We stopped by The Bodega to catch the first night of a three-date residence for fast-rising local band Divorce. Combining elements of grunge, country and alt-rock, the four piece put on a blazing show...
Taking much needed shelter from the proper Goose Fair weather pounding Pelham Street, we were greeted at The Bodega by the brooding folk of Nottingham’s Catmilk. Led by captivating vocalist, Alex Milne, it was the soothing panacea needed following the autumnal downpour. Just two of the outfit were in the house (a semi-skimmed Catmilk if you will). To catch the full-fat version head to Metronome on 4th October.
With their name projected on both the brickwork by the upstairs bar and the stage itself, it further cemented how Nottingham alt-indie quartet Divorce’s name is emblazoned at the forefront of the city’s flourishing music scene currently.
In town for the first of four residency dates at the venue, which has done so much to assist the four-piece’s ascendency, an expectant crowd, including plenty of proud and lively family members, were primed to see how far the quartet have come since their previous major hometown show last December at the Rescue Rooms. With a debut album in the can, Drive To Goldenhammer, and set for release next Spring, front pair Felix Mackenzie-Barrow and Tiger Cohen-Towell are clearly itching to give their new material a proper work out.
But first, recent single Gears gets things underway in scuzzy, soaring fashion, while Birds sees the duo’s vocals blending in real sympatico. Although I would like to delve further into who this Jackie character is exactly - as by my count he/she seems be central to at least three of their tracks - Kennedy? Wilson? Joyner-Kersee? Collins? Who knows…
Newie Fever Pitch is dedicated to Notts County, before a quick retraction as to not offend their neighbours across the Trent is wryly issued by Tiger.
It's during the second half of the set, that Divorce really flex their musical muscles, though. Powered on by Kasper Sandstrøm’s dextrous drumming, it’s clear they mean business when Tiger’s blazer is temporarily jettisoned and full rock ‘n’ roll bass poses are struck which spark memories of Tina Weymouth in her pomp. Checking Out, despite being a bit of an oldie, remains the highpoint - a stellar indie banger whichever way you slice it.
Returning for an encore which features a cracking cover of Tom Wait’s wistful Come On Up To The House with guitarist, and, according to Tiger, ‘hunk of the band’, Adam Peter-Smith, taking the spotlight impressively on husky lead vocals. So, all roads lead to next March now, and, with a major label and such esteemed acolytes as Steve Lamacq firmly in their corner, 2025 could be very special for Divorce.
Divorce performed at The Bodega on 25th September 2024, with support from Catmilk, returning to the venue again on 27th and 28th.
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