By Max Modell
I think everyone involved with the Cardiff music scene has heard stories of the legendary The Killers gig at Clwb Ifor Bach on 22nd November 2003. That night the indie rock legends gave fans a taste of future classics such as ÔÇÿJenny Was a Friend of MineÔÇÖ, ÔÇÿSomebody Told MeÔÇÖ, and of course ÔÇÿMr BrightsideÔÇÖ, prior to the release of their debut smash Hot Fuss. To me, this gig seems to share a lot of the same DNA with the Sea Girls gig at Clwb Ifor Bach last night. Sea Girls, like The Killers at this point in their career, are yet to release a full album, with a collection of singles and EPs defining their discography. And like The Killers, they brought an electric energy to a room full of people screaming the words to every song. And like The Killers, they played a small collection of songs destined to become future classics. When I talk about time in the Cardiff music scene in the future, I imagine I will talk about this Sea Girls gig in the same way IÔÇÖve heard stories in the pub told of that legendary night in 03.
Prior to Sea Girls coming on, all those who arrived early were treated to APRE, an alternative, pop rock band from Canterbury. APRE complimented Sea Girls perfectly, with their big indie hooks complemented by electro-drums and sharp synths. ┬áTheir feel-good vibe got the crowd ready for the gig to come, and anyone who hadnÔÇÖt heard the band prior to the gig would at least be curious to check out their records after their tight set.
Sea Girls came on stage tremendous applause in a room which had been waiting with bated breath. The energy in the room pulsated in the manner youÔÇÖd normally expect from an Arena, be in a small room. They opened the set with early single ÔÇÿLostÔÇÖ, and from the moments the Rory Young started his guitar screaming, the crowd were captivated until the end of their 45-minute set. While the set was quite short, the boys smashed through all their material with an unrivalled energy, justifying the hype which has built up around their live shows.
It was obvious the band has a loyal Cardiff following throughout, but what particularly caught my attention was how easily everyone chanted the words to new single ÔÇÿOpen Up Your HeadÔÇÖ, which has only recently debuted on Annie MacÔÇÖs Radio 1 show. The boys gave back all the love the audience gave them, with frontman Henry Camamile entering in the crowd for an intimate rendition of ÔÇÿAdoreÔÇÖ at the end of the set, a stark contrast to the mushing which had defined the majority of the rest of the set.
This gig did everything possible to confirm to me that Sea Girls are going to be massive in the coming years. And if you donÔÇÖt believe me, then youÔÇÖll just have to go and check them out for yourself. You wonÔÇÖt be disappointed.