There’s nothing better than a small gig, filled with talent and an intimate vibe, it’s unbeatable. Recently Edinburgh born band,The Watts, played alongside four other bands at a Battle of The Bands at Rocco’s Music Lounge. Having released an EP last year, the band have created a fan base with their punchy, loud instrumentals and incredibly well crafted and produced songs that show their potential and drive that the band possess to succeed.
The band came on stage, their energy high and ready to perform. Immediately introducing their music, the venue may have been small but their music was loud and powerful; filling the space with their talent. The instrumentals in each song were unique and incredible, hooking listeners and making you unable to stop listening. Each song is driven and packed with energy, it feels unstoppable which reflects the band directly; unstoppable. The honest and open vocals paired perfectly with the instrumentals, both balancing one another and further pulling listeners into this space their music creates.
A lot of the band’s music catalogue is loud, it’s clearly alt rock and they embrace the elements of the genre wholeheartedly, but they also have slower songs. Songs that allow us to step back for a moment and appreciate all the elements coming together, and their versatility as a group. It’s a different side of their music, which is amazing to see at such a scale when a band is starting out and growing their fanbase. As well as playing their own originals, The Watts played a few covers, putting their own spin on well loved songs. This included a cover of Inspiral Carpet’s ‘This Is How It Feels’ and Portishead’s ‘Glory Box’. Obviously, the other band members shined in these songs, but especially the vocals in ‘Glory Box’ were incredible, showing the variety and range that the lead singer possesses.
There is a clear friendship on the stage between the band, being able to recognise that from the crowd always makes a gig ten times better, the clear vibes between them as they each enjoy performing together is key. They may only be starting out and growing, but the talent that they brought into Rocco’s could’ve filled a venue ten times the size. The band are bound to keep growing as they fuel passion and energy into what they create, a clear sound and idea in their music that is destined to keep growing.