It’s always a special event when a band that has spent the majority of their career being world-beaters, come back to play their hometown for a true “back to basics” showcase. While The Pigeon Detectives are from Leeds, York is of course, close enough and their home for the last two evenings has been Montey’s Rock Cafe on Micklegate.
Before that though, we are treated to some well-crafted alternative rock from KissKissKill – the energetic local foursome motor through their set like Paramore in a scrap with Garbage. Backed with stellar material including ‘Shakedown’ and the defiant mid-90’s-styled ‘Guilt Trippin”, the band prove that there really is still credible new alternative music eminating from North Yorkshire. Coming across a lot heavier than the headlining act ever could, we’re not sure that this is the ideal bill for them, but still, this slot is not a bad platform to launch from. Following on, second support act 98 Pages (arguably the most underrated band on York’s scene…) frankly blow us away with their Jet in a three-way romp with Audioslave and Airbourne-esque sound. Tracks like ‘Goodby JoJo’ are absolutely stadium-ready in terms of delivery and style. ‘Nuff said.
A little later as the Pigeon Detectives literally jump into their explosive indie-rock catalogue, one of York’s most “homely” rock bars suddenly becomes a sweaty venue with a punk vibe full of excited fans that have no doubt travelled the length and breadth of Yorkshire to see the chart-bothering lads in action. Highlights from tonight come in the form of standout anthems ‘This Is An Emergency’ and ‘Take Her Back’ alongside a frenzied rendition of ‘Keep On Your Dress’ – each of these is expertly delivered (with the occasional stage dive taking vocalist Matt Bowman around the venue) as if the band is performing to an arena, rather than a few hundred dedicated followers who are simply taking advantage of a great opportunity.
The thing that sets The Pigeons apart from other established acts from West Yorkshire though, is their enthusiasm and desire when translating recorded material for a live audience, and their unquestionable knack for finding a hook that can snare fans of pop and rock sounds – ‘I’m Not Gonna Take This’ is a perfect and proud example, as it incites a small riot in the capacity crowd for the band’s second night holding residency. Indeed, as the group finishes with customary set closer ‘I’m Not Sorry’ we are left feeling inspired by their energy, ready to tackle the cold, Christmas dinner and the first weeks of the New Year while the band settles back into recording new material – yes, it has been a good show, and we expect more of the same from Montey‘s in the near future! These are exciting times for York’s music scene. Yorkshire! Yorkshire! York…yeah, you get it.
For more information visit the official MySpace.
Live photos coming soon.
