Gig Review: Independent Venue Week with Roam

From 27^th January to 2^nd February, it was Independent Venue Week here in the UK, a 7-day celebration of music venues across the country, giving a nod to people that own, run and work in them 24/7.  British pop-punkers, Roam, hailing from Eastbourne, recently went out on a regional UK tour, with support from Bristol-based band, Superlove.  The band’s goal was to play some smaller sweaty shows and I think it’s safe to say they got their wish!  If the tour wasn’t already cool enough, Roam also invited two local bands to play at each date.  I headed to the Liverpool show last week at Jacaranda Records’ Phase One and got the chance to see two very talented local bands, Overset and Decay.

Before I go any further, I have to take my beanie off to Superlove.  Right before their set, the lead singer/bassist wasn’t feeling well, and it was down to the guitarist and drummer to carry on the show.  Although he was ill and lying down backstage, the lead singer still managed to play bass for the set whilst guitarist, Jon Worgan took on vocals.  He announced he was super nervous, but he seriously brought it.  Even without full vocals, it didn’t matter because his guitar skills totally stole the show and I was in awe.

Once Superlove finished their set, the crowd were eagerly awaiting Roam’s arrival after the energy had well and truly been set up for the night.  When Roam came out, the atmosphere erupted in the room and everyone gravitated towards the stage.  The pop-punkers played a diverse setlist with tracks from Great Heights and Nosedives, Backbone and Smile Wide.  As always, Alex Costello’s vocals were on form and with no barrier, the crowd were right in front of the stage, shouting the lyrics back at him.  Speaking of no barrier, fans were crowdsurfing onto the stage and jumping (or front flipping) back in – the beauty of a no barrier show!

Photo by Tom Craven Photography

Roam played some fan favourites including emotionally-charged ‘Turn’, ‘Piranha’, ‘Flatline’, ‘Headrush’, ‘I Don’t Think I Live There Anymore’ and of course, the iconic ‘Playing Fiction’.

I’d previously seen Roam on their co-headline tour with With Confidence back in September, so I expected a high energy show and they did not disappoint.  This venue was way more intimate though, which created a different vibe all together.  It feels like there’s more of a blend between the band and the crowd, of course that’s a lot to do with the lack of barrier!

Photo by Tom Craven Photography

Roam’s most recent studio album, Smile Wide is all about taking control of yourself and not letting anyone walk all over you.  On a deeper level, there’s a theme around standing up for what you believe in – a message that couldn’t be more apt in our current society.

Check out Roam’s ‘I Don’t Think I Live There Anymore’ here:

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