Gig review: Deadletter at Rescue Rooms, with Marvin's Revenge and RY-GUY

Before the headliners stepped on stage, the crowd had already danced along to two amazing support acts.

Nottingham favourites Marvin's Revenge opened the show, and what a start to a great night! Delivering the kind of energetic, dark-guitar-rich set that has made them one of the city's most beloved emerging bands, the Derbyshire trio struck again. Opening the night with a set that felt both familiar and excitingly new, the band mixed some of the fans' favourites with several of their newest unreleased tracks, giving the sold-out Rescue Rooms crowd a taste of what's still to come.

There's something about a Marvin's set that makes it difficult not to get involved.From their distinctive alt-rock sound to the moody lighting and dark ambience that comes along with their performances, they know exactly how to pull a crowd into their world. Their songs carry an emotional weight while remaining effortlessly enjoyable, creating moments where the audience can lose themselves in the lyrics, the melodies and the collective experience of live music – a band not to be missed!

I've seen Marvin's Revenge countless times, and I'll happily see them again and again. Watching them is never a chore but always a pleasure.

The second support act, South London artist and multi-instrumentalist RY-GUY, brought a different flavour to the evening. Blending elements of soul, psychedelia and art-pop, his set provided a refreshing contrast while still fitting naturally alongside the night's post-punk energy. Although I only caught part of the performance, it left an impression, and I look forward to seeing more of it. First, there was the bass. The lead singer's instrument was genuinely one of the prettiest bass guitars I've seen on a live stage, impossible to ignore under the venue lights. More importantly, though, the band's energy matched its visual appeal. Their performance was vibrant, charismatic and packed with good vibes, offering a welcome change of pace before the headliners took to the stage.

By the time Deadletter emerged, Rescue Rooms was packed with people and unstoppable vibes. From the opening moments, the band commanded the room with confidence and music. Their blend of post-punk, danceable grooves and relentless energy translated perfectly to the live stage. Every member played their part, but special mention has to go to the saxophone, which cut through the mix and elevated song after song.

Frontman and lead singer Zac Lawrence proved himself a born performer as he repeatedly plunged into the crowd, singing shoulder-to-shoulder with fans and turning the gig into something far more immersive than a standard rock show.

Throughout the set, fans sang along, bouncing, jumping and throwing themselves into the music with infectious enthusiasm. The songs may be driven by frantic rhythms and angular guitars, but there is a tightness to their performance that keeps everything locked in. 

Knowing a few songs from the band, I was pleasantly surprised to discover plenty of new and insane tunes, but I have to say, being able to sing along and dance to the song BINGE, which the band purposely left to its encore – making sure to get excited shouts from the crowd – was a highlight.

A special mention also goes to when Zac played the standing drums next to the saxophone player, which not only looked very aesthetic and cool but not to everyone’s surprise it also sounded it. Zac's stage presence is mesmerising. Every movement appears connected to the music, from the deliberate hand gestures to the way he twists, sways and dances across the stage. At times, it felt almost ethereal. For those lucky enough to squeeze into the sold-out room, it was a reminder of why live music matters: it is an experience shared between the bands and audience.

By the end, the crowd had given everything they had and Deadletter, as well as the support acts – had matched them every step of the way.

Deadletter performed at Rescue Rooms on 5th June 2026.