Hellcats! It’s all in the name. Though Hell Kittens may have been more appropriate because I have never seen so many teens in one place – and this is coming from a girl who hangs around Hockley most of her life – the youthful alternative hub of Nottingham town.
I’m not going to lie, I was nervous about the night. Noticing there’s not many events in Nottingham that exclusively target the under 18s or young adults of this vibrant city, it was touch and go. To ensure the atmosphere was great, we had a groovy line up. Starting off with STUDS at half eight, the scene was set with indie/punk/rock. There’s no better way to explain their performance apart from the fact that “they’re great” was constantly mouthed to me from people across the room. Not being under 18, STUDS surprised the forming crowd as they picked up their instruments and, straight away, changed the atmosphere. Clearly experienced, the two piece could have easily been mistaken for a headliner at Rescue Rooms.
STUDS
Between the sets, Friar Lane was the place to be for socialising. Being a such mixed group of guys and gals, Hellcats really made people mix consequently making the night mean more than just live music. I must give credit to those demonstrating some quirky dance moves throughout the entire night. With photographers present, the event was captured in shots that really emphasise the diversity and atmosphere. With more people arriving, the venue morphed from the Cafe Sobar to a pretty unique space for live music.
Distant Blue demonstrated themselves to be a ‘must see’ act during their energy enthused set. As one of the highlights of the night, the crew that the pop punk band brought along were evidently at Hellcats to have a good time. Never in my life did I think that I would see two death walls and a mosh pit in the middle of a cafe surrounded by stacked chairs and tables. Their set included their latest single ‘Story’ that has proved to be an extremely catchy tune. I’m sure their new song ‘Grow Up Slowly’ alongside their EP (both being released in August) will have the same effect. To make things even better for these sound guys, they’ll be playing MacMillan Fest’s stealth stage on the 2nd September. If you missed Hellcats, you now have no excuse to let your inner pop punk rave!
All smiles!
Finishing off what proved to be a very fun night, there was only the headliner left. Paisley Sundae were not going to let the night down. Travelling to the gig, this four piece indie band definitely made the night worth it. Sounding like Viola Beach mixed with riffs nearly as catchy as Arctic Monkeys, these guys were mental. If you ever want an indie band with abit of a kick, Paisley Sundae definitely fulfil your wishes. After the lineup at the first Hellcats, keep your eyes peeled as we seem to have bagged acts that are certainly going somewhere. If you’re curious as to what this indie band sound like, their debut single ‘Had Someone’, has been repeated on my Spotify playlist for the last week. Need a new shower song? Here ya go!
Our next night is going to be an awesome one! September 9th we have The Theory and Blank Youth – two bands new to the Nottingham music scene. And as our headliner, The Bedroom High Club will be sure to put a show on. Being described as ‘indie af’, I’m really rather excited!
Written by Natalie Greener
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