The inaugural Brid on the Map event on 4th April was hotly anticipated, with a promising line up and an impressive stage and sound system begging for a belter.
First up on this first night were Different State, Pickering’s full-fat alt-rockers, bringing some melodic and dance-worthy rock from the outset, as well as raising a good-spirited cheer for the event organisers. As they moved into their second song, Never Grow, the bass got deeper, while with their next, the drums picked up pace; Looking Forward to Tomorrow leans a little towards the funk, with neat harmonies; the between song patter is good too.
Running through a range of tones from danceworthy rock to subdued angst and then up to thrashing energy, one senses referential nods to Saves the Day and Linkin Park, and the nodding appreciation from the surrounding crowd is punctuated with murmurs of “aye, they’ll go far”. After a superb set, they end with Waves, the moshpit well established and the finale escalating to an intense, drum-led, big finish. The band also sat for an interview with us ahead of the gig, check that out here.
Next up were Follow Deep, a band with two pairs of feet in Bridlington and two pairs in Hull; it can’t be omitted that some sound issues occurred early in this set caused by a blown monitor, but whilst the crew sprang into action, the performers kept on and the enjoyment was barely diminished. More notable might be the fact that this was the first gig with the outfit for Curtis Papworth, having recently joined as bass player – a new challenge for the well-known guitar player but one he met with verve; a descriptor that could apply to the overall swagger of the band.
Soaring vocals, smiling vibrant energies, funky punctuated riffs and playful interactions contrasted with slower, jangling melodies; some definite nods to classic rock with big vibes and a real relish for the playing interspersed with more contemporary flourishes, and you certainly wouldn’t guess that one member was brand new, such were the dynamics and synchronisation on the stage. Here too, another band that knows how to elevate the thrash and bring things to an accelerating big finish.
Paste. are the visitors from Nottingham here to round off the night; with a scream of ‘Bridlington!!!’ and a declaration, well received, that Brid is the best place to come and play, they launch ahead with a brief warning that the lighting during their set will be strobe-heavy. Having mentioned that both the previous bands brought the thrash, we have to up the descriptors for Paste. to Uber-Thrash; Lucas, drummer from Different State, is nearby heard to enthusiastically declare, ‘I really f***ing like them!’ and the sentiment seems shared across the crowd here at The Stirling Castle, some of whom seemingly just popped in for dinner and didn’t know they were going to get served the hardcore grungey goodness.
Their set moves through the fast and head-flicking to the dreamy and echoey, almost hypnotic at times; but still, often, with lots of screaming vocals. A pit is soon opened and swells as it undulates, particularly as one song seems akin to a polka, and the crowd lean into it with a hearty mosh. There is plenty of banter and rapport with this crowd, many of whom have clearly witnessed Paste. on previous visits to the town and eagerly awaited their return.
Moreover, this isn’t just a tale of three bands, it’s a tale of a hat, a very special hat belonging to audience member Troy, which gets worn by the majority of the crowd and, as the photos will show, each member of Paste. in turn. (This reviewer even wore the crown for a while. No pictures of that though) Seeing a band whose attire and indeed bio attests to them ranging from ‘doom to shoegaze’, wholeheartedly relishing the delightful absurdity of the spinning hat, is the final clincher – Paste. are serious performers with a winning sense of fun. It’s no wonder they have a strong Bridlington fan-base.
The line-up could not have been better for showcasing what Brid on the Map is all about – brilliant originals bands from the region alongside some of the best acts from further afield, and an audience lapping it up. Scheduled to take place each month, with original line-ups, make sure to check out the links below to keep up to date with upcoming events.
Sign up to the Live In Bridlington mailing list for a range of upcoming gigs or follow them on Facebook and Instagram along with Metalines Studios on Facebook or Instagram for gig details.
Brid on the Map takes place monthly at The Stirling Castle, Bridlington.
May 9th: Edge of 13 EP Launch with January Jam and The Limeys
June 6th: Dirty Blonde with Eva Kiss and Beth Pilling
July 18th: Sam Scherdel with Don’t Fret the Poet and Reverie
