The evening was slightly more hectic than usual because I had been performing at a poetry event beforehand. Fortunately, I managed to escape in time and get across to Blue Arrow before Tomorrow Syndicate took to the stage. It would have been a shame to miss them, particularly after enjoying their previous performances so much.
One of the things I liked about Tomorrow Syndicate from the start was their ability to deliver straightforward, honest rock and roll without unnecessary complications. No gimmicks, no elaborate concepts and no fashionable trends to chase. Just strong songs, energy and a band that clearly enjoyed what they were doing. Once again they delivered exactly that, cooking up their own distinctive brand of rock and roll and reminding me why I had made the effort to come along in the first place.
The pairing with Domiciles made perfect sense. Both bands represented the kind of grassroots music scene that often gets overlooked in favour of bigger names and larger venues. Yet nights like this frequently provide the most enjoyable live music experiences. You’re close to the performers, the atmosphere is relaxed and there is a genuine sense of community among the audience and musicians alike.
By this point I had become something of a regular at Tomorrow Syndicate gigs and it was great to catch up with the lads again after the show. One of the pleasures of supporting emerging bands is that you often get the opportunity to chat with them, hear what they’re working on and watch their progress from gig to gig. Those personal connections are something you rarely get at larger concerts.
Looking back now, there’s another reason this evening stands out. None of us knew it at the time, but nights like this were about to become much rarer. Small venues, spontaneous trips to gigs and casual conversations after the show would soon disappear for a while. The live music scene was about to be placed on hold, and not many people appreciated just how much they would miss it until it was gone.
That makes evenings like this feel even more valuable in hindsight. A good lineup, a welcoming venue and the chance to spend a Saturday night surrounded by live music. Sometimes that’s all you need.
The mobile phone clips below capture some of the atmosphere from another enjoyable evening with Tomorrow Syndicate and Domiciles. Thankfully, I made it from the poetry gig in time to see the boys do what they do best.
Here are some mobile clips.
Good to chat to the lads again at the end of the evening. Pity these kind of nights were soon to be put on the back burner for no apparent reason other than mass hypnosis.
The Photos
Cheers!
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