Live Review: Customer, Brat Farrar, Hi-Tec Emotions, The Only Boys, Shrimpwitch, Cable Ties, BC, Time Robb

Heavy-coated bodies wander through Grace Darling Hotel's entrance and then excitedly shuffle upstairs to catch the first act for this evening. Adorning the stage with a sweetly serenading voice and guitar, Time Robb's humble stage presence sweeps through the audience. Before long, BC are welcomed to the upstairs stage. Their electronic, grungy, instrumental indie-rock fills the room. BC are tight and have a gratifying presence.

The basement trembles and we hurry down for Cable Ties, who rip through their set with contagious energy. This three-piece is loud! Sound reverberates between the concrete walls and ear plugs are a common accessory. Casual dancing breaks up the bunched together audience as Cable Ties deliver a memorable show. Their songs are well received and they close their set to strong applause.

After a brief intermission, Shrimpwitch revive the upstairs stage and quickly round up an excited crowd. The two girls bounce off each other's ecstatic energies while excitedly playing their garage-punk songs, and everyone's engaged. Their drummer shares a short poem she wrote about consent earlier today and finishes her piece with a quick statement: "if you don't understand what consent is, then go the fuck home." This creates a wave of applause that's followed up by their final song. 

The Only Boys punch out an even louder set as the basement fills with heads. Backed by an ace rhythm section, Annaliese Only's dreamy vocals are supported by guitar distortion.

Punters move swiftly through the venue to catch as many of today's bands as possible. On the upstairs stage, Hi-Tec Emotions is an interactive experience. Their set glides along as those present groove about.

But tonight is really all about launching Brat Farrar's new single, Being With You That Night, as well as headlining band Customer's debut EP, Mean Thoughts. Below the fairy lights, Brat Farrar kill it in the dimly lit basement that fails to contain an overflowing crowd. The band's punchy punk tunes get people moving as excited partygoers dodge swinging guitars. Booze-stained floors are trampled by jumping feet. It's a fucking killer showcase, but we must get back upstairs in time for Customer. Even though the room is crowded, movement is initially minimal. As Customer progress through their engaging set, however, they interact with their peers and deliver the band's trademark rockin' music. An enthusiastic response from the audience says it all.