Fresh off the back of the release of their third studio album, Sum Of All Your Parts, Scottish rockers Fatherson took to the stage at Patterns this week to perform an intimate show in support of their new record. The band have previously toured with the likes of Biffy Clyro, Frightened Rabbit and Enter Shikari, stopping off in Brighton for the ninth date of their 27-date tour. This show featured support from Blue Americans and Brighton locals Vesture.

First to perform were Vesture, whose influences include Radiohead, Vessels and Biffy Clyro. Their varied influences have crafted an equally varied sound, jumping between slowed verses and heavier hooks. The band stated they currently only have one single out, ‘Dust and Parts’, which was released back in June. They did however assure everyone in attendance that there’s another on the way, and for a band seemingly in their early days, Vesture showed a whole lot of potential, winning over the crowd as their set progressed.

Next to take to the stage were Blue Americans, a band who describe themselves as, “Left field pop”. BA originate from Belfast and were certainly the more experimental group of the evening’s line-up. Their style combines elements of electronic and alternative pop, packing heavy basslines and drum beats. Despite all this, the lead singer’s vocals are a real standout, his diversity and confidence projecting through every moment of the performance. During one part of the set he even passed his mic in front of the stage, opting to dance and perform amongst the crowd.

After two enjoyable and memorable sets, it was time for Fatherson to perform to a packed out Patterns. As the band took to the stage there was a sense of anticipation and eagerness around the room and, as lead singer Ross Leighton sang his opening vocals, it was immediately clear why. It seems easy to compare a Scottish rock band to legends such as Biffy Clyro, but Fatherson are in their own lane. As they powered through a set of bangers the crowd’s cheers and screams seemed to get progressively louder, highlights including ‘Making Waves’ from their latest record and ‘Just Past The Point of Breaking’ from their last Open Book. Along with pulling off an incredible setlist, the band dealt tremendously well with a drunk fan’s heckles, which occurred several times throughout the set. The band took it in their stride, telling the fan they could arrange a “private show” when he suggested they perform a particular track, along with jokingly walking off when he told Leighton to “stop it” during a speech in between songs.

Leighton struck a good balance of honesty and humour throughout the set, describing one minute how he regretted not keeping in contact with friends and family better, then claiming one track was written in response to a friend’s quick break-up. He stated the break-up occurred just after his friend and his girlfriend had moved in together, claiming that the friend still didn’t know the track was about him! As Leighton told the crowd it’d be the last song (to disappointed moans) he hinted that something, “Usually happens next” at gigs and performed an encore. After Leighton performed a beautiful acoustic rendition of track ‘Joanna’ alone, the band returned in full to close the show to unanimous applause from the crowd.

For a dull windy evening, Vesture, Blue Americans and headliners Fatherson certainly brightened things up. Each band gave a great performance but it’s easy to see why Fatherson have achieved such success, with their confidence, charm and well structured setlist making for a winning show. With a 27-date tour ahead of them, there’s plenty of opportunity for fans to see the band in their element. Let’s hope they return to Brighton once more in promotion of their next record, which I’m sure fans are already anticipating.

Dan Whitehouse

Website: fathersonband.com
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