The Wombats
The Wombats are, without question, a group for teenagers, gaining a new fan base with each album release. While some bands successfully drag their fans through the years with them (think the ever-present aging mods at Paul Weller gigs), others seem to externally appeal to a certain age group. Nothing makes you feel quite as old as going to see a band you used to listen to as a seventeen-year-old and realising that everyone else there is still, inexplicably, seventeen. The main benefit of this was that I’ve never been to The Nick Rayns LCR and been treated to quite such an empty bar.
The sold-out show was supported by The Night Café and Bloxx, who set the tone perfectly for the indie night ahead.
Taking to the stage to fervent applause, The Wombats launched right into a musical journey through their history, playing a hit from each album in reverse chronological order. The set opened with ‘Cheetah Tongue’ from their latest album, ‘Give Me A Try’, ‘1996’ from their second, all leading to ‘Kill The Director’ from their inaugural album. There was a reasonable balance of older tunes and new, keeping up a high energy throughout, despite it being a Sunday night. Sometimes nothing but the oldies will do, with fan favourite ‘Let’s Dance To Joy Division’ making a welcome appearance toward the end of the set.
The Wombats epitimise the indie disco, and while that’s not a bad thing, it’s perhaps something you ultimately grow out of, along with partying on Tuesdays and VKs.
