LOUD IN THE LIBRARY: DEWEY DECIBELS BRINGS SKA, SOUL AND SERIOUS SASS TO EXETER CENTRAL

First up were Japan, Man, fronted by Letty and supported by Bert (lead guitar), Joji (bass) and Panki (drums). With understated charm and introspective lyricism, they transported us into their subtle yet gripping soundscape, featuring music that combined bedroom pop, indie, and alt-rock, along with a jazzy touch, too.

It was Joji’s last gig with the band, and that sense of farewell gave the performance a tender touch. Their set blended originals with select covers, none more notable than Al Green’s “Let’s Stay Together,” which felt especially touching when I caught a smooch between an elderly couple swaying at the side of the room. It’s moments like these that make live music in unexpected places so special.

Standouts included “Wormhole,” “The Law,” and “Pick Up the Cup” (which stayed in my head for a good while after). They closed with “Ignorance,” a track written by Laeticia and Bert, introduced with quiet affection and met with loud appreciation (the harmonies were beautiful)!

Next to hit the stage? Exeter’s all-female indie alt-rock quartet GRLBND. They brought the fire!

Emily (vocals), Lucie (guitar), Casey (drums) and Imala (bass) are everything you want in a girl band, but weren’t sure where to find it. Fierce, fun, talented and totally themselves. Think Evanescence meets Hayley Williams meets No Doubt, with a pinch of Paramore and a whole lot of passion.

The set grew heavier as it went on, with tracks like “She’s Mine” and “Wish I Knew” blending contagious hooks with a raw, emotional edge. Emily’s vocals cut through even the most powerful drum fills (kudos to the drummer, serious talent) and guitar riffs (kudos to lead guitarist, just wow!). Imala on bass looked completely in her element, head high and eyes closed, completely in the GRLBND zone.

Their single “Amoristic Killer” hit hard and when they played part two of the track, the crowd erupted. Someone even ran up to them after the set and said, “I’ve been waiting to see you live, and I’m so glad it happened here.” We second that.

Closing the night with chaos, colour and charisma were Technicolour Steam Train (TST). A nine-piece band fusing ska, funk, hip-hop and soul into something seriously unserious… and seriously brilliant. Soul-funk grooves, blaring brass and a frontman with tantalising talent and clear charisma.

Led by Charlie Mulford, the group launched into their set with circus-like flair and a stage presence to match. Behind the energy were Daniel on drums, Tom Tom on bass, Max and Ted on guitars, Joni on trumpet, Izzy on trombone and Ike on sax – each member adding their own energetic flair to a sound that was anything but quiet. Their new album Off The Rails dropped the next day, and we were lucky enough to get a preview. It was catchy, unpredictable and outrageously fun. Charlie urged the crowd to fill the awkward gap at the front of the stage, and within minutes, the library had transformed into a dance floor.

“Ghost Train” transported me right back to a Specials gig, euphoric and engrossing. “So Funky” was a real crowd pleaser, too.  I mean, if there were two words to describe this bunch, it would be the title of this very track

In fact, all of their songs had the crowd moving wildly, arms in the air, shouting lyrics to songs they’d only just heard, proof that the joy of discovery is alive and well in Exeter’s music scene.

A standout for me, though? The encore track titled “Hashbrown” (yes, really)! “Hashbrown” was weird, witty and wonderful, and honestly, I now know exactly what song to play to the cafe when my breakfast’s missing the best bit. (IYKYK)