On arriving at The Westgarth SC at 7pm following a rainy Orange Pip Market, we settled down into a cider or two before heading upstairs for the start of the show. After a short while, the room was filling up with faces from Teesside’s by-gone music scene of Doc Browns’ 4Play, Spadger, Sessions and Bandstand; tonight’s focus was, after all, to showcase the record labels’ efforts to rejuvenate Middlesbrough’s music scene.
Goosed Records comprises of David Todd, Danny Lowe, Tommy Mack and Paddy Michael, I spoke to Paddy further about the ideologies behind their rejuvenations, “we had a conversation about how that scene kind of died off, it then snowballed into this idea of a record label that would also have these other arms; recording, gig promotions, open jam sessions etc...” So, having clarified the intentions of Goosed Records, I stepped forward to watch the first act.
I was a little perplexed at the room’s slight initial lack of interest when the first band Miraculous Mother crashed into their first song, the act, consisting of bassist Louie, Vocalist and Rhythm Guitarist Rory and ‘Deano’ and ‘Deano’ on drums and a lovely Cherry Red SG, didn’t seem phased. Their irresistibly familiar and always synchronic sound of 70s rock ‘n’ roll blues paired with garage and a hint of punk grasped me. I hadn’t heard of Miraculous Mother before that night but I hope to see their name on bills to come.
I hadn’t encountered Darlington’s Jodie Nicholson before but her set which followed Miraculous Mother struck me with her atmospheric and moving tone. Switching between guitar and piano, the 22 year old didn’t disappoint with Laura Marling-esque sounds written with raw and evocative lyrics. I look forward to hearing more from Jodie Nicholson.
Next up was Boro 5 piece the G.F. Bruce Band who have seemingly mastered the craft of producing a catchy bar or two. The boys played their instruments well with varied sounds coming from Paddy Michael’s keys including my ever-favoured organ which supported the melodic and dance-worthy songs of the G.F Bruce Band.
The final act of the night the Danny Kebabs made their way onto the stage and the crowd were very much engaged at this point now as the band kicked into their first song their musical ability was apparent. Harmonies and memorable, foot-tappingly catchy choruses finished the night off delightfully.
Overall, the acts did the event and themselves justice and I wish the best of luck to Goosed Records in their ventures. I look forward to hearing about their future projects and spur anyone who’s thinking of seeing any of the acts to do so as you won’t be disappointed.
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