Lily Hutchins and Lottie Massey (on bass and vocals) brought a rambunctious energy to the room, both equally involved and interacting with the audience, they could have been the main act and no-one would have been disappointed. Admitting to making a member of their audience cut off their mullet at another show (before playing ‘Money Mullet’).
The Pill pumped adrenaline into the crowd as we hung onto their every word, eager for more. They did not disappoint, chaotic, cheeky and excited to be at Kanteena, Lancaster, they more than delivered on bringing a performance to remember. Whether poking fun at themselves (‘Woman Driver’ and ‘Bale of Hay’) or singing about experiences of online grooming, The Pill made the audience feel safe in their hands and ready to let go, be silly and have a good night.
With the energy ramped up to 100, the headbanging in full swing and a packed room, Hotwax burst onto the stage with ‘She’s Got a Problem’, the first song in their debut album ‘HotShock’, followed by the next two songs on the album- ‘Wanna be a Doll’ and ‘Strange to be Here’. The tempo remained steady thanks to the drummer - Alfie Sayers, and Tallulah Sim-Savage (main vocalist and guitarist) maintained a raw, unfiltered voice, singing the lyrics with a power that engulfed the room, whilst Lola Sam went wild, rocking the bass guitar and truly in her element. The energy was palpable, everyone locked in on this all female powerhouse of a band.
The connection and closeness of the band members was significantly evident and, though not always aware of the lack of space on the stage, they played back to back, united in the music. They didn’t speak much to the audience, yet the atmosphere felt so personal and intimate, standing tight up against the stage.
After the initial songs the set was toned down slightly as they played - ‘Pharmacy’ and ‘Lights On' acoustically, yet still so energetically. It was a mid-set breather from the grunge-punk intensity of what had come before and a fresh perspective on their music. Then came the second half of their set, a plethora of older tracks, a new release of energy and some of the catchiest songs I’ve heard in a while; willing us to shout the lyrics as loud as we could. Sam came into the crowd, and we became part of the performance. Exhilarated and sweaty, the show came to an end with their classic tune from 2023- ‘Rip it Out’, including several false endings, intense drum beats and the chanted chorus.
The night came to a close with the audience buzzing, it felt like such a special night and great to witness them at such a small and intimate gig, they certainly seem destined for greater heights.
Marty Rigby
Images: Marty Rigby
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