Photos by George Hutton
Singer-songwriter Joe Bartley and indie rock outfit Park View made for a great opener to what would become a nostalgic and welcoming stomping indie anthem-filled evening led by Whitby’s Sunbeam!
Joe Bartley proved to be a warm and engaging opener for what would become a nostalgic, indie-anthem-filled evening headlined by Whitby’s Sunbeam. Blending earnest song writing with a relaxed stage presence, Bartley delivered a charming set of melodic indie-pop tracks, peppered with quick jokes and easy crowd interaction. His ability to balance heartfelt moments with light humour quickly won over the early arrivals, setting an inviting tone and drawing more than a few new fans into the room before the night had properly hit its stride.
Things ramped up a gear when Park View took to the stage, bringing a burst of ferocious indie rock energy. Driven by punchy riffs, tight rhythms and an infectious sense of fun between songs, the band leaned confidently into their growing reputation as one of the region’s most exciting young acts. With airplay from BBC Introducing, a string of sold-out headline shows and a busy run of tour dates across the UK under their belt, Park View delivered a set that felt both polished and electrifying, perfectly priming the crowd for the night’s main event.
However no support would beat the headliner we’d all come to see. Seaside town-born indie anthem machine Sunbeam had brought all their fans, friends, family, and neighbours together at The Cluny which created a warm and wonderfully rowdy atmosphere that felt less like a gig and more like a hometown celebration. Frontman Jimmy fed off that energy from the moment the band stepped on stage. Rarely staying still for long, he bounced across the stage, and leaned into the crowd at every possible chance. The audience responded in kind, returning that enthusiasm with mosh pits, loud sing-alongs and an undeniable sense of camaraderie that made it clear just how fiercely loved this band has become.
Sunbeam have carved out a niche for themselves with their knack for writing lyrics that feel both comforting and sincere. The emotional openness running through their songs resonates strongly, and it’s clearly struck a chord. ‘Hometown’, ‘Afterglow’, and one of my personal favourites, one of their earlier releases, ‘Northern Town’, all hint at their coastal roots, while ‘You’re Not Alone’ delivers one of the evening’s most powerful moments with its simple but heartfelt message of solidarity. They slipped their cover of Amy Macdonald’s ‘This Is the Life’ onto the setlist, proving they’re just as capable of reimagining a classic as they are of crafting their own.
With this show marking the opening night of their second tour and celebrating the release of their new EP, it was clear that Sunbeam are growing more confident and polished with every performance. If the reaction inside The Cluny was anything to go by, it won’t be long before they’re bouncing across festival stages around the UK, and dare I say across Europe. Up the Beam!
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