Funday Sunday @ Gringo's

On Febuary 28th Norwich’s DIY scene took Gringo's Tequila Bar by storm, hosting a day full of local music fittingly named Funday Sunday. Norwich-born music has gone from strength to strength over the past few years, and this event showcased some of the best it had to offer.

Kicking the day off at 3pm was Moth (Tim Burden), whose music is best described as electro cloud pop, clearly taking influence from the likes of Crystal Castles and Purity Ring. The opening track (Wii background music) was received with open arms (and ears) by people streaming through the doors and moving towards the performance area to get a better glance of what was going on. Throughout the set the audience, including myself, were captivated by what was unfolding in front of us from this solo act. Opening the show with a genre of music that stems from a completely different tree to the other bands on the bill is a difficult task, but it was performed with confidence and passion.

Dog's Dinner gave an energetic and youthful performance. Jumping off amps and screaming down microphones, some serious teen angst is being channelled through, but myself and everyone else is bloody loving it. Refreshing to see talent at such a young age; the future looks promising. Adopting a rock/punk sound into their music makes for an interesting listen, and front man Josh definitely knows the importance of stage presence, constantly chatting and interacting; the set feels more like a journey than just something to listen to. Guided through impressively written original songs, I am a big fan and will definitely be keeping an eye out for where these boys inevitably pop up next in the Norwich music scene.

Next to take the stage was the very talented Hello Pedro, with sounds similar to the likes of Bob Nanna. Hard acoustic guitar complimented thoroughly with simple yet relatable lyrics really made for an intimate performance, which in such a small venue really went down a treat. Original track I Haven’t Seen Evil Dead II Yet really stood out for me as a trademark song, be sure to check it out. As the set came to a close, Chris still had a few more tricks up his sleeve, with the penultimate song being a cover of Pixies’ Where Is My Mind, although an acoustic version, the song still had all former glory intact. Thoroughly impressive, with dates in Norwich in the near future, including Franks Bar on March 13th, I’m anticipating another great performance. See you there!

Singer songwriter Maya Law gave an uplifting performance in a room previously filled of heavy guitar and a lot of shouting, the set was a well needed break and really did sweet sweet things for my ears. Mirroring a Daughter-ish sound with the same realness and quirkiness of Kate Nash, she really hit it out of the park with her performance, showing great stage presence and just genuinely being so lovely. Laws’ original songs are easy listening and echoed throughout the room, forcing sways and smiles from the crowds. Shortly followed by an incredible cover of Amy Winehouse’s You Know That I’m No Good, which showed a more mature side to her music. It’s easy to see why young Maya has done so well, all at the age of just 17, the future is looking bright for this Norwich songbird.

Next to show us what they had to offer was twinkly screamo duo Algae Bloom, with Matt Taylor on guitar and close friend Leigh Nixon on standing drums, the two piece are as much of an aesthetically pleasing band as they are musically. The performance was fuelled by clear passion as the boys worked up a sweat during their short yet mesmerising set, taking influence and musical similarities from Durham Emo band Healing Powers, the boys fall into a genre which many amateur bands find difficult to perfect, Matt and Leigh have really hit the nail on the head and continue to give stunning performances time after time. Playing songs from debut album I Am Still Scared Of Living such as Bed Springs and I’m Not Strange, following with yet to be named tracks from upcoming album I Am Everyone I’ve Ever Met, the crowd mesmerised and a well deserved roaring applause was given between and after their set. Expecting huge things from Algae Bloom.

Local lads Street Piss gave a heavy, quite frankly awesome performance. Although recently realising that it's verging on impossible to find any of their stuff online, from what my beery memory can recall the set was fun and very natural. The songs were catchy, and well written, with front man Matt’s harsh and powerful voice, falling more into the likes of a heavier Slaves (before the awkward Chase & Status malarkey). Guitar riffs and break downs were ushered in smoothly in every track and these boys are definitely one to look out for. Performing and actually looking like you’re having fun is something bands tend to forget; smiles and laughs did not go amiss here, and it really was refreshing to witness.

Although Lowestoft local band Teen Brains do not offer the most original sound, falling into the genre of shoegazey surf pop, the lads were still a great band to have on the bill. Having previously toured with Claws and Turnover, there was a sense of professionalism which other bands from the day lacked, but at a small local show like this, a lack of seriousness is not necessarily a bad thing. It was obvious that they had performed together numerous times, each instrument played almost perfectly to each other, impeccable timing and some really great catchy as hell songs. Saying this, I thought the performance lacked band to audience interaction, which was a real shame when compared to the friendly attitudes of the other bands that’d previously performed. All in all, not my cup of tea, but I can definitely see the appeal.

Norwich local Marigolds gave a fun summery performance, with singer Joe’s voice really standing out as something promising. The band take what is great from indie music, heartfelt lyrics and easy listening, then continue to combine it with aspects of math rock and Emo which leaves behind simply great music. London being their best track on the new EP, the live performance of it lacked nothing which wasn’t in the recording. A sterling performance and a really great understanding of all aspects of live music, the band know how to have fun and its simply irresistible. Although only recently formed, the foreseeable future is looking promising for the boys with upcoming dates at The Waterfront and the bands talent already being noticed by Norwich’s BBC introducing who recently chose London as their track of the week. Onwards and upwards Marigolds!

As the night drew to a close, headliners Claws took to the stage for a final send off, and completely smashed it. With head girl Josie’s tamed whiney voice you can see why the band have become so successful over the past year, they really are a treat to see live. Despite the crowd becoming reckless, and being hit with an inflatable beach ball or sea creature became almost inevitable, the band took it in their stride to deal with and adapt to it, joining in the fun and playing a non-stop set full of upbeat raw talent. Although previously seeing claws at the Owl Sanctuary a few months back, Sunday's performance almost felt like a band practice amongst friends, the smaller venue really brought out the friendliness within the music, and reminded us what having a local scene is all about. Its really lovely to see a band who have toured with well established artists to still have clear respect for local Norwich shows.

All in all, a really lovely day.