The Jjohns
With a line up packed with new talent gracing the Shipping Forecast, Getintothis’ Lauren Wise caught some of the best rising acts the North West has to offer.
As part of a Softlad Promotions event, Saturday evening saw the depths of the Shipping Forecast house four rising bands from Liverpool and beyond, headlining with Sweet Release.
The Continental Phase opened the line up with talent well beyond their years. Clear influences of Britpop heroes Oasis and The Stone Roses shone through, particularly in Dust Turns To Gold, which was a set a highlight. The Winsford-based four piece are incredibly experienced for their age, underlined by the drummer’s adventurous fills. Their youthful energy permeated every song and seeped into the audience, culminating in their very own version of I Wanna Hold Your Hand.
It’s easy to imagine The Continental Phase making waves at festivals, especially when launching into instant classics like Runnin Back. In a period when indie rock is leaning on a psychedelic twist to thrive, this four piece are stripping it back to the sentimental 90s sound and taking audiences with them.
Glaswegian four piece The Trend took to the stage next. Their raw viscerality mirrors classic Scottish rock bands and is performed with the energy to match. Their politically-driven songs mimic aspects of Glasvegas and are peppered with Kasabian’s style. Set highlights included Going Under and Falling By The Wayside, along with some audience participation. The foundation of the set was the mesmerising guitar solos, which established each song as easily recognisable as their own.
Next up were Liverpool lads The Jjohns. Continuing with the theme of anthemic classics, the Merseyside favourites impressed a growing audience with a 90s meets 60s sound filled with rich harmonies. New releases So Alone and Sewn were the songs that caused a buzz, their forlorn and poetic lyrics matched with catchy chorus’ and melodies. The four piece are true products of a Liverpudlian upbringing as classic Beatles’ characteristics underpin each song, with are then layered with influences of The La’s and The Coral.
The set varied from the energetic and fast-paced Lucy to the stirring and sorrowful Little Bird, giving the audience a true reflection of their album potential. The Jjohns are a real scouse band harbouring potential to fill festivals with an infectious and nostalgic indie rock.
Headliners Sweet Release were next on, feeding on the energy the supporting bands had provided and building on it with a lively set. The Warrington-based four piece were much heavier than previous acts, although not out of place. Their sound is infused with a warping psychedelic guitar paired with a Buzzcocks style 80s punk. Overall they could not be tied to one specific genre, instead taking aspects of each and making them their own. The energy of the evening was personified by Sweet Release’s frontman, who kept a clear stage in preparation for plenty of animated dancing.
Single Shine A Light was the most memorable of the set, with a catchy hook and high dance-ability factor. The evening was finished off with plenty of audience interaction as the crowd took full advantage of an invitation on stage.
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