Upon entering Sleazy’s, it is clear that the compact setup would be perfect for the bands that are about to take stage.
First up is Carnivores, and the three-piece bring with them a whiplash of sound from the onset.
The passion of the band is immediately apparent and despite the lack of stage space, there is definitely not a lack of stage presence.
As a result of this lack of space, lead singer Kenny Leckie has to join the crowd on the floor to perform.
Leckie comments on the lack of space stating that he was joining the crowd on the floor as preparation for stadium shows with floor risers.
Everyone has to have some aspirations and maybe one day Carnivores will make those stadium shows a reality.
Black Country double act God Damn’s stage entrance alone is enough to make anyone think that they were arena sell outs; dramatic ambient noise made from guitar feedback set up by lead singer Thom Edward before leaving the stage to re-enter in style.
Despite only having two members, God Damn has the incredible ability to make themselves sound like a five-piece band.
Between songs Edward begins to tell a story about what happened the previous night in St James’ Park, only to be heckled by a member of the crowd suggesting that they just wanted the music to continue.
The only downfall of God Damn’s set is the certain degree of reluctance to leave the stage, resulting overindulgence in guitar feedback and outro drumming.
Looking around the crowd at tonight’s Hawk Eyes concert, there is no set distinctive look and the crowd consists of diehard fans and new fans alike, old and young, head bangers and stand stillers.
The Leeds based quartet come on stage thoroughly enjoying 80’s classic anthems, which are played between each of the acts, singing-along and banging on the low ceilings.
Much like the transition from Clark Kent to Superman, you can tell when lead singer Paul Astick is about to do business, when he removes is glasses and lets his hair down.
Before long the band blasts into opener ‘The Trap’, taken from latest album Everything Is Fine, released earlier in the month.
The set itself is made up from a number of tracks taken from the new album, including latest single ‘The Ballad of Michael McGlue’ and fan favourite ‘Die Trying’.
Among showcasing songs from the new album, Hawk Eyes also play some old staples such as ‘Witch Hunt’ and ended the set strongly with ‘I Hate This, Do You Like it?’
The crowd interaction during periods of tuning is also highly entertaining, evidently turning a highly mundane story about buying a birthday card in a post office into one which is referenced all throughout the set from different angles.
There is also a further story about the tough decision on which chocolate bar to buy, that results in crowd applause when the right decision had been made.
Despite the lack of crowd present tonight, the atmosphere creates the feeling of being in a much bigger packed out venue.
Hawk Eyes performance incorporates every expected element; it’s full on, loud and entertaining.
It’s easy to tell from tonight’s performance that the band love what they are doing and appreciate their fan base.
Essentially it feels more like a night of interacting with friends and listening to good music than an organised ticketed event.
Words: Kathryn Murphy
Photos: Kyle Burgess
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