Libertino Records at The Parrot.
Image By: The Parrot
Friday 23rd June, The Tates celebrate the release of their single, “Electric Girl” at The Parrot, Carmarthen.
Absentmindedly drinking to do away with any initial awkwardness, that always seems to manifest itself at gigs. Especially, within those first 40 minutes at least, you’re lolling around waiting for the band, silently hoping that nobody will try and talk to you. But, having attended the gig with two of my friends, the aforementioned assumption thankfully did not apply to me. You could see it in some people though, but the Parrot always seems to have a warm atmosphere to it, this tightly compact venue that throws you amidst a shoal of gig goers, there’s not much room to move. Where everyone in Carmarthen seemingly comes together to celebrate the local scene.
With everyone apprehensively awaiting the arrival of the first band, Los Blancos. Who, having soon made their way to the stage, put on quite a spectacle, despite taking some time in between songs to re-tune and inform each other of the next song, which only added to their slanted slacker pop exterior. Providing the audience with a balanced set of acoustic ballads contrasted with pop punk. The sound being accompanied by guitarist, Osian aggressively thrashing away at his guitar, I don’t think i’ve witnessed such aggressive yet melodic guitar playing, ever.
Working their way through the set, every song receiving a raucous applause from the audience, this response has been a musical harbinger for Los Blancos, who have since gone onto receive radio play on BBC Radio 1. Los Blancos broke the seal and provided an energy that was maintained throughout the night by acts, Adwaith and headliners, The Tates.
With Adwaith setting up the stage, followed by a GIANT keyboard, I saw a few people inch backwards, it was like witnessing a comedy sketch, ensuring their head remained firmly place on their shoulders.
Adwaith played new songs, old songs and debuted a song, that still remains nameless, mid-way through said “nameless” song, a member of the band’s actual father informed me that Adwaith had recorded the song a day before in 20 minutes. An impressive feat measured by the immense quality of the song. Lipstick Coch was a favourite of the audience, a soon to be released single that displays a more affirmed and independent Adwaith, directing attention to the inadequacy felt after having female ideals subconsciously forced upon due to snide comments, social media and various channels. Despite the seriousness of the lyrics, the song presents itself as a highly energetic piece of music, led by the intricate drumming style of Heledd Owen.
Image by Author
With the band playing a solid 40 minute set, crowds began edging closer to the stage, now happily dancing along to the music before an abrupt ending with their latest single, Lipstick Coch also signifying the end of Adwaith’s performance at The Parrot.
Of course, not forgetting Hotel Del Salto’s DJ mixes that filled the space in between each band, where the audience huddled around the Parrot bar, rejoicing in their exceptional range of craft beer.
Finally, the long awaited arrival of The Tates, celebrating their latest single, “Electric Girl” which has received a series of radio plays amongst BBC stations. Frontman, Liam Fusco hastily addressed the audience, before a member of the crowd quickly chanced at the microphone, taking time to ensure that the audience knew how great The Tates were, innocent enough. The sense of unpredictability that occurs at smaller venues is an element that i’m sure draws a lot of people in, as well as a shared intimacy between band and audience. Certainly an unforgettable night for all Libertino Record artists, an early gig that will be reminisced over, having solidified the Carmarthen music scene.
Image by The Tates
