Big things can happen in small rooms. The humble gig space of The Golden Lion in Independent Venue Week is a testament to that.
Previously, my experience with Rose Villas was a Halloween gig at Hebden’s Trades Club and subsequently an interview. For this show, the room was divided equally with friends on one side and family on the other, so I positioned myself awkwardly in the middle.
The band have no official releases so far but they have a growing collection of live performances under their belt and, with each appearance, Rose Villas get better and better. It feels special to see a young band grow more confident and passionate with each show.
The current Rose Villas’ fanbase can be described as Fontaines DC listeners and proud parents. Everyone knows each other, inside jokes are bellowed out and distant relatives dish out pats on the back as the band winds through the crowd. I feel like I’m at someone’s birthday, which may be the best environment to get the measure of a band.
Across their 40-minute set, they indulge in a collection of heartbreak songs. There is one that jumps out – War Of Mind – as some of the crowd already know the chorus. It features the earnestly impactful line ‘you were supposed to be on my side’.
There is a tender affection in watching a young band sing about young heartbreak. If you can monetise your sadness, then maybe you should. There are a few tracks played that will get a moshpit going in the future with faster rhythms and intense vocals. It was a perfect mixture of emotion and pure fun.
After hearing about their recent recording process, I was incredibly pleased to see Rose Villas’ play more experimental tracks. Their efforts have certainly paid off. They have developed a groove that is a lot more pronounced. The basslines are funky, the guitar is grungy and the drums are crashing.
Individually, each member is an exceptional musician. There are glimpses of influence from bands such as Fontaines and The Stone Roses but I am loath to compare when the effort and personality of a band shines through as much as it does with Rose Villas.
They’re a band that puts time into each song. They’re a band that records live in the studio to maintain a DIY feel. And all that comes across on stage. They care about the music they are putting out and how they present themselves.
What makes a gig like this feel so special is that the current music industry is so discouraging to young bands. Grassroots venues are slowly being phased out, teenagers are barred from creative spaces and opportunities are slim as the arts move out of focus. To see a group of young people have the chance to perform at Independent Venue Week feels innately defiant. There is a special place in music for giving bands a chance, and letting them grow and change with unconditional support.
I am excited to see what Rose Villas come up with next – hopefully I’ll be able to write a review of their first album.
Words: Poppy Cortese
Images: Jamie Herbert
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