LIVE: This Feeling – The Amersham Arms 28.11.15

Proclaiming itself to be ‘The UK’s Most Rock ‘n’ Roll Night Out’, This Feeling has much to live up to. Fortunately, it does exactly what it says on the tin. The concept is simple: four bands and a couple of DJs playing an eclectic mix of indie classics and the latest alternative anthems.

Kicking things off tonight is south London locals Isles, who sound somewhere between Orange Juice, Neil Young and REM, albeit with a female vocalist. Stand out track ‘Die (A Little Inside)’ is all dreamy vocals and atmospheric guitar; think an upbeat Mazzy Star and you’ve got the idea.

Next up is The Harlots, who recently released their debut album, Chinese Carpet FactoryShort, sweet pop punk is the name of their game – sort of like a 21st century Undertones.

Hailing from Colchester, Jackals Rose are a rowdy bunch of Essex lads who are the embodiment of This Feeling’s mantra. The five piece have brought along a coach load of friends and fans and play a blinder of a set, full of menace and swagger. Debut single ‘All For You’ is controlled chaos, a frenzy of guitars and drums that the crowd laps up. Highlight of the set ‘Starman’ is a three minute wall of guitars that includes a lyrical tribute to its subject, the man with “one eye blue and one eye green”, David Bowie. Expect big things of Jackals Rose in 2016.

Headliners The Tapestry bring the first part of the evening to a close with a set that converts many of those in the audience who are hearing the band for the first time. Highlights include ‘Infatuation’, ‘Right As Rain’ and new single ‘We Talk’, but it’s set closer ‘Rode Your Luck’ that elicits the biggest response from the Amersham audience.

(Photo by Steve Hampson)

Check out This Feeling’s site for details on upcoming nights, including some special NYE shows.