There is little wonder why BrightonsFinest Presents are so excited by the pending release of Fragile Creatures debut album. Having only heard their one song on Soundcloud previously, it was quickly understandable what the hype was all about – their catchy tracks with lovely pop melodies absorbed the crowd from the immediate outset. Starting with a cracking song full of pleasing harmonies called ‘Into The Night’, the band continued to show off their rocky edge with the sonically satisfying guitar solos in ‘Mess We’re In’.
 
Throughout the show, frontman Adam Kidd’s relaxed and jokey stage presence when matched with the bands tight performance (excluding an overwhelming mystery brown note on one of the songs) made for an engaging fun show. Typically there is always at least one song that seems to fall short in a set but Fragile Creatures infectious tunes continued to stay strong, finishing with what was my favourite track of the night ‘Ready To Go’. Judging by the audience’s reaction, I’m sure a sizable proportion will be heading to the Green Door Store on the 25th November for the free release show of their first album ….And Other Wild Things, so check them out for yourself.
 
I can imagine that a lot of the audience, like myself, had seen SLUG prior to this show – those who hadn’t were in for a treat. Their show at this year’s Great Escape Festival was one of my, and many others highlights of the three days, bringing an enthralling live show of quirky rock songs. Having become almost folk law on BBC 6Music, specifically by Marc Riley, SLUG started as the brain child of Ian Black who was previously part of the much respected Field Music and have now become tour de force in their own right after the release of their much acclaimed debut album, RIPE. The band came onstage with Ian dressed in a dinner suit and the other four members dressed in sailors outfits, giving a big rousing “Hello Brighton” which produced an almighty cheer from an excited audience – there was no doubt that this show was going to be as entertaining as everyone was hoping.
 
After playing the eerie intro to the album ‘Grimacing Mask’, they begin with one of their lead singles ‘Cockeyed Rabbit Wrapped In Plastic’, reminding you just how great SLUG songs are. Ian’s latest project brilliantly creates catchy tunes that always stray somewhere into the eccentric, ranging from rock belters where Ian would produce shredding guitar solos to the more refined and transfixing songs that would almost hypnotise the room. There is definitely a big focus from the band to create the best show they can for their fans and give as much appreciation to the crowd as they can. Whether it was telling jokes or throwing roses into the crowd, Ian really was the true entertainer and had the audience in the palm of his hand throughout. There was no end to the pleasure SLUG were emitting through their dry sense of humour or glorious vocal harmonies, as time and time again they would come out with something that would make you love them even more plus a sneak-peak into three horror covers that they were performing at their Halloween show in Manchester. It’s fair to say that no one left the venue disappointed as SLUG easily surpassed everyone’s expectation. Let’s hope they bring out another album soon.
Iain Lauder
Website: slugband.co.uk