all combines to make a really light and joyous sound. Matt (Earle)’s vocals are bright and breezy steady and serotonin-filled. It does feel like a summer beach party in here! The crowd joins in wholeheartedly, singing along before songs even begin. This is some musical force indeed and has a brilliant feel: very uplifting and light hearted, happy making, soul cheering, and heartwarming. At its heart is an indie pop sound, very guitary, but we do have elements of dream pop, with the lightness – a hazy, distorted daydream type feel. The stage presence is captivating…dare I say crazy making?…as in the crowd are wild and happy, feeding off this performance! It’s all good – real crowd pleaser songs, banter, and great interaction with the audience. Original material is something fresh, clean sounding, and well written. Sing along, toe tapping, feel good tunes. 

Nineties_Credit:Christabel

A bloody good show again guys. Thank you.  Each time we’re left feeling happy and really motivated after a Nineties gig. Can’t wait to catch these guys again. Check them out, guaranteed to give you a lift….every time !! I’m happy…we’re all happy. Go see the nineties !!

Set List: You,  Move,  Blame it on Me,  Thoughts,  Fluorescent,  Flavour,  Katie, Nightgown,  Sweet Escape,  Smile,  Too much to Ask.

Words: Janet Harding 

Images: Christabel