Another High Energy Performance From Pet Needs

On Saturday 25th January, Pet Needs graced the stage at Derby's premier alternative venue, the Hairy Dog.

With two of the boys being from the city as well as their dad's band supporting them, it was most definitely a night of celebrating talent in the Midlands.

Sleepless Knights started the night off with a high-energy setlist of rock and roll classics as well as a few more recent additions. The band's first performance in twenty years was one that couldn't be missed. The frontman of Sleepless Knights being the father of Johnny from the headlining act, it could have been expected they were just there through connections. However, they delivered a great performance. From 'Basket Case' by Green Day to 'Stray Cat Strut' by Stray Cats they had it all. The crowd ate it up and they were just as thrilled to be part of the night, I'd love to see them get another few gigs, they're well worth the watch.

Ben Brown followed up as the second and final support. As a one-man, acoustic singer it is easy to jump straight to comparisons of the likes of Ed Sheeran. His performance was emotional songs which softened the vibes of the night as well as comedic interactions with the audience in between playing. Bringing the drummer from Sleepless Knights on for the final song really helped keep the community spirit of the night. A personal highlight was the track 'Blue' from Ben's debut EP, which was stuck in my head on the journey home.

The main attraction brought a great atmosphere to the gig. With their new, stripped-back album, 'Kind of Acoustic', being released a day prior, the set was fresh and exciting. The album was recorded in Borth, Wales over a span of four days and pushes the band into a new direction from the punk-rock roots they are known for. The lyrics of their new tracks are still fuelled with the rawness and reality that punk tends to follow. A stand out for me in this department was 'Fear for the Whole Damn World' which I feel has elements of Kent band Soft Play in its sound and energy.

The group's stage presence is always electric. Johnny uses the stage to his advantage and moves around with such enthusiasm that the crowd can't help to get involved. It's clear the band love what they do and this genuine passion can be clearly felt from the floor. It could be expected that with an acoustic album, the show would be more gentle, quiet and low-key. Having said that, some songs were able to bring electricity into the venue through their fast pace and skilled musicianship. 'Scratch Card' has an incredible beat that quickens into the chorus and was able to create a lively atmosphere in the venue. I could almost hear an influence of Celtic folk such as The Pogues in the rhythm of the drumming and the influence of the lead guitar.  

'Fingernails' was another highlight for me, with undertones that could be described as more British indie. Think The Wombats and Two Door Cinema Club. It's a track that has a catchy sound right from the first verse. It's able to keep the high energy whilst also bringing the sound down a little into the bridge which demonstrates the scale of the band's abilities. It was, like the majority of their setlist, well-appreciated by the audience. 

Pet Needs are a band that are able to show versatility and creativity. Both through their interesting and enjoyable discography and through their high energy and intimate live shows. If you want to see a group who are able to give you just as much in their live performances as on their records, these boys are for you. There's still time to see them in action on their current tour by visiting their site. You can also stream their latest album 'Kind of Acoustic' here.

 

Emily Teague 

@easter.everywhere 

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