I’ve stopped drinking for a bit, which means I’m paying far more attention to the music I’m going out to see. Over the past nine days I’ve been out to listen to music and dance at five different events. These range from Latin rhythm to hard rock, all of them were held in Cardiff, and all of them under £25.
FRIDAY
Cardiff Dub Club | Jah Lokko and Erban Dub | Underdog (£8)
I’ve never been to a reggae club night, so I was quite nervous to go to Cardiff Dub Club’s event at Underdog, especially because of the sober break. However, as soon as we got in it was clear that everyone was just in tune with the music and not focusing on anyone else; any reservations we had dissolved, and we got straight on the dance floor.
This was a special one, with the Bristol and Cardiff sound systems coming together on one floor. As each set ended the crowd gravitated from one set of speakers to the other. I love when you can feel the music come up through your feet and give the illusion of a change to your heartbeat and this was just that. At one point someone in the crowd actually came over to tell me my eyeballs were vibrating in their sockets.
Something that really stood out to me was the range of ages in the club. Seeing that many people come together under one roof to dance was really lovely. People were constantly spotting others they knew; it felt like a proper community. And everyone was dancing big which is so important in a night out for me.
MONDAY
Basht | support from Esmerelda Road | Clwb Ifor Bach (free)
Thank God my friend gave me a spare ticket for this gig because it was one of the best I’ve been to all year. The fans at this show were so excited to see Basht, and you could feel that as soon as we came through the doors.
Basht delivered a sharp set. The contrast of the band’s coolness with the feral crowd energy made them seem almost hallucinatory, unphased by the uproar before them. The mosh pit was liquidlike—chaotic but unified. Frontman Jack Leavey even got into the action for ‘Kiera Knightley’ which made the fans even wilder. Something that really brought it all together was the band’s fantastic guitar elements which were delivered skilfully.
Their support act, Esmerelda Road, are absolutely a band to look out for. Afterwards, someone Infront of us said ‘they’re the best support I’ve ever seen,’ and I’d have to agree. Esmerelda Road gave one of the best live performances I’ve ever seen, support or headline. They created an electric atmosphere that got the entire crowd going. The band were completely hypnotic. The softer and heavier elements to their music came across really well on stage, with powerful lyrics, and songs you could headbang and sway to in tandem.
THURSDAY
Chroma | support from Bambees and Lady Garden | Clwb Ifor Bach (£18)
This gig came the night before the release of Chroma’s second album, which was exciting. We heard lots of songs from the new album, including their instant favourite ‘Straight Men’. There was such a supportive crowd and front woman Katie Hall took every opportunity to express her gratitude for the fans.
We unfortunately missed the first support act, but the second support, Bambees, were amazing. The Merthyr Tydfil band had a great set, my favourite songs being ‘Modern Cassanova’ and ‘Heartbreak Kid’. They had irresistible rhythms mixed with intense grittier vocals that create a really compelling alternative sound. The contrast of the lead vocals from Rhys Davies with some backing vocals from bassist Sofia Reffell worked really well. And a bonus—their band tees are seriously cool.
There’s no better way to experience music than in the crowd, hearing it live. Finding Bambees and Esmerelda Road this way feels so special, and I’m already looking out for the next date I can see them. This only confirms what I already know: support acts are always a better way to discover new music than your Spotify ‘Discover Weekly’.
SATURDAY
Sambroso All Stars performing The Buena Vista | Clwb Ifor Bach (£21)
This was my one solo gig of the week. It was so nice to take a step back and watch all the love unfold in the crowd. Frontman Javier told us to make sure we left sweating and happy, which was definitely the case. Nobody could resist a dance to the classics, especially ‘El Cuarto de Tula’, It was good to see so many couples, friends, and strangers dancing and spinning each other, and hear such a chorus of people enjoying themselves.
The band itself is comprised of some seriously talented musicians including a flautist which is something I haven’t seen very often, so that was really cool.
I finished my Saturday with a night of jungle in aid of Palestine and Ukraine. This is where I was a bit naughty and did have one drink, but I think each set still would’ve been irresistible to dance to. Everyone had a great time and as always, it was great to see people right in the face of the speakers like they couldn’t get enough of the bass.
Words by Lizzie McLaughlin
Image Courtesy of Lizzie McLaughlin
