THE BLINDERS Night & Day Cafe, 6 May 2016
| 24th May 2016
Scurrying along from Victoria station I cursed my hectic day that now meant I was going to miss the chance to interview a band before they went on stage. As brassed off as I was, I put things into perspective with each homeless person I passed. In the 15 minutes it took (I don’t have a quick scurry) I must have passed 20 or more downcast faces in sleeping bags, I’m shocked by how many there are.
I’m soon in the Night and Day cafe in the NQ and I chill out after two pints. As anticipated, I missed the pre gig interview. However, I was to be luckier later. Catching a word with a few familiar faces there’s a buzz when The Blinders are mentioned. This trio from Doncaster studying in Mancunia have set about things spectacularly.
Still in their teens I did not expect them being lyrically connected to a middle aged cynic like me. However, once on stage they absolutely blew me away with what I can only describe as a masterful blast of originality. As with all new bands I see, I try to seek their influences. The Blinders are overwhelming fresh and their instrumental adeptness is awesome. Such a young set of pups should not be this good!
Finally after the gig I was able to chat with the lads outside the venue. Intelligent, polite and down to earth, they would thank everyone who offered a kind word. Thomas spoke about the inspirations behind their lyrics – “You only have to look around and see the homelessness (and other social issues) and look at the news. Charlie is definitely the most politically aware of all of us. He will be churning stuff out at 4 in the morning and show it to me and I go “wow, really heavy stuff!” We will use it and go with it”.
The song I CANT BREATH BLUES is a product of their political savvy. Lyrically brutal it’s point about the American Police Force is delivered by requisite punchy vocals. In fact you could say the same for each of the songs tonight. But it’s the whole shebang that endears you to the Blinders.
I’m told by Thomas, Charlie and Matt that their main musical influences comes from Nirvana, Black Sabbath, Zeppelin and Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds.
I put it to them that they seemed to be thoroughly enjoying themselves – “Ha yes it’s interesting you picked up on that, half way in we got into a groove and kind of went with it” said Thomas, modestly understating a fantastic jam.
I’m convinced The Blinders will continue to convert the curious to instant fans at a pace through 2016. Lend them your ears!
Highly Recommended!!
The Blinders are;
Thomas Heywood – vocals/guitar
Charlie McGough – bass
Matt Neale – drums/percussion
Upcoming Gigs
Friday 13th May The Social – Doncaster
Saturday 18th June – Soundcontrol Manchester
Saturday 9th July Willow festival Peterborough
Saturday 23rd July Gatsby – Sheffield
Words: Robert Hope
Photography: Karin Albinsson