We have been excited for this one for ages. Brigitte Calls Me Baby have all the makings of a very special band; their debut album was one of the best of 2024. But first there is an unexpected bonus…

Hungry

Support tonight is from Hungry. We had no idea they were on until getting to the venue, but their growing reputation proceeds them. They got together in Cambridge but are now based in Manchester. It is an exciting thrill ride.

Front man Jacob Peck has a coiled rage/energy that pops out at different moments. He is pushing against the low ceiling, using the beam at the front to lean out into the audience. Amid the prowling on stage, he walks out into the crowd a couple of times, releasing some of that pent-up energy. Each song is introduced thematically rather than by title. “This song is about Cambridge.”… “This song is about a dress.”

Most recent release ‘Sick of It’ barrels along at pace, foot to the floor guitar and drums, confident vocals. ‘On Sight’ is a couple of years old now but sounds great. These guys are way better than 721 monthly listeners on Spotify suggests, a tight musical unit. They possess a decent sense of humour and back it up with a wry intellect. Keep your eyes peeled for these ones appearing near you.

Brigitte Calls Me Baby

It must be absolutely mad going from supporting Morrisey in an arena venue (the sort of venue this band belongs to be in) to playing in 200 to 300 capacity venues. You wouldn’t notice any disappointment, though, and they are utterly professional, even setting up their own kit here after Hungry vacate the stage.

They are absolutely the real deal. They have a striking look, all well turned out with smart clothing, fancy shoes, and some of the most amazing hair of any band I have come across recently. The attention to aesthetics speaks to their overall attention to detail, as well as to the sorts of bands and music that have influenced them. “I swear I’m not a narcissist, but I am so hard to resist” from ‘Palm of Your Hand’ sums it up very, very well.

This is one of those bands, one that will have people going to every appearance of a tour because they are so utterly in love with them. Teenage girls with great musical taste will put posters on their walls. I am stood on a raised edge at the Sebright, near the stage, for a better spot for photos. Shortly into the intro of the opening song ‘There Always’, frontman Wes Leavins fixes me with a stare straight down the lens, and it is INTENSE. In emulating heart throbs of the 50s and 60s, he seems to have become one himself.  

Then there is the music. These guys are serious musicians, each one well-honed and well-practised, delivering their part perfectly. All of this, all of what is discussed so far, doesn’t even touch upon their absolute number one weapon – Wes Leavin’s voice. There is a run of songs towards the back end where he fully unleashes, and it is spectacular. This is a powerful, soaring instrument with rich tones and a wide range. This is not just an emulation of classic bands and artists but an outfit that could go toe to toe with ANY OF THEM.

During the set, we get pretty much everything they have in the locker. The entirety of the debut album. The ever so clever cover of ‘Careless Whisper,’ and a scattering of new tracks that suggest a bit more of The Strokes inspired end of their output may come to the fore on the next album. One of these is called ‘Truth is Stranger Than Fiction.’ In the middle we get ‘The Pit’ and ‘Danced With Another Love.’ The pick of them is ‘Slumber Party,’ kicking off with a Strokes style wall of guitar, quieting down for the verse, and then blowing it wide open again in the stunning chorus. Another great showcase for THE VOICE.

As on the album, it is ‘We were Never Alive’ that sends goosebumps running down you. One of my absolute favourite tracks from last year, epic 80s soundtrack perfection. It is not often you will find Reading Indie Life belting out the words to a track at a gig but we, and most others present, were absolutely going for it – and we still didn’t get anywhere near to Wes who was delivering it with the lungs of an opera singer.

They briefly disappear before an encore, just enough time for Wes to finally remove the jacket he has been gamely sweltering in for the last 50 minutes or so. We get ‘The Future is Our Way Out’ with another devastating vocal performance before ending on ‘Impressively Average.’ Everyone present has been blown away, what a gig, what a performance.

They are back out a couple of minutes later to sign merchandise and take photos with people, not stopping until everyone who wanted one has got one. They are back over in August after a few European festival dates:

Tuesday August 19th Dust Brighton

Wednesday August 20th Omeara London

Thursday August 21st Gorilla Manchester.

Get in there quick, they deserve to be back in those stadium venues sooner rather than later, very much not impressively average.

My Albums of the Year 2024: Numbers 5 to 1