Live Review: The Xcerts, You Animals and Brontide - Rescue Rooms, Nottingham - 13/4/11

After a slight confusion as to where the gig was; despite being advertised as being in the Rescue Rooms the show actually take place in the "Red Room" above the former venue. An intimate area where no more than 50 people are here. Nevertheless walking in three quarters way through Brontide's set, the instrumental trio quickly draw you in with their creative, layered math rock that sees guitarist Tim Hancock and bassist Nathan Fairweather technically tap and stir up an inspiring display, whilst Will Bowerman pounds away in the background. Whilst at times the trio sound complicated, you can't help but be impressed by the sound they make.

Next up was Derby's You Animals who left a good impression with their brand of loose indie-pop. Frontman Ryan Needham lives up to his role well; randomly walking through the crowd, taking one members glasses and Brontide's Tim Hancock vest. Musically the six-piece are tight and fun with 'What A Shame, Lorraine'; with its bright keys backing the bands feel good indie sound and 'What You Want/What You Need' keeps up the momentum. On the whole You Animals delightfully leave their mark.

Since the release of their latest album, 'Scatterbrain', The Xcerts have received much critical praise for their brand of stirring indie rock. Tonight's ten-song set mixes the best part of 'Scatterbrain' with older material with the title track opening proceedings, frontman Murray Macleod is energetic, passionate and raw. 'Distant Memory' brilliantly transfer well into a live setting, as the bands emotionally driven approach leaves the crowd in awe. Whereas 'Slackerpop' is emphatic and scrappy as it is on record.

The second half of their set consists of tracks from 'In The Cold We Smile' where most notably 'Aberdeen 1987' leaves the crowd stunned. Jordan Smith and Tom Heron sit out and give Macleod to produce a closely intimate moment which leaves the crowd hanging on to his every word. Highly moving and awe-inspiring.

Finishing with 'Hurt With Me', the bands dedication and overall care for what they do shines through as its clear that despite the low turn out, they're willing to put on a good show and deliver a satisfying set that ultimately questions why they're not playing a bigger venue?

Nevertheless an overall impressive and diverse bill of bands was on show and very much delivered.

Words by Sean Reid