Chasing Tigers SOLD OUT Show @ The Waterfront Review

Hosted by local new music promoter "The Tilting Sky", Norwich band Chasing Tigers headed a sold out show at The Waterfront Studio on 18/05/12. The evening saw support from two other Norwich acts, Founders and The Actor & The Peach, as well as Hull based band Affairs.

As an opening support act the audience couldn’t have asked for more from The Actor & The Peach as they kicked things off with their blues inspired acoustic music- Christian’s (The Actor) powerful, almost theatrical vocals boldly complimented James’ (The Peach) skilful guitar work, and they quickly got toes tapping and heads bobbing. Their confident opening belied any nerves from playing at such an established local music venue and they grew into an assured performance ingrained with real chemistry- their interaction with the audience showed just how much they enjoy performing their music. With a wealth of appearances booked for the summer and growing recognition The Actor & The Peach are a great advert that persistent hard work really does pay off.

Norwich based group Founders were up next and served to ramp up the atmosphere a notch. Founders were formed earlier this year as a reincarnation of three former members of the band Fiorentina. They neatly pull together all the parts needed for a successful band, blending their sound together in a seamless and rounded indie rock performance. By their own admission, all that is missing is a few more songs and a little more exercise.

Affairs had travelled from Hull to follow Founders onto the stage as the final support act of the evening. With vocals reminiscent of Editors, guitar structures that bring to mind the best work of Foals and The Maccabees, and a fashion sense that echoes Friendly Fires, Affairs certainly tick the right alternative/indie/electro boxes. But most importantly, they are really very good. Their frontman that is quirky enough to catch the ear but, crucially, talented enough to add that extra dimension to their well constructed songs. Think moody yet bouncy angular guitar structures layered with intense, brooding vocals, dressed in button up check shirts and dancing a bit like your dad. It works though, trust me.

By the time Chasing Tigers took to the stage for their sold out gig, the venue had packed out, with a good number of the audience proudly sporting Chasing Tigers t-shirts. The Norwich based band have established a strong local following and their lively indie pop/rock went down perfectly in front of the appreciative home crowd. Chasing Tigers look the part, their cool confidence working in the right way to make them an endearing and eminently watchable group, with a lead singer that made a few girls in the audience (at least a few stood in front of me) swoon with adoration. There is a brilliant variety and texture to their music, with infectious guitar hooks and smooth vocals that create songs that rise and fall with delightful artistry.

The evening was another brilliant display of up and coming acts from the lively Norwich music scene and that the event was sold out proves just how well supported local artists are. There are audiences with a thirst for good quality new music and, fortunately, there are a whole host of bands willing to fill that demand.

Find all acts on their respective facebook pages, and 'like' their pages/attend their gigs to show your support! 

Photos courtesy of Amelia Martin Photography