Three great acts brought a blend of orignal music and covers to the stage on 12 September 2025, at he Cask Club. Callum Marshall reviewed Mac Turner, Scarlet Dusk and Broken Oak for Yorkshire Coast Gigs, whilst photographers Ty Georgiou and editor Kath caught the action. 

If you’ve ever been to Scarborough, then you’ve undoubtedly heard of The Cask. Well it’s back, and in a big way. I remember as a 14 year old attending the open mic upstairs, hosted by Daz Cooke at the time. The Cask wasn’t just a hub for ale drinkers and students; it held a beautiful community of musicians and poets and writers, all sharing music and art together. Once it was taken away, the whole community took a hit.

And it’s safe to say that, finally, we are getting that space back, and last night was a testament to that.

Opening the night was Mac Turner (Mr T). I’ve had the pleasure of seeing Mac play a few times. Either in a band, or more frequently, as a soloist. Mac, I often feel, combines a warm, rasped vocal with a beautiful baritone that draws you in to almost feel like you’re having a private conversation. His guitar work does not fall short either, combining big chords with some heated textures and tone that allow you to feel lifted in the bigger moments of the piece.

Mac will be appearing at the Cask again on 24th October supporting Deep Sea Daggers and Velvet Tuxedo. 

Photos of Mac Turner by Kath Dunn-Mines.

It was a lovely juxtaposition opening with a solitary musician, centre stage, to the powerhouse band that are Scarlet Dusk.

Having exploded onto the scene, the four piece combine big bass lines and fuzzy guitar riffs, with a powerful and well toned vocal from vocalist/guitarist Amy McFegan. Amy’s voice has a rich tone, and holds a depth that I often don’t get the joy of hearing amongst rock bands. The whole offering was a pleasure to listen to.

I personally enjoyed how the dynamic of the band lent itself to the space, sometimes just bass and drums and a softer vocal gave room for the audience to take in the ensemble.

Check out their single ‘Daisy Decil’ on YouTube, hearing it last night, It combines an almost Junk drum with a bedroom rock medley. It makes you want to move, so what else can I say?

Scarlet Dusk: Facebook : Instragram : YouTube

Photos below: Scarlet Dusk by Ty Georgiou

Photos below: Scarlet Dusk by Kath Dunn-Mines

This brings us on to our headliners, ‘Broken Oak’. Firstly, congratulations on just passing college. Secondly, what a sound. We’re talking technically excellent and refined drumming stylings. Soaring guitars, funky guitar riffs and double vocals.

A personal highlight was getting to see Paul Stear (Scarborough Tec tutor) enjoying his ex-students work in a real world setting. That being said, it’s always nice to see Paul; aside from that, I have to talk about the tracks from their EP. It was jazzy, that’s for sure.

Moving to a three piece, we had octave vocals, which gave such a nice dynamic, and really shifted the whole feel of the set in a direction that was exciting. Some beautiful chord work, and complimentary bass. Sometimes with Jazz, especially in a majority rock night, it can feel like an overlook, or a bit of a time filler whilst the vocalist takes a rest from the bigger stuff. But this felt well rehearsed and actually more of a main course than a side dish. A Jazzy lasagne, not the garlic bread, if you will.

Interwoven covers, such as a Pearl Jam cover, were a lovely excuse to sing along and enter the bands world for a little. I don’t think there was anybody not captivated and singing along in these moments. The set felt like a journey, with storytelling interwoven, that really brought us listeners into the story – something you don’t get too much of anymore is talking at gigs. It’s nice to see confidence and really strong anecdotes about the bangers they were delivering consecutively.

Something special is brewing underneath The Cask, so the next time you see a facebook post about a gig there, or a friend invites you to go, but you’re in your pjs and you’ve a Chinese takeaway meal on the way – just go. Pop some outside clothes on, grab a chicken ball (lathered in curry sauce) for the road and get yourself in. I promise you won’t regret it.

Broken Oak: Facebook : Instagram : Spotify

Photos below: Broken Oak by Ty Georgiou

Photos below: Broken Oak by Kath Dunn-Mines

Follow the Cask & Keg Scarborough to see what’s coming up in original live music on Fridays at the Cask Club, and much more besides. Facebook : Instagram