Claws' Winter Bash @ The Owl Sanctuary
A great night out in Norwich
The title 'Winter Bash' seemed an apt name for a gig on the first truly cold night of the year.
And first up, to warm our cockles were Peach Club, a band quite new to the Norwich gig scene. They've got the attitude that I like to see in a band and some songs that with a bit of refinement, sound like they could be very good. I'll be sure to keep an eye out for them in the future, but won't be writing home about them just yet!
Next up was Charlotte Carpenter, a complete unknown to me before her set. But her wonderful songs backed up by two great musicians is the reason why it is definitely worth turning up for the support. Some minimalistic sounding guitar lines and fantastic vocals grabbed me from the outset, with If I Could being a particular highlight. As the set built towards its conclusion any remaining uncertainty in the crowd disappeared and the final rock stomp Wasted brought huge applause. Excellent stuff. Here's hoping for an imminent return to the Fine City.
I was very excited for the next band up, Horse Party, having missed their last gig in Norwich. They did not disappoint, from the outset they played with a sense of urgency and abandon rattling off tracks from both earlier releases and their new EP. At times almost grungy and at others oozing strong pop sensibilities, it was an enthralling set and a complimentary juxtaposition to what had come before. Highlights of the set included the "in your face" Animal, new track Money Talks and the the groove laden closer Pay Dirt. All too soon it was over but they left an indelible impression on me.
By the time Claws hit the stage there was a great energy at the venue. They began with a bang and the crowd duly responded. Mosh pits and crowd surfing abounded as Claws notched off song after song with Melt and new track Bad Luck being the standouts for me. They label themselves an indie-surf-punk band but for this gig only punk, albeit lite, was better suited. In the great venue that is the Owl Sanctuary this went down a treat with the crowd who, on this evidence, are big fans of the band. I'll admit that I haven't always been convinced by Claws, but they proved my doubts wrong tonight, it was by far the best I've seen them and I hope for more of the same in the future.
As the night came to a close I was left on a real high. There's a new band for me to follow, a wonderful surprise from another, a band exceeding my expectations and another who proved me wrong. All the ingredients required for a great night out in Norwich.
