When Corder, co-founder of local promoters Nottalott, set up his first event in March of last year entitled 'The Essence of Punk', the feedback and support for the event was overwhelmingly positive. It was only honourable that 12 months later he would put on a second - more enigmatically titled - event, not only to mark the anniversary, but to celebrate what the first event achieved: a platform to champion local talent, as well as to support local causes...
Upon entering the venue, Brickhouse are setting up their gear and we are confronted with the stark realisation we might just be the oldest people in the house. Amongst the clusters of people on their own little islands, we find a suitable place to stand (trying our best not to catch attention from the short gig-goers giving me questionable looks).
Brickhouse aren’t actually local; instead from my old neck of the woods: Manchester. They sport a knack for traditional post-punk from their outfits alone. They cast slim, gritty figures with grey shirts and drainpipe trousers just like Joy Division in a Kevin Cummins shoot. The ode to late 70s Manchester is merged with a contemporary appeal that peaked last summer with Fontaines D.C release of Romance. These lads clearly had a summer romance (no pun intended). The music is infectious and is the perfect antidote for midweek blues with the pummelling drums and raucous vocals providing that much needed shot in the arm on a Tuesday night.
From the M62 to the M69 now as Leicester trio Plastic Circus take to the stage just as the intermission drinks have had the first sip taken from them. The trio are playing against a shimmering cornucopia of lights that trigger a psychedelic episode in the mind. The light makes you lose focus especially with the reflections of the sunglasses the lads are sporting. The set has more of a 90s feel to things like its a tribute to those Britpop era bands on the fringe, Kula Shaker, Cast, and recent Rock City headliners Ocean Colour Scene all having a moment of respect paid to them - and rightly so.
The trio have just released their debut EP Circus Freaks, and treated us to a rendition of said new material. This interesting take on Britpop seems apt, with Pulp’s announcement of a new record (their first in 24 years) and the much hyped Oasis reunion tour the focal point of music later this year. The flow of people creates a festival atmosphere to proceedings with the heat getting more intense as the set goes on and the waves of people swaying in a fashion akin to the halcyon days of summer. Is this to be expected for this year's festivals? Obviously yes.
Following another breather, and the faint voice of Bodega’s quiz host Will Kent calling the shots from downstairs, Pict came to the stage for another round of effervescence from the eccentric Zach Thompson. From the start of the year, the band’s commander in chief has taken us to higher plateaus of energetic performance that we are now struggling to keep up with him. In his leopard-print dress, and armed with an acoustic guitar, Zach gives us a great lesson in showmanship and how to own a small, yet thoroughly engaged audience by yowling and gyrating across the stage, which ultimately leads to a mosh with him at the full mercy of the crowd. This riotous reception reveals so much about a band who are gnawing at the heart of gig lovers with every ounce of chaos conjured up in their performances.
Luna & The Lime Slices featured on the bill of the inaugural Essence of Punk and their return was surely merited. However, there was sadly a big disperse from the crowd when they came to the stage. It seemed like everyone was waiting for Sancho Panza, who are perhaps the most fighting band to close the night...
The Notts quintet have propelled themselves via the stepladder that is BBC Introducing and their harmonies are the main reason for this. The vocals prove to be a mellow pleasantry in contrast to the raw shattering vocal that had gone previously. I bravely admire their collective endeavour even if the room has filled out. How odd as the night hadn’t yet reached its peak.
Sancho Panza have certainly become flagbearers for the thrill-seekers of Nottingham’s music scene. They are the go-to act for anyone looking to get up and boogie on the floor. It’s the third time I’ve seen them in about two months and each time has been a treat. This was certainly no different and it truly capped off the night in splendid fashion.
There was one question that still had to be asked. What is this the essence of? Last time it was punk. Frankly, this time, it was whatever you wanted it to be. This was an evening so varied that labels won’t do. It was the essence of music that brought people together.
The Essence of "____" took place at The Bodega on 15th April 2025.
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