Crystal Tides - Southampton Engine Rooms - 9.6.23

It’s the summer in the UK, longer days, complaining about the heat and obviously needing a beer or cold bev of your choice in your hand while listening to some great live music. That's what I got to do on Friday evening. 

Crystal Tides headlined the Engine Room in Southampton. They will always hold a soft spot in my heart as they were the first ever band/artist I ever photographed live (soz lads that I told a few lies to get a photo pass). 

I’ve never really understood why they are sat at just under that 10K listens on Spotify with songs like “Headcase”. In the last few months, I’ve really seen their music level up to a more mature sound with their new single “Animated”. - to clarify, I don’t mean mature by the subject matter of the single. I mean they’ve added a layer of complexity to the music, which deepens the sound. Like with all things that come with time, you’ve gotten better. 

I was really excited to see them live, especially with everything I’ve just discussed with the new music coming. They didn’t disappoint with their performance, Crysial Tides were like a new band, and the energy was top-level vibes. With the crowd being close to capacity, everyone was moving, dancing, and singing along. They have a die-hard and loyal fan base that allows for a next-level experience when seeing them live. 

Along The Covasettes and the Clause for support joined them. I was very interested to see The Covasettes' performance. I’ve followed them for a while, and they have been stealing the show at festivals and are constantly making Spoftily Indie List. They also didn’t disappoint, it’s very hard not only to be the first support, but the guys had driven down 5 hours the same day for the show, and it was a particularly early slot. They did what they do best, they gave a very tight and enjoyable performance for everyone. I can really see them on the Big Top at Isle Of Wight. You can see how much they not only enjoy performing on stage but how much they enjoy and believe in their music. The Clause was great it was good to see them on a full-size stage as it’s always been a very small venue I’ve seen them in. They handled the size of the crowd well and did their job of warming up the crowd with a level of stage presence that deserved a full-size stage. 

I do feel that the next wave of indie 4-5 piece bands is coming, just after this emo phase currently dominating the music. Very similar to 2008  - 2009, then ushered in the 2010s of indie music dominating the music seen for several years.

I would recommend adding Crystial Tibes’ single “Headcase” or “Animated” to your driving playlist for this summer.