One night, one band, three tribute performances. Which one came out on top?
Subarctic Monkeys
On Saturday night, music enthusiasts gathered at The Level to witness the electrifying performance of Subarctic Monkeys, a tribute band that promised to transport the audience into the indie rock realm. As the crowd eagerly awaited the sonic journey, in front of a very AM inspired stage complete with 0114 kickdrum, the atmosphere buzzed with anticipation.
Kicking off the evening with the raw energy reminiscent of the early Arctic Monkeys era, Subarctic Monkeys immediately captured the audience's attention. The lead singer's uncanny resemblance to Alex Turner, coupled with his dynamic stage presence, transported the crowd back to the heyday of indie rock. From the first chord to the last note, the band flawlessly emulated the Arctic Monkeys' distinctive sound.
The crowd erupted in cheers as familiar tunes like I Bet You Look Good On The Dancefloor, When The Sun Goes Down, Brianstorm and Fluorescent Adolescent reverberated through the venue. Subarctic Monkeys didn't merely mimic the music but infused it with their own passion, creating an experience that felt both nostalgic and fresh. I was very happy to hear my personal favourite, R U Mine, which of course was an outstanding version.
One of the standout moments was the band's rendition of 505, a track known for its haunting melodies and emotional depth. The lead guitarist skilfully recreated the signature riffs and the drummer kept that heartbeat going throughout.
This is a band you need to see and you won't be disappointed.
Scam Fender
The same evening, The Level was transformed into a haven for Sam Fender enthusiasts as the tribute act Scam Fender took to the very Newcastle inspired stage. There were black and white flags and Newcastle United flags. The set started with a NUFC wearing saxophonist playing Local Hero, which is the song played as The Toon Army walk onto the pitch at home games.
As Scam Fender took to the stage (in Newcastle United shirts), it became evident that this tribute act was more than just a mimicry - it was a heartfelt celebration of Sam Fender's music. The lead vocalist, Stuart of Scam Fender channelled the essence of Fender's voice, capturing the raw emotion and distinctive timbre that defines the artist's style.
Throughout the performance, Scam Fender flawlessly navigated through a well-crafted setlist, blending hits like Will We Talk?, The Boarders, Spit Of You and Howdon Aldi Death Queue. Finishing with Seventeen Going Under and Hypersonic Missiles, the crowd, fully immersed in the music, swayed and sang along, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of a genuine Sam Fender concert.
Kopycat Killers
Kopycat Killers, a tribute band dedicated to capturing the essence of The Killers, put on a thrilling performance at The Level.
With its intimate layout, the venue proved to be the ideal backdrop for the Kopycat Killers. The sound quality was superb, allowing each note and lyric to resonate throughout the venue. The lighting design enhanced the mood, shifting seamlessly with the ebb and flow of the performance. The stage was perfect, The trademark 'K' and flowers decorated the stage, with the backdrop projections perfectly matching each song.
As expected we were treated to all the hits, starting with Jenny Was A Friend Of Mine, working through Somebody Told Me, Smile Like You Mean it, Bones, Bling, Spaceman and When You Were Young. The crowd particularly enjoyed singing along to All These Things That I've Done and everyone joined in for I've Got Soul But I'm Not A Soldier. When it was time for the encore, it could only be Human and Mr Brightside. Singer Stuart sounds so much like Brandon Flowers, its uncanny.
If you're a fan of The Killers and find yourself with the opportunity to see the Kopycat Killers live, don't miss it. This tribute band not only captures the spirit of The Killers but also brings their own passion and energy to the stage, creating an unforgettable experience for fans old and new alike.
Kopycat Killers v Scam Fender v Subarctic Monkeys took place at The Level on 7 October 2023.
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