Whereas the NME Monster Tour had pulled in but a handful of people– my second consecutive night at The Joiners saw a packed back room before the show had even kicked off. It seems as though there’s a bit more excitement around tonights’ line-up– containing two of indie rock’s latest hopefuls: The Family Rain and Darlia.
But before we can get to either of them– it’s local boys Fever that open proceedings. They play a set with the feverish sort of intensity that their name would suggest; and certainly bring the indie-punk sound to life. Certainly these guys have a glimmer of something special starting to be formed– and I daresay it won’t be long before they join the list of Southampton musical graduates.
Whilst Fever have ignited the atmosphere for the evening– it is up to Darlia to fan the flames… Something they quite easily do and, if anything, they set it in to a hearty roar. Their spectacular grunge-rock sound, though at odds with the more polished indie rock of the other two bands on display, was utterly mesmorising. Showcasing a wider breadth of sound than their Knock Knock EP would lead you to believe possible from them– they seem to have it all down: catchy and anthemic, punky and ballsy… All delivered with a youthful, high-octane vibrance that sends the crowd wild.
Just as you think that the crowd have reached their pinnacle– The Family Rain strut on to the stage and things get that little bit more intense. Opening the set with the mid-tempo belter ‘Carnival’ it is very apparent what the audience are in for tonight—an unbelievably cool, slinky rock show that is both style and substance. Thunderous drumming joins the edgy, yet masterfully composed guitars—delivered by a fraternal trio clad all in black and leather.
‘Friction’s seductive guitar hook sounds even better live and lures you to dance along with it—something that the audience at The Joiners can’t refuse. It’s tracks like this that make you keenly aware that The Family Rain know exactly how to appeal to both the niche and mass markets at once—still rocky enough to have a certain rebellious swagger about it; but catchy and hooky enough to reel the most casual of listener in.
It comes as quite a shock when singer Will Walter disappears off to the corner of the stage to vomit—and yet that throws none of the band off their stride. Such is the connection between the trio that both bassist and drummer manage to continue the song and add extra melodies to keep the momentum going. And, spectacularly, instead of this leading to the end of the show—the performance goes on, even after round four of vomiting; it’s impressive dedication, if not somewhat alarming to see.
Tracks of their forthcoming debut Under The Volcano (one to keep your ears out for in the new year) are just as slinky, rock and roll tunes as their previous materials. ‘Binocular’ is a particular stand-out with sing-along-ability built in to its’ DNA which, when coupled with the velveteen Jack White-esque vocals of Will Walter makes for a track you’re not going to shake from your conscious easily.
Buoyed by the crowd response, it seems as though The Family Rain literally pour everything out into the finale of ‘Trust Me… I’m A Genius’ (including some sweat, tears and more vomit). It’s a thunderous climax to the show—with raw, wailing vocals alongside some of their rougher and brooding guitars. It is little wonder why the crowd chose this moment to take to the stage to show their appreciation to the band that have just proved that even a vomiting bug can’t keep a good rockstar-in-the-making down.
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