Posted by Benjamin Forrester on Tuesday, October 8, 2013
– SOUND CONTROL, MANCHESTER –
The last time Watford based outfit Scholars hit Manchester was back in April at The Roadhouse just as they were about to drop their long awaited debut album Always Lead, Never Follow. Business has been pretty normal since then as the band have pretty much been constantly on the road, playing in every nook and cranny the UK has to offer, as well as heading off to Europe and slowly but surely getting the hype they deserve.
Tonight, we’re a little bit out of the centre of town, at Sound Control as the band are playing as part of another rather extensive jaunt around the UK. For a lot of Scholars fans this is the first time we’ve seen them since the album’s been out, and as it’s a solid set of super catchy, high energy rock songs with riffs and melodies aplenty, it seems a fair statement that everyone tonight seems ready to have little sing and head nod.
As per usual, the band play as is if it’s their last, putting every last ounce of energy into their performance. Lead singer Sam runs, jumps and skips around the room, singing and staring into peoples faces, usually picking on the people who are just their cos their mate is and don’t really have much of a clue who Scholars are or what their about, which makes his light-hearted confrontations all the more amusing. Although the crowd size tonight is somewhat modest, everyone seems to be into it, two guys even start a mini circle pit to storming new single ‘Rage Concern’.
Although Scholars are always an excellent live band, tonight really seems to be one of the best shows I’ve seen them play. It might be something to do with the sound as the whole set sounds massive and I think I mentioned this the last time I saw them, but they should be supporting bands in arenas, this is how big these tunes sound. Tracks like ‘Bad For Business’ and ‘More Medicine’ sound more confident and as fierce as ever while tracks like ‘Tornadoes’ and ‘Scaredy Cat’ offer the mid-set ballads as it were but still donning massive choruses.
The band close with ‘Fractures’, a huge rock pop hit, as the band all collectively hit snare drums in the verses and all five members join in for gang vocals in the chorus; its another adrenaline fuelled set and leaves everyone in the room smiling and ready to get their weekend on! British rock fans – three simple words; back this band.
Scholars Official | Facebook | Twitter | Soundcloud
I joined the Silent Radio family near the very start of my move to Manchester in 2012 and I'm still having the best time! During my stay here I've been in two noisy bands, had a not so noisy solo project, made a zine, started a blog and started a radio show. It's been productive to say the least and it's all been intersperse with a shit load of gig going and beer drinking. I would love it if you followed me on twitter @dr_brainless for excitable tweets about playing, watching and living new music.
– SOUND CONTROL, MANCHESTER –
