LONG DEAD SIGNAL kicked off the day with their MUSE and MARS VOLTA-esque rock. Boasting probably the most beautiful guitar I’ve ever seen, The Square gathered bodies despite the pouring rain. Beautiful music about terrible things with an epic operatic sound that engulfed The Square. Its no wonder they took the Future Sound of Nottingham crown in 2010.
Now for the final 6 semi-finalists. This next 3 piece even had the Lord Mayor opening up the mosh pits. HOT JAPANESE GIRL are frat party rock monsters. They pack the pace and punch of BILLY TALENT but with the comedy of TENACIOUS D. Always guaranteeing a lively show this lot would be right at home smashing it in the legendary Rock City. They’ve promised us that if they get to the final they will walk on stage to ANDREW WK’S Party Hard. That sounds fun. The first of the Semi-Finalists to make a campaign video which you can watch HERE.
Next on the bill are Nottingham’s biggest LoveSpreaders IN THE NORTH WOOD. With the image of MUMFORD AND SONS and a not dissimiliar musical style they are a refreshing addition to our scene. “For What It Is” is a fantastic folk tune and has been racking up the play counts on ipods around the city. IN THE NORTH WOOD epitomise what the Nottingham scene is all about, support for fellow bands/artists and keeping the scene friendly. The folk outfit create a big sound that had The Square bobbing along, ideal festival band perhaps…? They’ve also personally promised us they will kiss everyone that votes for them….is it possible to unvote?
TRAY ELECTRIC takes to the stage and the Gods seem to sense something great might be about to happen as the clouds part and the sun shines down. Flying the flag for Nottingham’s electo scene in the competition his track “Is This All” is impossible not to dance too. Tray not only produces the tunes himself, he provides the vocals, plays keyboard in ROYAL GALA and is in JIMMY THE SQUIRREL. Busy guy!
GOODNIGHT ASTRONAUT bound on to the stage with a certain enthusiasm that indicates they are up for this. Another band making the sort of music that Rock City is famous for they absolutely rocked The Square. Delicate vocals, mammoth riffs with an ever changing pace make these guys both dark and comforting to listen to. You can find their debut single, “Kids of Tomorrow” on iTunes, buy it, its worth it.
Winner of round 1 INDIANA takes to stage to play her FIRST EVER GIG! Its obvious she is nervous but after about ten seconds of her opening song The Square is hushed as everyone is giving the stage their 100% attention. This girl is special, heartbreakingly sad songs and a voice that causes goosebumps, INDIANA had the people of Nottingham mesmorized. Her aching vulnerability is so endearing and songs like “Blind As I Am” send shivers down the spine. Her allocated fifteen minutes seems to end far too quickly and the moment she leaves the stage, various promoters, journalists, musicians and other industry players rush to congratulate her. Undoubtedly the biggest crowd reaction from any of the semi-finalists. Hopefully that doesn’t sound biased, we’re just reporting the truth. She deserves to make the final 6 surely?
If you haven’t cast your vote to see which bands/artists should make the final 6 at Rock City in June you can do that on our Facebook page HERE.
Yours In Love of New Music,
Tom Hadfield (@hadfieldreckons)
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Here’s a wee team photo, takes a lot of volunteers to put this event on, big love to the Julie Cotton Foundation.
#spreadthelove
