Last Sunday’s bank holiday gig, hosted by local promoter Jarred Up, was an intimate affair that certainly deserved a bigger crowd, but those who made it out were treated to a fantastic evening of diverse and compelling live music.
Opening the night was local duo Quila Dreams, setting the mood with their atmospheric, folk-flecked indie sound. Their gentle harmonies and delicate drums and guitar lines washed over the room, creating a soft, introspective start to the evening. Their music felt like the perfect soundtrack to a quiet summer evening, and they had the crowd swaying from the first note with their understated, dreamy vibe.
Next up was Leeds’ very own Flat Moon, who shook things up with their messed-up, jazz-funk-infused indie rock. Their set, featuring tracks already making waves here there and everywhere along with a smattering of new ones, was confident, exuberant, and downright fun. They had the crowd laughing (and thinking) in between songs, but their musicianship was no joke—tight grooves, funky rhythms, and persuasive guitars kept everyone on their toes. With a mix of humour and serious musical chops, Flat Moon put on a set that was both infectious and unpredictable.
Headliners Hutch, all the way from Brighton, took the stage last, bringing their 60s-infused psych-pop to life with an impressive set of finely crafted songs. Quieter in their stage presence, Hutch’s focus was squarely on their brilliant songcraft, offering lush harmonies reminiscent of the Beach Boys to go with their instantly memorable melodies. Their set included a lovely rendition of “Radiator Centre,” named after a quirky shop in their hometown, and the real highlight was the stunning performance of “Mechanical Bull,” a song that lingered with the audience long after the final chord.
It was a shame the bank holiday weekend kept the numbers lower than expected—those who stayed home definitely missed out on a great show. Huge credit to Jarred Up for pulling together such an eclectic and entertaining lineup. This gig may have been fairly sparse, but it was a real treat for those lucky enough to be there.
