Swansea’s Stickerbook are first up at The Shed which has been under new ownership for a little while now. It’s immediately noticeable that the sound has improved since we last paid it a visit. That benefits the trio’s emo infused alt rock showing they are skilled song writers, and have the added bonus of a naturally talented singer. Tonight they prove they are well worth checking out again in the future.
It’s rare to find a band that manage to be dead moody and also uplifting at the same time. SUNMACHINE can clearly play too. They fuse all kinds of tempos, vibes and influences into something deliciously new. There’s groove, heavy beats and well worked guitar solos. We also get synth samples, some great stage craft and surprising twists and turns. Imagine if Faith No More had taken a very different path then you get just a little bit of the flavour of this highly original act who leave you wanting to hear more.
Touring addicts Slackrr are infectiously happy. Their pop punk numbers may give the middle finger to negativity in various forms but it’s the sheer joy they obviously have being on stage that sets them apart. They engage not just through the wholesome delivery of front guy Scotty but through their combined sense that all the glasses in their sphere of influence should be considered half full. The musicianship shouldn’t be ignored either. The songs may be relatively uncomplicated but they’re played with verve and the kind of tightness you only get from being on the road nearly continuously. Tonight you feel like you’re watching an arena band play a very personal show.
Review and photos by Gary Trueman