REVIEW: Brid on the Map #5: Ming City Rockers, Issy Sutcliffe and Sproose Moose & the Speedholes

Roll up, roll up! Brid on the Map number 5 was held at The Stirling Castle on August 15th. This time around, it was headlined by Ming City Rockers, with support from Issy Sutcliffe and Sproose Moose & the Speedholes. Together, they delivered an edgy punk experience transporting the audience to a world of the unconventional.

After attending quite a few Brid on the Map events, you would think I would be a seasoned pro on what to expect, but alas, that is not the case. Every time I walk through the doors of The Stirling Castle the bustling vibrant atmosphere captivates me. It is just the spark we all need to jolt our weekends to life. The immense diversity of music this event has to offer is astounding and provides us all with an opportunity to explore a wide range of genres. Brid on the Map goes beyond the usual realm of music; it is a uniquely enriching experience.

Sproose Moose & the Speedholes
Sproose Moose & the Speedholes launched the evening’s festivities. For anyone who attended Brid on the Map #4, the members of this band may have looked mighty familiar, and it was no optical illusion; three of the four members— Jamie Hayward, Fin Hines, and Lee Norgate—also play in Don’t Fret the Poet. Hayward and Hines swapped hats for this one with Jamie embracing his frontman role of Sproose Moose and Fin Hines providing lead guitar. To round out the band we had Lee Norgate on bass and Josh Langton (Lister) on drums.
The band emerged with an intriguing fusion of anti-folk and indie punk genres. Their highly energetic musicality, coupled with satirical lyrics, created a distinctive sound. The band’s infectious rhythms quickly had the crowd tapping their feet and happily nodding along, fostering an atmosphere filled with joy and camaraderie. The humorous track ‘Mermaids Don’t Have Buttholes’ elicited laughter and became an unforgettable catchy earworm, lingering with the crowd long after the set was over.

Issy Sutcliffe
Issy Sutcliffe brought an exhilarating high-speed presence to the stage with a performance brimming with femme fatale energy. Right from the get-go, Issy captured the audience’s attention with her magnetic personality, her natural charisma compelling all eyes to be fixated on her every move. With unapologetic boldness and confidence, Issy embodied girl power, her passion commendable and empowering.
The set was a vivid showcase of indie punk, seamlessly blended with traces of pop and rock. Her style drew comparisons to artists such as Avril Lavigne and the iconic 1970’s band The Runaways. Issy and the band delivered a dynamic performance infused with heavy guitars riffs and commanding drumming, igniting the audience to keep dancing.
Her recent single ‘Killed a Man,’ cast a spell over the audience, inviting listeners into the mindset of a woman fascinated by serial killers – a theme that would resonate with any fan of true crime.

Ming City Rockers
Immingham based Ming City Rockers closed the night, delivering a blistering, high-octane punk experience. The band’s remarkable constructive collaboration was shown in their tight instrumentation, raw vocals, and distorted guitars. Their strong individualistic presence radiated from the stage, as they forcefully nodded their heads to the beat, keeping the momentum alive. Ming City Rockers’ big sound is deeply rooted in garage punk, amplified by dynamic, punchy rhythms, culminating in a creative and unmistakable signature style.
Ming City Rockers released their album Clementine in March. Among the live highlights was ‘Oh My God’ from the album, quickly capturing the audience. The expressive lyrics and driving basslines, combined with the drummer’s rapid-fire beats established a frenetic pace. This energy inspired listeners to throw themselves around the room joyously.
Unlike many bands where every member vies for the attention, Ming City Rockers’ guitarist stood out by doing the opposite. The intentionally stoic character created intrigue and added an enigmatic layer to their dynamic performance. This created a compelling contrast with the group’s high-paced, energetic sound, cultivating a sense of anticipation that kept the audience thoroughly engaged from start to finish.

Appreciation
Thanks to organisers James Williams and Alex Verda, The Stirling Castle, and the bar staff for another great night featuring original music.

Links:
Ming City Rockers: Linktree
Issy Sutcliffe: Linktree
Sproose Moose & the Speedholes:  Instagram | Facebook
Other useful links:
LIVE! In Bridlington
Metalines Studios
The Stirling Castle Bridlington