Text by Snaz Craig
The feeling of anticipation for tonight’s musical shenanigans was electric as the main room at The Cluny, nestled in the heart of the Ouseburn, gradually filled. Brighton-based DIY four-piece Congratulations kicked off the night in fine style. Resplendent in vibrant 70s tasselled jumpsuits, the band made a very good first impression from the moment they stepped on stage, instantly demonstrating their quirky synchronised dance moves and totally zany melodies and chorus-laden vocals – completely mesmerising. Fans of Newcastle-based band Ponyland will be in their element!
It’s a lot of fun watching Congratulations do their wonderfully wacky thing on stage! The moment that their drummer catapulted a rogue vegan sausage roll to the amused audience was quite surreal. Adding another layer of fun to their overall frenetic sound and technicolour set! The band are set to return in February 2024.
Liverpool has The Beatles, London has The Rolling Stones, and Newcastle has Demob Happy!
Playing songs from their new album ‘Devine Machines’, Demob Happy perform a frenzied maelstrom of gnarly guitar riffs, punchy bass and drum patterns with an epic performance to an almighty backdrop of cinematic instrumentation!
Demob’s on-stage magnetism is a delight to behold, combining their slickly arranged cascade of sophisticated alt-rock and otherworldly synth patterns. Guitarist Adam Godfrey rips out riffs like there’s no tomorrow! Tom Armstrong energetically thrashes the drums, whilst band leader Matthew Marcantonio, who could well be the love child of Adam Driver and Keano Reeves, is a commanding presence with his captivating vocal and dynamic playing style. This gig, which is part of Demob’s whopping 50+ day tour of the UK, Europe and America, included a wonderful surprise appearance featuring the smooth backing vocals and flowing dance moves of She-Mob who graced the stage several times.
A heartfelt moment came near the end and saw Marcantonio give a moving tribute to his deceased father. The emotional lament provided extra poignancy, giving way to an embrace of empathetic applause. A final burst of frantic energy and some last-minute impromptu crowd surfing from Godfrey; with many hands holding him aloft as far as his guitar lead would allow, to eventually reunite with his band mates bringing their first heading show to a rapturous finish.
Passionate, dedicated, and charismatic, Demob Happy are a band with a commanding presence and a genuine affection for their music and loyal fans base. You cannot beat live music when performed by musicians who love and appreciate every minute on stage and the gig-goers that have supported them from day one! And I felt very elated after witnessing this euphoric set!
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