Album release shows are a chance to see bands in environments that you wouldn’t normally see them in and Banquet Records are quite adept at getting big name artists to play smaller venues for such an occasion. In the past they’ve had bands like Twin Atlantic and Royal Blood play special shows, but this time, it’s the turn of the young upstarts, Marmozets.
This show has been a long time coming. Having released two EPs (both of astoundingly good quality) this debut album was highly anticipated, and has not disappointed. The day of the show, the album hit number 25 on the Official Nationwide Charts, a feat which is not lost on the members of the band. Becca and Josh expressing how mad it was after the show shows maturity and a sense of down to earth which is incredible.
First up are support Beasts. Sounding like a punkier, more rock and roll version of Bleach-era Nirvana, they jaunt through a 30 minute set to a decent reaction. Closest comparisons would probably be made to The Vines, and these guys are a band to watch. With a bit of polish, they could be a big shot in the arm to the British Rock scene.
Taking to the stage on a Sunday afternoon at 3.30 might not be the most obvious time for a show, but Marmozets show they can play on any stage at whatever time. Inside the Fighting Cocks, 150 people lose their inhibitions for just over half an hour, in support of Britain’s hottest young band. Opening with the song with the best chorus of last year, they rip through ‘Born Young and Free’ with the crowd going absolutely mental. Becca’s vocal chords absolute shred throughout the entire set, but there is not a better vocalist in the country right now, especially on stage.
Whether screaming, crooning or softly whispering the lyrics to ‘Particle’, the band are on top form. Playing a ten song set, encompassing the majority of the album, they show why so many bands are tipping them for the top, and why they deserve to be headlining venues such as Scala. ‘Hit The Wave’ is a highlight of the day before the ending double act of ‘Move Shake Hide’ and ‘Vibetech’ brings the show to a crashing end, complete with Becca, Sam and Jack getting involved in the crowd’s mayhem, crowd surfing whilst still playing.
Marmozets are only going to go one way, and that is up. The talent in the band at such a young age proves they’re going to be a massive force. The fact they’re already writing for album two shows a commitment that not many bands actually have. This show may be the last time they’ll play a tiny stage, but that’s because they deserve to be on so much bigger stages.
ADAM ROSARIO