poppedmusic

Headclouds

10th August 2019, Bobiks, Newcastle

I love Saturday night gigs. They are the perfect time to grab a pint and let go of all the worries from the week before and it’s still far away enough to not feel those dreaded Monday blues. Despite opting for a diet coke, a rarity for me, I was ready to get down the front and shuffle along to some good quality music. 

Taking place in the brand new music venue Bobiks, upstairs in the newly opened The Punchbowl Hotel, I was both excited to see two bands I’ve loved for a while now and to check out the new music space. It felt like ages since I’d been to a proper gig and what a welcome back this was – awesome catchy tunes in a sweaty venue packed with music lovers? Sign me up any day of the week. 

So, let’s get to the review shall we?

Fresh from supporting the mighty Sam Fender in Brighton the previous night, Hector Gannet took to the cosy stage to open the night accompanied by whoops of delight from both fans and loved ones who’d come down to show their support. I still remember the first time I caught Hector Gannet when they supported Talent Show at the Surf Cafe last May and I was blown away by their powerful vocals and lush soundscapes. The transformation in the North Shields four-piece from then until now is phenomenal – they really seem to have come into their own and their sound is much more defined. No doubt this is off the back of their support slots with Fender but everything from their stage presence to the way they belt out each track feels more comfortable and they held the crowd in the palm of their hands. 

Each track from Hector Gannet instills feelings of nostalgia that you never even knew you had as each instrumental crescendo peaks into danceable beats and catchy choruses. Closing on my personal favourite, The Haven of St Aidan’s, frontman Aaron Duff’s mighty vocals sounded lush as the soundscape progressed before thinning out to expose each lyric. 

Definitely ones to watch – get your songs on Spotify lads so I can after beyond your live shows! 

Headlining Bobiks on the back of their latest single Marmalade was Headclouds who we’ve been keeping our eye on at Popped for a good while. I first fell in love with Headclouds’ hazy summer vibes but I stayed for their euphoric backdrops of twinkling keys, jingling percussions and catchy lyrics. As with Hector Gannet, there’s definitely been a noticeable musical progression with Headclouds and this is probably my favourite time that I’ve seen them live. 

Frontman Steven Gordon leads the vocals with ease, with each track flowing perfectly into the next. Guitar lines interwine with dreamy synths and vibrant drum patterns to please the eardrums and they easily get you swaying around with a pint in hand. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, Headclouds are a much needed addition to festival lineups and their own style really shone through at Bobiks. 

Blasting through a setlist that I wish could have lasted double the time, Flowers made an appearance for those “observant fans” along with Modern Behaviour and new single Marmalade. Finishing on a cheeky encore with the popular Never Will, I left entirely satisfied and covered in sweat from the sweltering venue. 

The perfect band to put a smile on your face – if you’re a big fan of shoegaze dream-pop like me, I promise you’ll fall in love with Headclouds.