Arkayla
Oh, my goodness they are so young!
I have to admit that I was initially coming along tonight to see the support act. Although it has become somewhat apparent from my listening habits in the past couple of months as the date rapidly approaches, that I was actually now looking forward to seeing both bands on an equal measure.
Both of them are making a very healthy mark on the current indie music scene and it’s great to see them doing so very well.
We get in early to see Cherry Holt’s set at seven forty-five! However, without any explanation and despite still appearing on the running order as we enter the venue for this evening’s show, it eventually becomes apparent that the band from Lincolnshire will not be making an appearance anytime soon after bailing out this afternoon, for at this stage an unknown reason! Everyone seems quite bewildered at their no show.
Either way it’s a sell out and it’s a gig that would’ve been held downstairs in the main venue had there not of already been a Rhythm of The Nineties event happening
As it turns out from the minute that the fabulous Arkayla start their set, everyone is soon over their initial disappointment and now very much in the Manchester bands zone.
Oh, my goodness they are so young! Fuck, I feel old!
Cal Blakeborough’s vocals bear a decent resemblance to Luke Pritchard (Kooks), while their sound at times very much leans towards the aforementioned along with The La’s and The Wannadies as well and it’s really not a bad comparison, me thinks? This lot have the songs, the energy, harmonies, hooks, and charm.
There is great dialogue and conversation between the band and the very enthusiastic crowd (that are engaged throughout), I have never seen the waterfront studio as buoyant as this and it’s great to see everyone enjoying themselves.
There is not one single duff track in the packed set list as they churn the tunes out one after another, proving great value for money for the punters and also setting a wonderful example to any aspiring musicians in terms of giving the crowd just what they want. Talking of which the youngsters in here tonight, by the way they outnumber us oldies by about 30 /1 have been impeccably behaved and it’s been an absolute joy to see alongside the band also having such a great time too.
Going down the stairs and outside into the fresh autumnal air, it looks like some of the grown-ups in the nineties gig, may have over done it a tad, somewhat peaking a little too early on their annual night out!
I predict a riot if this band are not playing much bigger venues in the very near future. I fully expect them to follow in the footsteps of bands like the K’s and The Royston Club anytime soon.
It’s been an incredibly special evening, one to really treasure and hopefully we will also get to see Cherry Holt around these parts too in the very near future.
