The Pitchforks @ Clwb Ifor Bach
(21/3/19)
Words and Photos by Hannah Nicholson-Tottle
It’s easy for young bands to crumble when there’s that much expectation resting on their heads, especially when backed by big promoters such as HoyFest, but The Pitchforks expertly rode that hype during their first headline gig at Clwb Ifor Bach.
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Up first were Sssnakes, a 5-piece from the South Wales Valleys. After some initial confusion as to whether the doors were open or not, the room was pretty empty as they began their set, but it packed out at record speed as soon as they played their first chord. Setting the bar impressively high, they smashed through their set, met with absolute adoration from the crowd. With highlights such as Beatrice, their debut track Bev and an electric cover of Skepta’s Shutdown, it won’t be long before Sssnakes make it big.
Devon was next, mixing the lineup up with funkier feel. Think Sea Girls meets Bad Sounds, two bands that dominated the festival circuit last summer. Their groove-fused-rock and driving rhythms sent the crowd wild, every pair of feet moving and every arm outstretched calling for more. This was their first Cardiff show, and it showed. The crowd sang every word back, obvious this was a long-awaited Welsh debut.
I’ve not been to a gig with 4 bands on the lineup for some time, and maybe just I’m getting old at the grand old age of 22, but by this point in the night, I was flagging. Then came Young Garbo. Crashing onto the stage with some serious tambourine action, in-your-face attitude and meld of punk, funk, and good old rock’n’roll, they’re one of the most exciting Welsh bands out there for sure. Phenomenal energy, solid frontman-ship, tight musicianship, and whit. In return the audience got stuck in, opening pits, serenading the band back, and chanting for more. Big things are coming for these boys. UPPA GARBO.
As mentioned earlier, the hype surrounding selling out a headline show at a legendary venue like Clwb Ifor Bach can be daunting, especially for young bands. But Rhondda four-piece The Pitchforks stared it straight in the eye. They smashed through their first few tracks all guns blazing, and although it took them a song or two to really hone in their mass of energy to the music rather than stage antics, they were class nonetheless. Combining raw energy, catchy riffs and strong relationships between band members, the set was intense and rowdy, with highlights such as Afflictions, Debbie, and recent release Date Down whipping the crowd into a frenzy of pits and stage invasions. Met with thunderous applause, The Pitchforks proved they’re here to stay.
