Millie Manders and the Shut-Up

A bit like the bonfires and firework displays celebrating Guy Fawkes Night, themed parties for  Halloween no longer remain confined to October 31st, migrating instead to the closest weekend evening to tempt those hesitant about venturing out on a school night. Not to worry, though. The clocks being turned back one hour on Sunday morning mean that we can effectively add an extra hour of partying to our Saturday night, or spend an extra hour getting ready.

I'm at The Owl Sanctuary in Timberhill, where the upstairs stage has been draped in cobwebs and adorned with flashing ghouls for their Halloween fancy dress night, featuring three live bands followed by a DJ and dancing until 3am. A percentage of the door money is also being donated to St Stephens for the homeless.

Camden three-piece Calva Louise kick off the evening, and whilst some of the revellers may still be applying fake blood and facial scars, there are a good number of walking dead and wicked witches prepped, present and ready to watch their set. Already creating a buzz around the pubs and clubs of their native London, Calva Louise are clearly inspired by and indebted to the capital's punk heritage, but also bring a potent mix of garage rock and surf pop to the table. What ensues is a slick high-energy cocktail that fuses fuzzy grunge to infectious guitar riffs and upbeat vocals. Guitarist Jess and bass player Alizon possess an intuitive connection, locking guitar necks like a pair of rutting stags. Meanwhile Ben on drums powers up the tempo with a rolling rhythm that keeps the whole show on track. Think Dead Kennedys, think Go-Gos, even think Big Moon. But think big. Not for nothing is their debut single entitled I'm Gonna Do Well. This is Calva Louise's first gig in Norwich, but could well be destined to become one of those 'I was there' evenings.

Local band Youth Killed It took a risk when they changed direction from rap metal to something, dare I say, a bit more laddish, a couple of years ago. But, as their debut album Modern Bollotics clearly demonstrates, it is a move that sits comfortably with the energy and personality of the individual band members. Lead singer Jack Murphy tonight sports a bleach blonde Boris Johnson wig, providing probably the most horrific Halloween image this side of a Brexit negotiating table, and the entire set is a joyous party from start to finish. Alright, some of the songs have their influences and origins on clear display – anything Britpop or indie, from Oasis to Arctic Monkeys seems fair game in YKI's armoury, but it is manipulated and fashioned into something new and enjoyable by Murphy's rapping style, which reminds at times of Jamie T and of our own Frankie Fraize.