Manchester’s newest club night NEW CULT sells out opening show, showcasing the best new talent.
Curated with care and driven by a want to nurture the city’s indie music community, NEW CULT delivers lineups that champion the very best of the northwest and beyond. From up-and-coming bands to secret special guests, DJ takeovers, merch exclusives, and that unmistakable feeling of discovery – all washed down with £4 pints of ShinDigger!
Hosted at independent backstreet boozer & live music venue The Rat & Pigeon, manager Sam feels like there’s a natural affinity between the mission of the label and the pub: “As an independents, grassroots live music is integral to what we do. Using the reputation of Heist of Hit and the venue as a hub, we’re aiming to form a real community, in which everyone is welcome. A monthly social for likeminded folk on an if you know, you know basis.”
First to take to the stage in the sold-out venue was Luke Hart, who, alongside his violinist, treated the audience to a set of back-porch Americana. An alt-country-tinged songbook of heartbreak & loss. Emotional damage x 100. Something about the heat wafting through the room added to the intensity of the lyrics, which hung in the air like helium filled balloons.
Next up, The Great Unwashed peaked out the intensity dial. Varied and resonant, veering from disarming to uplifting in a sound dripping with elements of post-rock and earnest sentiments. In lieu of the creeping build-ups, attack after attack built a set that powered its way to a totemic finale. Ones to watch!
Closing out the night were Wyatt. There’s a real sense of anticipation for the three-piece whose brand of warm and astringent southern-rock isn’t out of step with recent Glastonbury headliner Neil Young if fronted by Wilco Johnson. Joined by a trumpet player for the final four tunes, there was a genuine sense witnessing an evolutionary transition in their sound. Wry lyrics and an arch delivery imbue the modern Americana that the band use as a pallet to throw their crackling guitar licks against. Finishing on potentially the best cover of ‘Folsom Prison Blues’ we’ve ever heard – think, driving, angry and unwaveringly tight – Wyatt brought the house down.
Roll on next month when we’ll be joined by Cutscene, Dog Sport and Heist or Hit’s very own Georgian.
Get Tickets to NEW CULT here.
