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First up was James Lawes, a late addition to the roster for the evening, but an otherwise welcome treat for the spectators. Armed with only an acoustic guitar, Lawes shyly took to the stage with an intimate performance of self-penned songs, similar to the sounds of folk titans John Martyn and Billy Bragg. Lawes clearly has a good ear for a hook, singing his infectious choruses delicately over the gentle chords of his guitar. The singer-songwriter concluded his short but sweet set with a final song, ‘Joanne’, which hinted at an ambition and charm that will surely be more firmly amplified the more Lawes plays the local area.
After a short interlude giving sufficient time to get more drinks in, The Mountaineering Club continued the evening. Quite exceptional in their instrumental setup, the band used mostly synthesised drums and effects pedals as the basis of their atmospheric post-rock. On more than one occasion the group brought to mind the much adored band Explosions in the Sky, using their unique instrumentation to construct ethereal and soothing soundscapes. The subtle vocals of vocalist and guitarist Tom Adams complemented perfectly the lush ambience of the rest of the band, making the Mountaineering Club a standout talent on the local music scene and surely ‘one to watch’.
After another brief intermission for yet more drinks and even some socialising (just one of the reasons to have a social, I’ve heard), Littlemores took to the stage. Riding high on the success of winning Fibbers’ Battle of the Bands 2010, the band were not short of any charisma or allure, and it is clear to see how the band are encountering such success. Clearly influenced by the British Invasion era, as well as the laddery of contemporaries the Cribs and the Libertines, Littlemores confidently consolidated their position at the top of the line-up, coolly blasting through their well crafted indie rock, only stopping between songs to joke with the audience and praise the previous two acts.
The social was an all round fun evening more informal than the weekly section meetings. Though all three acts each had their own unique sound and setup, the evening panned out very smoothly and it was obvious from the looks of the faces in the room that those offstage, as well as onstage, were having a great time. If you missed out, don’t worry - just be sure to be at the next social!
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