INVOLVING MUSIC IN REVIEW | WILD OCEANS MAKE WAVES AT THE CAVERN

Walking past Central Station, lights glaring off the wet pavement, I turn left through an alcove, turn then right, and down the stairs into Exeter’s legendary basement bar music venue: The Cavern. This place is iconic, having hosted some of the most impressive musical acts in the world over its 35 years. I remember seeing bands like Muse start out here in the 90s, and I always loved the vibe. It’s a reconstruction of the Cavern, apparently where some Liverpool band used to play.

With a lineup like tonight’s, we’re lucky to have tickets. That said, the crowd has never felt hemmed in or oppressive at this venue and the atmosphere is always positive. You can see the whites of the performers’ eyes and get to the bar easily.  always feels intimate, like a private party. The selection of drinks is good, including plenty of non-alcoholic beers for drivers like me.  We are lucky to have venues like this, which support newer acts as well as more established ones, all without charging the kind of extortionate prices that are one reason people struggle to afford to get out and see music these days. But not tonight.

Two quality young bands kick off the proceedings tonight.  3 Days of Wonder have already proven they can deliver at many stages across the South West, and I first saw them play at HMV Live a few years back.  Their songwriting is strong with emphasis on hooks, for example, “Over and Out” and the singalong chorus of the finale “Maniacs”, plus they put a lot of thought into the sonic arrangement with subtle guitar lines. Talented new drummer Theo adds controlled energy to the group and even sings tasteful  backing vocals on a couple of songs to add colour.   Luke is a confident (but not cocky) frontman whose distinctive and well-rounded voice really cuts through.  They have a great summer ahead of them with gigs including Boardmasters and I expect to see them soar.

Listen on Spotify →

GRLBND are another recently formed young band who impressed everyone I spoke to at the gig. A great set, mainly originals, including “Crazy,” which is just plain clever and catchy!  They only have one song out on Spotify (“Amoristic Killer”, catchy as hell), so I’m looking forward to hearing them do a good job of recording these, as they were so good live. Casey’s drumming is solid and unflashy, serving the songs well; Lucie gives me guitar envy with her Fender Jaguar, played confidently in a range of subtle styles; bassist Imala thumps out the tunes with an understated style, really carrying the songs as all bass players should (bassist here!) and singer Emily has an impressive voice.  I like the way none of them hog the limelight – they just crack on with the business of making engaging high-energy music, which is why we are all here tonight.

Listen on Spotify →