Bleeding things and broken guitar strings: October Drift, Oxford, 14/10/17

I found myself back at The Cellar in Oxford on Saturday night for another excellent indie rock/punk night. On the line up were Quartermelon, Easter Island Statues, October Drift, and Desperate Journalist.

There aren't many times where a supporting artist has been more engaging than the main act, but October Drift blew me away.

Hailing from Taunton, October Drift is comprised of Kiran Roy (vocals, guitar), Chris Holmes (drums), Alex Bispham (bass), and Daniel Young (guitar).

Right from the start, the quartet set the scene for a dramatic performance. Each band member adopted a certain stance, maintained it for an almost uncomfortably long time while producing an epic amount of noise, and then didn't stop moving throughout the 45 minute set.

Each band member succeeded in engaging the audience, from Daniel's haunting expression to Alex's impressive headbanging. One particular highlight was when Daniel collapsed to the floor, balancing the guitar on his knees.

Here's a little snippet of the action (filmed on my phone, then sent to everyone I know).

When Kiran took a break from energetically moving around the stage, we got the chance to focus on his vocals. I was reminded of The National's Matt Berninger - and the band list them as one of their influences.

He didn't stay still for very long, however, and he was soon climbing onto the bar. When the band are playing together, minimalistic post-punk verses happily transcend into joyous noise. I had a smile on my face throughout the entire show.

From left to right: Daniel, Chris, Kiran, Alex

Obviously I'd like to think every performer takes pride and has passion in their work, but October Drift took it to a new level. Kiran cut his fingers and broke two guitar strings during the set. Blood, sweat and tears were definitely shed during the performance. (Okay, I'm not sure about the tears).

Originally I'd intended to see post-punk Band Desperate Journalist - mainly for their great name - but I found myself so overwhelmed by October Drift's performance that I found myself 'drifting' towards the back mid-set.

Saturday night certainly taught me the lesson to arrive on time for gigs. Sometimes a support act can become your new favourite band.

Save The Cellar! Cassels, Oxford, 07/10/17

Slightly hidden off Oxford's busy Cornmarket Street is The Cellar, a much loved independent music venue which has propelled the likes of Foals and Glass Animals to fame.

Last month, the venue's landlords applied for planning permission to convert the venue into a retail space. But The Cellar's fans came out in support and - thankfully - this application has been withdrawn.

The fight to save The Cellar continues, but it has become clear that the intimate venue means a lot to a great deal of people.

Bestival founder Rob da Bank shows his support

Following the release of their debut album, local two piece Cassels headlined The Cellar on Saturday night.

Support came from Fancy Dress Party and Lacuna Common. Encompassing the indie punk rock spectrum, both bands got the crowd going and set the bar high for Cassels' set.

Jim on guitar

With a setlist of nine songs - many from the newly released Epithet album - Cassels energised the crowd with a winning combination of apathy and pure punk joy.

First off was 'Coup'. Its politically charged lyrics (specifically about youth disenchantment) were well received by The Cellar's crowd. A mosh pit quickly opened up behind me - no mean feat considering the size of the venue.

The band certainly take no prisoners. "This song is about dementia," Jim (vocals, guitar) announced to the crowd. After a usual cheer, he quipped: "If you cheered you're a piece of shit, 'cause it's a terrible disease."

Cassels makes you think. They would be the first to admit that they're not an easy listening, pop band. Instead, their songs challenge you.

The penultimate song was 'Hating is easy', which was first released in 2015. 'And I would love you/ But loving is scary/ So I'll just hate you/ Hating is easy...' I like to interpret this song in two ways.

Firstly I see it as an ode to commitment phobia, where it seems easier to hate rather than mentally invest yourself in another party. Secondly I imagine it as a parody, criticising some of the terrifying attitudes we see today. Sure, let's just hate each other rather than sorting our differences out.

While I was checking out Cassels on social media post-gig, I noticed they're friends with the brilliant itoldyouiwouldeatyou and also supported Muncie Girls in February. As I get more acquainted with the UK indie scene, I constantly get more impressed.

I'll be back next Saturday to see Desperate Journalist and October Drift. In the meantime, please sign the petition to save The Cellar.