The Barratts
Fri 4 October
The Black Prince
By Josh Lister
The popular, indie five-piece, The Barratts were back for a gig at The Garibaldi on the 11th October, after their recent signing to Toura Toura records, and just four days before they were due to support Shaun Ryder in Hull. They were supported by manchurian band Left Hand Lane and Rolling Thunder, with Baby Lung due to play, but having to pull out due to an illness.
A hot and sweaty gig at the Garibaldi, one could have been easily confused into thinking it was a summer evening, and not a cold October night. It was a youthful crowd, with all three bands bringing their own fanbase. Rolling Thunder was a band that I had heard interesting things about, and they definitely got the crowd going with their energetic indie sound reminiscent of Liverpudlian bands, The Wombats, and Circa Waves which for me can only be a good thing.
The Barratts started their set by simply jamming. Both guitarists and the bassist were all just having fun; playing riffs and soloing. It was a joy to watch a band have so much fun, and exuding so much confidence into a performance. The Barratts a band, that clearly love what they are doing and it shows in their performances.
Performing the latest single Lights out in London, and some old favourites such as favourites such as Same Old Kids, The Garrison and Satellites, The Barratts are a band that doesn’t disappoint, especially on a small stage, surrounded by their local fans such as in the Garibaldi. In speaking to frontman, James Faulkner, at Twin-Fest back in the summer, he was pleased that the music scene in Northampton was starting to grow and gain more traction.
If you are a fan of bands such as Blossoms, The Libertines and Circa Waves, then I would recommend catching these guys. Up next the band has a couple of dates in London and Manchester – including R fest, all before 2019 comes to an end, but do follow them on social media to find out when the boys will be back in Shoetown. If you do get the chance to see them again, they have started a new merchandise range; with t-shirts, bomber jackets and denim jackets – all with the band’s name emblazoned on them. Pretty swag.
It has been a busy year for these guys, after their recent signing to record label Toura Toura, as well as promoting their music to new towns and cities across England, they are one of the top indie/rock bands set to make it out of Northampton in the near future. Who knows what 2020 has in store for them.