Choosing a space at the fabulous JT Soar venue, Notts locals ACHB hosted a fun-packed, eclectic line-up of local acts. LeftLion contributors Gemma and Natalie experienced an entertaining evening, with a few surprises, too...
Opening the gig was Vom Vorton, who has become a Nottingham native since his last gig in the city, having recently moved to Bulwell. As such, many of the songs he performed were centred around moving house, ranging from emotions which stemmed from selling his old house, to the captivation he felt when he viewed his new residence for the first time. This writer, coincidentally, signed for a flat in Sherwood on this very day, so the themes which dominated his set were quite fitting.
Switching between guitar and ukulele throughout the set, other themes emerged in between the house discourse, ranging from the relentless tiredness of adulthood, to more light-hearted pondering of whether it’s time to let dogs become scientists. After concluding that humans have had a good run and yes, we should indeed let dogs become scientists, Vom Vorton closed the set with a song about their slightly more ferocious cousins, the werewolves, which included some animated howling. Within the intimate and cosy JT Soar venue, he had everyone captivated, and the back-and-forth between the crowd and the artist was a unique and special moment to witness.
Next up was Eleanor McGregor, another solo artist, armed with an acoustic guitar. Performing a range of songs from her debut album Humour Me, Eleanor came across as an assured performer, not letting forgetting the words to one of the songs throw her off – she simply performed the first verse of the song twice while she let the rest of the lyrics come back to her. If she hadn’t pointed this out, no one would have even noticed the slight hiccup. Eleanor recorded the album with Cam Worne, of Summerhouse Recording Studio / The Grove / Catmilk / Grain Mother fame (if you’re from Nottingham and you aren’t familiar with him, then where have you been?), and he joined her stage during the set for a song, his vocals complementing hers perfectly as her deep acoustic guitar strums echoed around the darkly-lit, homely-feeling venue. Eleanor did a brilliant job of showcasing her debut album to the crowd, and I’m sure she gained a good few fans of her music throughout the evening.
The mini tour at JT Soar continued with an electrifying performance from Punching, a punk trio hailing all the way from Norfolk. Making their Nottingham debut, Punching immediately captivated the audience with a high-energy set that set the tone for the evening. The band, featuring Dan Goldstein as the main vocalist, Dominic Clarke on guitar, and Michaela Appleton on drums, delivered a rocking opening act that left a lasting impression. Punching's stage presence was nothing short of engaging, as they made the crowd feel like part of the show. Their charismatic frontwoman, Dan, took interaction to the next level by stepping off the stage and into the audience, creating an up-close and personal experience that was both thrilling and memorable. The band kept the crowd entertained not just with their music but also with playful
banter, asking questions and sharing laughs that drew everyone in.
One of the standout moments of their set was their cover of United States of Whatever, a song that demands to be played loud—and Punching did not disappoint. Their rendition was intense, raw, and perfectly executed, with the crowd responding enthusiastically to the familiar, rebellious anthem. Punching’s performance gave off strong early No Doubt vibes, especially with Dan leading the charge with her dynamic and energetic performance. The band’s punk roots were evident, yet they brought a unique flair to the stage that made their set feel fresh and exciting. For a first-time performance in Nottingham, Punching absolutely delivered, leaving the audience buzzing and eager to see them again.
Next were our hosts ACHB, short for Alex and The Christopher Hale Band, a New Wave Pub Rock band from Nottingham that's making waves in the local music scene. They have been gigging for a while now, from playing at The Bodega to headlining on the big stage at Radfest, their live performances are always known for their blend of anti-cool indie rock & roll energy, creating a sound that's both nostalgic and fresh.
The band consists of 35-year-old child prodigy Alexander Christopher Hale and a selection of more competent musician friends who he was able to trick into backing him. Amongst its ranks you’ll find Baz 'The Barracuda' Barradell (Drums), Dom 'The Barracuda' Brady (Guitar), Stephen 'The Barracuda' Marsh (Guitar) and SJ 'The Barracuda' (Bass).
ACHB knows how to make an impression both musically and visually. When they hit the stage area of JT Soar, all four members stepped out in style, uniformed in their brand-new yellow band T-shirts. The bold, vibrant shirts not only added to their cohesive stage presence but also gave their fans something to rally behind. The good news is that these T-shirts are now available for purchase, just send them a message on their Facebook page to grab one and show your support.
Kicking off their set with a song that’s particularly close to frontman Alex's heart Warmth Thru the Walls. A track that is a nostalgic ode to Saturday nights in the '90s, inspired by the cherished memories Alex has of spending time at his Nan and Grandad’s house. Normally reserved as their show closer, as seen at Radfest, the band chose to open with it this time, setting a deeply emotional tone for the night.
Warmth Thru the Walls stands out not just for its lyrical content but also for the heartfelt connection it represents. After speaking with Alex, it’s clear that the song is more than just a tribute to a bygone era; it’s a love letter to his grandparents, who held a special place in his life. The warmth and affection he felt for them are woven into every note, making the track resonate with anyone who has fond memories of their own family. They joked with the audience that it was the saddest song of the night and they were going to play bangers the rest of the night. But starting the set with this song was a bold move that paid off, drawing the audience in with its poignant blend of nostalgia and love. ACHB’s ability to evoke such deep emotions while still keeping the energy high speaks volumes about their skill as performers.
The band’s setlist is a testament to their tight musicianship and ability to engage the crowd, but the highlight for me was undoubtedly Double Agents. The song that reminds me of the music from Altered Images. With a mix of catchy melodies and a driving beat, Double Agents captures the essence of ACHB's sound—a blend of fast-paced and high-energy rock music that keeps the audience engaged. From the moment it begins the infectious rhythm grabs hold of you, making it impossible not to tap your feet and start moving. The guitar riffs are punchy and melodic, weaving through the track with a confidence that showcases the band's musical prowess.
ACHB treated the audience to a special performance of their latest track, Emily Wrigley. This new song, making its live debut, added an exciting element of surprise to the set, as it had only been heard at this show. The track adds a new dimension to their setlist, demonstrating ACHB's ability to keep their music dynamic and engaging. The song is intended as an alternative to Eleanor Rigby if it was written by The Velvet Underground. We also had an insight into Alex’s life after he hilariously told the audience that after writing Emily Wrigley, his keyboard went on fire! Clearly a hot track…
They ended the evening with an encore of My Heart, a duet by Alex and Stephen. A splendid night all round of amazing acts finishing with the great ACHB! This was the first tour of I’m sure many more to come. ACHB is a band to watch out for!
ACHB performed at JT Soar on 16th August 2024, with guests Vom Vorton, Eleanor McGregor and Punching.
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