Who said Wednesdays were for staying in?
Exeter Cavern again proved why it holds its place at the core of the Southwest’s grassroots music scene.
Hosted by Oliver Clatworthy, a passionate advocate of the Southwest scene and local interviewer of bands and musicians, the debut event on 23rd April marked an exciting new chapter for Oliver and Exeter’s live music scene.
Four acts. Four sounds. Another unforgettable evening. The crowd’s energy reminded our social media manager, Gee, exactly why live music matters any time of the week.
As ever, from the moment the first note dropped, the spirit of The Cavern was obvious. With a not-for-one-minute-empty dancefloor, people were really living the music, dancing, singing, jumping and cheering.
Team IM’s Gee notes that it felt like the room was filled with friends, fans and first-timers tuned into the same frequency. Community in the Cavern, with two capital C’s.
The line-up
GRLBND: all-female indie-pop outfit making some serious sounds in the Exeter scene.
Gee, Team IM: “GRLBND were so great. They had such charisma and chemistry. Emily’s vocals wowed everyone throughout the set, and her final belted note was a goosebump moment. The band has a real tight indie-pop sound paired with a contagious energy. They had the crowd moving from the get-go.
Finding Mary: Bath-based alt-rock with a funky, soulful twist
Gee, Team IM: The band had some undeniably groovy basslines met with indie rock hooks in a set that felt fresh. I could definitely hear the influence of the likes of Red Hot Chilli’s and John Mayer. I think the band showed serious versatility. Their new single As It Comes got a huge reaction, with the audience singing along and getting into every chorus.
Break for Lovers: experimental indie with candles, incense and synths
Gee, Team IM: There were candles. Incense. Animal skulls. This wasn’t your average indie gig – Break For Lovers delivered a full sensory experience. Their set was atmospheric to say the least, with experimental synth-pop woven into gritty indie tones. They transformed the stage into something quite ritualistic, which made a lasting impression for sure.
Fever Rouge: Brighton alt-rockers back in Exeter with new EP Feed the Villain
Gee, Team IM: Headliners Fever Rouge came in fresh off their new EP Feed the Villain. The crowd had been waiting for that title track and when it dropped? Dancefloor chaos! But in a good way. Jumping, shouting, pure release. Their banter with the crowd made it feel less like a gig, more like a gathering of friends.
It’s nights like this that are what Involving Music is all about. Not just celebrating the artists (though they absolutely deserve it), but honouring the spaces that make these connections possible.
These music experiences and venues are where bands test unreleased songs and find their first fans. Where crowds cheer so loudly, it gives artists the fuel to keep creating. Where someone’s next favourite band plays before anyone else knows their name.
Support these bands. Follow them. Stream their tracks. Buy the gig tickets. Support the venues. Talk about them. Tag them. Show up.
And most importantly?
Keep making noise about Southwest music.
