Written & photographed by IM Community Reviewer: Sarah Kemp
It was the final night of Pentire’s almost entirely sold-out tour, and Exeter’s Cavern felt like the right place to end it. The Herefordshire indie outfit sing about student life, small-town upbringing and the innocence of youth. Judging by the crowd on Gandy Street, Exeter was ready for every last bit of it.
WRKHOUSE had joined Pentire across the whole run, with local favourites Haytor added to the Exeter bill. By the time Pentire were due to walk on, the front was filled and the room had that familiar Cavern buzz. One of the best things about this venue is the bar tucked just beside the main room with sofas and tables for anyone who loves live music but prefers a bit more space away from the crowd.
Haytor opened the night and if you’ve seen them before, you’ll know they don’t waste time warming up a room. I remember this from the last time I saw them supporting The Snuts at Exeter Phoenix.
Around fifty people were gathered around the stage, dancing and singing along as they kicked things off with “Tell Me About a Love Song,” a great tune. Haytor describe themselves as indie rock, and I’d agree, though there’s definitely a rockier edge to them live.
There was a bit of a 90s vibe happening too. The singer, Austin Robison, had his hair in full curtains, the kind I proudly sported in 1990, though without the matching moustache! Austin pulled everyone closer to the front. It was clear that both the band and the crowd were having a great time.
They’d run a Black Friday deal on their t-shirts, which worked well. It was great to see people buying merch! By the end, they were down to their last stickers, a great sign of people backing a local band.
I chatted to Austin afterwards about that Snuts gig back in the Covid era. It’s still a relief to be able to pack into rooms like this again. Haytor are announcing a new tour soon, including a Phoenix date in May 2026. When I asked Austin to describe the band, he said: “We take the music seriously – just not ourselves.”
WRKHOUSE were up next, bringing a different energy entirely. Formerly known as Lewys, the Welsh group shifted from Welsh-only releases to a bilingual project, picking up a new name inspired by an old workhouse with a community creative vibe that they say reflects the progression from the last time they put out music.
By the time they began, the room had grown to around 70-80 people, invited to move closer to the stage.
I’d read some articles about the band before the gig. The band have been likened to Tears for Fears and other ‘80s names, and though I picked up the odd ’80s beat, these comparisons didn’t resonate with me. For me, the big keyboard sounds and a mix of pop, indie and something much harder to pin down. Their self-description of “Vast, Driven, Dark and Nut Free”, made me laugh, and though I am not entirely sure what it means, it seems to fit!
Finally, the main act and you could tell it was. The music was louder, the main area in front of the stage was packed and people were visibly excited.
The sound jumped a few notches louder and the crowd went into full blown final act mode. Hands were in the air, heads were bobbing and the whole room felt like one big chorus.
Pentire’s rapport with the crowd was great. There were cheers, whistles and more than a few people shouting lyrics back at them. Their mix of indie and big pop hooks hit perfectly in a venue like the Cavern. At one point, completely lost in smoke, the band asked if they crowd could see them, to which a fan yelled, “You guys rock!”
Pentire’s rise has been quick, and judging by the turnout, they’re probably outgrowing basement venues. With their next run, I’d bet on seeing them in a bigger Exeter space, hopefully back at somewhere like Exeter Phoenix, where even more people can catch them.
All three bands brought something different to the Cavern that night. Choosing a favourite feels impossible, but Haytor took it for me. Maybe it’s the hometown pride, but they always light the room up. Catch them when they tour in 2026. And if Pentire or WRKHOUSE swing back through Exeter, trust me: you’ll want to be there.
