From the Ducie Bridge to The Deaf Institute: 5th September 2014 – three lads from the market town of Glossop, along with another from Salford, journeyed to the Ducie Bridge pub on the north side of Manchester, to play their first ever gig together under the snappy yet understated moniker: Larkins – derived from the surname of the late English poet and novelist. Fast forward 365 days – after the release of a three-track demo EP, a partial line-up change, the more recent releases of their debut and sophomore singles, and a rather sporadic run of gigs woven throughout the academic year – the night that family, friends, and fans alike – along with the band themselves – had all be waiting for. The night that Josh, Dom, Henry, and Matt took to the seasoned stage of Manchester’s fabled Deaf Institute.
But before we get down to the might of the night’s main event, a distinct nod of approval must be given to the way in which the diverse conglomerate of supports superbly set the scene, each with their own increasingly polished brand of chutzpah. A by no means modest group had amassed, both on the floor and the staggered steps that rear the room, for a band from my neck of the woods: The Courtyards. Once they’d efficiently exhibited their brief, yet buoyant assortment of covers and originals, it was the turn of High Wire Brigade. Delivering a rip-roaring run of growling garage tunes – including one actually named ‘A Cover Song’ – the southern four-piece adeptly bumped up the buzz around the place a notch or two, in preparation for the final act before our headliners would emerge from the wings – Common Tree Frogs. Just as much as their somewhat obscure name might catch your attention, the local lads matched it by lighting up the room from the word go, with a spirited set, not without its blemishes, and far richer for it. Thus, the awaiting attendees were ready.
[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/users/103703255″ params=”auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true” width=”100%” height=”450″ iframe=”true” /]
After a quick tune up, Larkins wasted no time before tearing into their hour-long set, commencing with the first of a handful of currently unreleased songs, with the pulse-pounding ‘Let Your Hair Down’ a gleamingly apt assertion of arrival if their ever was one. Summery toe-tapper ‘The Tale Of Cassandra’ swiftly followed, complete with its tropical tones and exuberant cadence. Then came the time to bring out the TDCC as the band offered up a near note-perfect rendition of the Irish trio’s belter ‘What You Know’ – thus quelling any lingering lulls in the minds of those less familiar members of the crowd. Henceforth – with the floor warmed up and the air occupying the room even more so – what ensued was a mid-set montage of fresh, pacy originals intertwined with a further couple of choice, contrary covers, as well as a timely step back to the demos that kicked this whole compelling odyssey off, with ‘The Last Man’.
The band’s stage presence is electrifyingly infectious, and man do they know how to handle a crowd now. Not a single sign of restraint from Josh – amid Dom flinging both himself and his helpless guitar around the neighbouring side of the stage – in enthusiastically encouraging the onlookers occupying the packed music hall, to dance and sing along on numerous occasions. Compared to when I first saw these guys play back in last November, the live aspect of the band has come on leaps and bounds – now appearing to be fully aligned with dazzling musical exploits. So much so, that upon the arrival of their most recognisable track ‘Hit And Run’ – prior to a teasing, stripped-back introductory chorus – it was, in a manner of speaking, triumphantly declared that Dom had in fact drawn blood as a result of his indefatigability. It may not quite be cutting it at the lofty heights of Dave Grohl, for instance, but lies firmly on the side of rock ‘n’ roll nonetheless.
With proceedings drawing ever closer to their inevitable end, the quartet signed off with ‘Sapphire’, a slow-burning epilogue to an evening that built to a befitting crescendo – a stark contrast to the set’s energetic, omnipresent opener. For Larkins this night was both about paying homage to a fervently fruitful past year of progression, whilst also laying a marker down to signify their intentions, their potential, and demonstrate that they’re well and truly the real deal. Now, I can safely say, without a shred of doubt: mission accomplished.
Words by Alex Graham
Larkins played:
Let Your Hair Down
The Tale Of Cassandra
What You Know (Two Door Cinema Club cover)
The Tide
Translation
The Chain (Fleetwood Mac cover)
The Last Man
Strong (London Grammar cover)
Dragonfly
Hit And Run
Sapphire