After standing in the bitter February cold longer than anticipated, we’re in the warmth of Nottingham’s Rescue Rooms tonight for a sold out show from Marmozets. Although it’s only been a matter of months since the Yorkshire band played in Nottingham, it’s clear their reputation continues to grow.
Before the headliners with the supports to deal with. First up is Belgian quartet Steak Number Eight who quickly showcase a tight brand of math-infused alt rock with blistering guitar work dominating early on. Although vocalist Brent Vanneste’s roars and screams lack the impact the band might desire, it’s their musical prowess which pays off. Their is a sense of apocalyptic grandeur to their sound with guitarist Cis Deman and drummer Joris Casier especially standing out. Nevertheless Steak Number Eight’s riff-heavy becomes somewhat tiresome by the end of their short set. Sure they’re chaotic but it’s clear they lack ideas to expand on a promising foundation. (3/5)
Next up is Thought Forms who begin in a more layed back fashion with echoing vocals and atmospheric guitars. It seems for many in this sell out crowd that there smart phone is more enticing. Throughout we’re waiting for the trio to deliver that much needed explosion to wake this crowd up but they just don’t provided. Instead we’re left with an uninspiring set that left a majority of the crowd bored. Their brand of experimental rock struggles to connect with the crowd tonight. Unfortunately Thought Forms just aren’t the ideal band to get this crowd warmed up for a band like Marmozets. (1.5/5)
Although we’ve seen Marmozets a fair bit in the past 12 months, they’ve been better every time and tonight is no better. From the outset it’s clear that their time spent on the road on both sides of Atlantic has paid off and has, somehow, made Marmozets an even better live act. Becca MacIntyre struts her stuff and demands attention from start to finish as her band mates rock out and are as tight as ever. ‘Move, Shake, Hide’ and ‘Is It Horrible’ kick off the set with energy and confidence. Whilst ‘Love Me Good’ is chaotic. ‘Captivate You’ is an early highlight as MacIntyre and the packed out crowd become as they sing in unison.
Later on fan favourite ‘Born Young and Free’ vigorously is delivered as Josh MacIntyre’s pounds away on his drum kit like there is no tomorrow during the bridge. ‘Vibetech’ is ideally scrappy with Becca’s abstract moves complimenting the bands math-like guitars, whilst in contrast the penultimate ‘Back to You’ in poignant and allows her vocals to soar and to take centre stage. The night ends with the alternative pop “hit” that is ‘Why Do You Hate Me?’ and gives everyone in attendance one last chance to sing (or mosh) in unison. (4/5)
Despite some questionable support acts, Marmozets secured their status as one of the UK’s best new rock acts tonight. As a unit they are confidence yet not arrogant in their stage presence nor in the success they achieved so far. Where they go far here is unknown. With a plethora of US shows alongside The Used set to take place in the coming months, don’t be surprised if Marmozets are an even better live act when they return to UK shores.
3.5/5
Words by Sean Reid (@SeanReid86).
Photos by Zain Zia and taken at Academy 3 in Manchester on 23/02/15.