Some bands have a summer vibe to them that instantly makes you think of sitting on a beach catching rays without a care in the world. Baywaves, the Madrid band on their first ever UK headline tour, are one such group, so it was jarring to see them play on a cold October night in Brighton at The Joker. Nevertheless, they showed enough indie pizzazz to show that they won’t just be a flash in the pan and they clearly have the potential to join fellow compadres Hinds and The Parrots as indie heroes.

Supporting on the night were local band Buddha Blood. Having just released their debut EP, Cabin Fever, they played to a fairly small crowd but showed potential. Sounding as much like Tame Impala as they do The Brian Jonestown Massacre, they make driving anthemic music with a hint of psychedelia. They didn’t quite get the reaction they deserved, but they’re certainly a little different, notably with members of the band swapping instruments throughout the set.

Havant’s Barbudo were up next and their confidence on stage was instantly recognisable. Playing songs off their debut EP, which was released by Pie and Vinyl Records, they play chilled psychedelic-pop with a funky edge. Comparisons with Jamiroquai will surely come the bigger the get, but songs like single ‘Realise the Reality’ have a Thundercat vibe whereas slow jam ‘Mellow Custard’ sounds a lot like an Awaken My Love!-era Childish Gambino. I was thoroughly impressed with the three-piece on the night, and can see them going far.

Baywaves arrived to the stage to about a half-full Joker. Initially looking nervous, they grew into their set as the crowd warmed to them more from song to song. They opened with brand-new single ‘Down 4 U’ which is a rhapsodic, dissonant tune with fuzzy, kaleidoscopic ambience. It was instantly clear to see why Baywaves brand themselves as “hipnopop”. The sun-kissed vibes continued with the likes of previous single ‘Gliss’ which is a warped, jangly effort that constantly transitions through tempos. It’s evidently clear to see why Joe Walker from King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard has chosen to work with them, along with mixer Jarvis Taveniere (Real Estate).

Baywaves kept talk to a minimum during their set, focusing on the music. Only for Uz track ‘Time is Passing U By’ showcased what Baywaves deliver best: rhythmic, catchy music that people can sing-along to. ‘Marsupilami’ and ‘To the North’, however, were a more experimental side to their armoury featuring darker, longer slices of psychedelic guitar solos as well as low-key, murky bass.

The crowd size at The Joker would have been disappointing for Baywaves but, considering it’s their first ever time in Brighton, they gave a very impressive showcase of themselves. Sounding like Tame Impala, Real Estate and King Gizzard with a warmer charm, they are destined for greatness.

Liam McMillen

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