Live Review: Jaws @ Cavern

James Beeson went down to KINK’s first offering of 2014 and was ever so slightly unimpressed with Birmingham’s shoegazers. 

As the latest quintessential indie group to come out of Birmingham, it is somewhat inevitable that JAWS are often compared to fellow Midlands-based psychedelic rockers ‘Peace’ and ‘Swim Deep.’ However, as proven during Exeter’s first KINK night of 2014, comparisons in musical style do not always translate to equal levels of musical ability on stage. KINK returning this term has filled the student body’s musical coffers once again, and is set to have a stellar year.

Whilst the likes of Swim Deep and Peace rocketed to fame during 2013, receiving widespread critical acclaim and many plaudits for their nostalgic and carefree vibes, JAWS have languished somewhat, failing to achieve any real commercial success since forming in 2012. On the back of a largely disappointing performance at Exeter’s Cavern, it is easy to see why this is the case.

photocredit:thisisfakedit.co.uk

Having been touted by many as ‘the band to watch’ in 2014, a large audience had already gathered by the time JAWS took to the stage, following on from a powerful support set from local sensations ‘The Big V.’ However, despite the vibrant atmosphere inside the Cavern, the band struggled to create any meaningful connection with the audience with their mysterious, laid-back and distant demeanor.

An obvious lack of interaction with the audience, combined with a lack of ‘stand-out’ anthems, meant that the majority of JAWS’ performance fell flat, although fan favourites ‘Toucan Surf’, ‘Breeze’ and ‘Gold’ were still met with delight by the youthful and exuberant crowd. Unfortunately, the band’s new material is also disappointing, with the lifeless ‘Time’ and unimaginative ‘Think too much’ not boding well for their upcoming album, set to be recorded in 2014.

It would be unduly harsh of me to criticize JAWS for a lack of talent. The surf pop quartet are clearly a band not lacking in musical aptitude, as proven by their highly impressive 2013 EP ‘Milkshake.’ Nevertheless, talent is often easily wasted, and with this rather uninspired and dreary showing on Wednesday night, Connor Schofield and co. showed exactly why they have yet failed to reach the dizzy heights achieved by their Midlands counterparts.

JAWS have an exceptional sound on record; a combination of soothing and dreamy vocals, coupled with highly catchy guitar rifts.  Unfortunately, as of yet, this sound is not translated on stage, and thus the band, as a live entity, leave much to be desired.

James Beeson

Kink – Review

Liam Garret reviews Kink’s second outing, and a marvellous one at that.

Two weeks come around quickly, and Kink’s anticipated second night is upon us. Whilst many make the usual trip to Timepiece, tonight is the turn of Wolf Alice and Bloody Knees to storm Exeter’s most intimate major venue. Bloody Knees were up first, tearing through a short set of relentless energy which had the crowd baying for more. The alternative Cambridge four-piece showcase song from their self-titled debut EP and successfully warmed up the growing crowd with their punk-rock vibe.

The floor filled as Wolf Alice quietly entered the stage and proceeded to play plenty of the fan favourites that have garnered them so much critical acclaim including the excellent ‘Blush’ and ‘Wednesday’. The best receptions of the night went to the band’s early singles, particularly the dreamy jangle of ‘Bros’. Some of the highlights of the performance are the band’s more delicate moments, and their vocal harmonies were especially captivating.

The front of the crowd erupted into a mosh-pit as the opening riff of Fluffy exploded into the Cavern. The show drew to a fittingly monstrous close with the band’s bassist playing amongst the enlivened crowd. Tonight’s performances were characterised by raw honesty and a determination that only new acts on the rise can deliver.

Even after the bands have left the stage Kink’s indie credentials glowed as recent singles from Arctic Monkeys and Arcade Fire got an airing, affirming to the crowd that Wednesday nights at the Cavern offer something beautifully different. All in all, another great success. Regrettably Kink will be taking a short break but it’s back in three week’s time with a headline performance from The Night VI.

 

Liam Garrett

Kink – Preview

After its successful debut, Exeter’s brand new Kink student event will return this Wednesday with its continued mission to house some of the UK’s hottest live bands and DJs at the Cavern.

Two weeks ago Exepose Music witnessed exciting sets from Mausi and Dive In and then enjoyed a late night party in one of Exeter’s most intimate venues. It was a great evening that showcased fantastic new talent and a fresh selection of club tracks, which had everybody dancing. Kink aims to provide Exeter with an alternative club night for students and we hope that its second outing will cement its initial promise.

Hot off the heels of successful national tours with Peace and Swim Deep, this week Wolf Alice will be bringing their brand of evocative indie-pop to Exeter. Wolf Alice is a four-piece rock band from North London and they have just released a new EP Blush, filled with dreamy melodies and raw urgency.

Championed by BBC Radio 1 and the NME, Wolf Alice have cut their teeth as a support act and on festival stages this year and now is the perfect opportunity for them to emerge onto the live scene as a headline act. The grunge tinge of early single Fluffy should sound right at home underground in the Cavern, but hopefully the band will also treat fans to some unreleased material.

Liam Garrett

Live Review: KINK at Cavern

Kink promised, and Kink delivered. Exeter’s most anticipated new night opened in style, as the Cavern, known for its intimate events, formed the perfect backdrop for a night that will become a permanent fixture in Exeposé Music’s timetable.

An eager excited crowd gathered, filling the dingy venue best known for its live music nights to create an inclusive, electric atmosphere. Openers and supporting act Dive In started proceedings brilliantly, warming the audience with their uplifting sounds and excellent lead track ‘Let Go’. The crowd and excitement swelled as highly rated three-piece Mausi took to the stage with their irresistible pop tunes. New track ‘My Friend Has A Swimming Pool’ went down a treat and the much played ‘Move’ encapsulated the group’s trademark catchy and memorable sound. Mausi’s tracks are the kind that seep into your head and stay as if there stuck on repeat. Calls from their singer to dance were met with cheery acceptance as infectious tracks swept over the Cavern.

Image Credit: facebook.com/kink

The night’s denouement was hours of DJ-ing, including some excellent tunes and a variety not often found in Exeter’s clubbing scene. Tracks from Arcade Fire and Genesis, for example, had people moving and grooving until the early hours.

All in all, we’re impressed, very impressed. We now wait with baited breath for Kink’s next exciting installment as Wolf Alice come to Exeter, and based on this offering, there is a lot to look forward to.

Callum Burroughs, Online Music Editor

Exeposé Exclusive – KINK.

Music lovers, take note, Exeter’s live music scene is changing for the better. It’s time to bid farewell to the chart yawnfests and welcome an exciting fresh take on the student night out as KINK, a new bi-weekly student night, takes to the floor at Exeter’s own Cavern Club. Founders Lewis Lawrence and Cam Jones are giving Exeposé Music the exclusive low-down on something that’ll get the whole town talking.

So, what’s the deal? KINK will bring great, up and coming live bands and DJs from all over the UK down to Exeter to provide a student night like no other, and a window into the future of national music. Artists from genres ranging through pop, indie rock, post punk, synth pop and everything in-between will descend upon Exeter’s most intimate live music venue every other Wednesday. The founders have found a gap in the market for students and are keen to fill it with something for everyone.

While nights like Thick as Thieves, Exit, and Our House ensure Exeter’s live dance music scene is growing faster than the queue for Cheesy Tuesday’s, there has been a lack of intimate student-focussed live music on a regular basis. But the guys over at KINK promise to redress the balance.

Aiming to combine the aesthetics of student living – cost and strength – KINK will provide student prices for some of the most promising live acts around as well as offering an alternative to Timepiece’s regular Wednesday slot.

KINK have already lined up an impressive array of acts to get your mouth watering and knees trembling. Newcastle based quartet, Mausi, will have the pleasure of popping KINK’s cherry at the launch party on October 9th. Mausi are currently on Radio 1’s September playlist and you can hear their track ‘Move’ here. Wolf Alice, pop rockers from North London, will head up October’s second show on the 23rd and are currently touring with indie stalwarts Swim Deep.

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Exeposé Music is undeniably excited by this prospect and has high hopes that this will change Exeter’s music scene for the better, providing a musical pluralism you could previously only dream of.
More details can be found about KINK via its Facebook page or website

Callum Burroughs, Online Music Editor