What an absolute joy to see gigs back up and down the country to celebrate Independent Venue Week for 2022. I travelled to The Factory in Worthing to see The Clockworks supported by Cheap Teeth and Niches. This is grassroots, and perhaps in one of the more unlikely music venue locations. With Brighton just down the road it was wonderful to see this gig put on in Worthing. Irish band The Clockworks are now based in London and for fans of the band this was a treat to see them perform a full set in such an intimate venue.
First up were Brighton-based indie band Niches. They were a blast of colour with music to make you smile. A fresh indie sound with a wonderful lead vocalist in Lilli. Check out current single ‘High Tide‘ and previous single ‘Festival Song‘.
Next up were Cheap Teeth. The energy levels were notched up as they delivered their garage rock set. The 4-piece have already had airplay on BBC Radio6 music including on Steve Lamacqs New Music Fix show and from their live performances its easy to see why. ‘Tough Times at the Day Bar‘ is the current single and they are definitely a current band to look out for.
And so to the headline act, The Clockworks. At around an hour this was a long set packed with new material. Signed to Alan McGees It’s Creation Baby record label, The Clockworks have released seven singles to date and those following the band are clamouring for an album. Early single ‘Bills and Pills‘ and ‘Stranded in Stansted‘ have a spit and fire about them while ‘The Future Is Not What It Was‘ could be referring to the pandemic but in fact was written beforehand. Lead singer and lyricist James McGregor’s observational lyrics recalls situations we can all relate to. ‘Can I Speak To A Manager‘ needs no further explanation. Live they fulfil their potential, and had a support slot on the Pixies US tour which unfortunately had to be cancelled. They have a busy year ahead including supporting The Reytons on their UK tour, and playing many festivals. Highly recommended.
A fantastic night of live music. A mixture of local and not so local bands, just perfect for Independent Venue Week. Thank you Worthing, you’ve been amazing……..
