Exeter Phoenix continues to support local talent in the South West with its latest New Band Showcase on Friday, 28th February. The event, as always, proved to be a highlight of Exeter’s events calendar, bringing together a diverse and unique mix of up-and-coming bands from across the region.
The event was packed out and stayed lively until the very end – and we were thrilled to be there supporting the local music scene and witnessing a wave of local talent.
For many developing artists, these gig nights give some new musicians their first taste of playing in front of a live audience, invite the community to discover new music, support local arts and give people the chance to say they saw them first!
Exeter Phoenix offers a unique opportunity for musicians to get a real and raw taste of performance, standing on a raised stage in a large venue, showered in professional lighting and encapsulated in reverberating sound.
All that’s needed is an enthusiastic crowd. Check.
Kicking things off with The PHD
Image Credit: Chelsea Branch & Georgia Niblett-Pharaoh
First to take the stage were The PHD, a fresh new band who recently played their first gig at The Ram Bar at Exeter Uni.
You wouldn’t have known it, though. Persephone, Hazel and Dylan’s collective performance was simply brilliant. The trio came out full force, opening with their unique rendition of LCD Sound System’s ‘All My Friends’ track that immediately grabbed our attention.
Hauntingly beautiful guitar sounds resounded through the room and the recently-formed-band-energy between its members was awesome to witness.
Despite drummer Hazel feeling under the weather, she smashed it with a mesmerising performance. Her drumming was tight, precise and energetic throughout (even when a drumstick flew out of her hand mid-song, she recovered quickly)! Watching her was gripping, and her performance was one of Team IM’s highlights.
Their sound, a mix of modern indie-pop rock with clear influences from bands like Fontaines, D.C., The Libertines, and LCD Soundsystem, was crystal clear. They performed a mix of original tracks and two of their own, delivered in their unique three-piece way.
With plans to record soon, we can’t wait to hear more from this promising new band.
Chasing Zeros Bring the Alt-Rock Heat
Image Credit: Chelsea Branch & Georgia Niblett-Pharaoh
Next up, Chasing Zeros – an alt-rock band from East Devon – took the crowd on a journey through their distinctive power-combo of indie rock and classic influences.
Previously, one of our Spotlight bands, the five-piece, formed in 2018, had the audience stomping with their energy and catchy melodies. Opening with a stomp-guaranteed-song, they immediately set the tone for a set of high-energy performance.
The bond between the band was palpable, and the stage banter between frontman Neil and guitarist Ant was a brilliant watch; we quite enjoyed the Matrix-like moments on stage! (You’ll have go to a gig of theirs to understand!)
We also learned that Andy, the band’s bassist and guitarist, is also a guitar maker. His unique wooden guitars were stunning and we got a good view of both when he swapped from bass to guitar mid-set!
Chasing Zeros’ performance was solid, showcasing talent and creativity in a way that had fans singing along and requesting songs – truly a night highlight. Thank you, CZ, for sharing your powerful, cohesive sound – you really know how to engage a crowd.
Skin Lick Shake Things Up
Image Credit: Chelsea Branch & Georgia Niblett-Pharaoh
Skin Lick, a Torquay-based band, came on strong with their explosive performance. Known for their dynamic sound and high-octane energy, Skin Lick brought something special to the stage.
Opening with their latest single, “Bang Bang Baby”, they had us and the crowd captivated. Contagious riffs, brilliant basslines, dance-inducing drums…needless to say, the trio kept the virulent vibe going onstage.
Known for their “dirty, fuzz-filled riffs” and addictive basslines, Skin Lick blended elements of Kasabian, Muse and Arctic Monkeys to create a sound that was hard to pin down yet impossible to ignore.
Their performance was a testament to their commitment to creating music that breaks boundaries and shakes the local scene. More mind-blowing rapid-fire drumming skills, effortlessly maintaining the pace while contributing to the high-energy vibe of the entire set.
It was hard not to be amazed by how quickly they could move from beat to beat and bassline to bassline while keeping everything locked in. It was clear they loved being on that stage.
Great to know that Exeter’s live venues are a big part of their plans for the future. Skin Lick is a band to watch out for.
Oh and news just in, they’ve made their mark on our monthly Southwest Music Spotify playlist this month! Congratulations!
10 Ton Monkey Close the Show with a Bang
Image Credit: Chelsea Branch & Georgia Niblett-Pharaoh
10 Ton Monkey wrapped up the night with the perfect energy to keep the crowd shaking and swinging right until the very end. A Devon-based trio with a sound that blends funk, rock and a whole lot of energy, these guys truly brought the house down. We spotlighted them in January this year, and wow, did they live up to their feature!
Their genre-blending sound fuses elements of funk, rock and blues. What is so great about this band is that they keep you guessing, ‘What are they going to do next?’ With influences ranging from Jimi Hendrix and Rage Against the Machine to Parliament and Beastie Boys.
One of the fascinating aspects of their performance was their frontman, Sam, who rapped and drummed simultaneously at lightning speed, spitting lyrics over beats with an unmatched ferocity. Not every day you see a singer/rapper/drummer (‘Howler’) pull off such a feat, and the crowd loved it.
Their live performance was hard-hitting and energetic, leaving us excited to see what these guys do next. If you haven’t seen these guys live, make sure you do – they really are a force to be reckoned with.
We can’t wait to see them again!
Celebrating Grassroots Music
What made this night so special was the talent on stage and the sense of community that Exeter Phoenix brings. These events allow local bands to play in front of an audience, sharpen their craft, and connect with their fans, old and new.
Each of the bands showcased on Friday exemplified the spirit of the South West music scene – passionate, driven and dedicated to creating something unique. A huge thank you to all the bands: The PHD, Chasing Zeros, Skin Lick and 10 Ton Monkey for sharing your sounds with us, reminding us why we love music and why we love what we do.
And, of course, a massive thanks to Exeter Phoenix for supporting local talent and providing a platform for artists.
We can’t wait for the next New Band Showcase!
Support live music, support local music. Let’s keep making noise about the Southwest music scene.
