It’s been a long time coming but it’s finally arrived. Since the last time Marmozets did the rounds, there have been marriages and babies within the band, around seven different prime ministers and maybe the one series of Stranger Things. But with the rock scene thriving more than ever at the moment, it feels like the perfect time for the Yorkshire outfit’s return. The intimate tour has its second stop in the Welsh capital at a sold out Clwb Ifor Bach and it’s fair to say that the anticipation is palpable.
New single “Kiss From A Mother” is clearly a mission statement that they mean business again, picking things up right where they left them in the first place. As those “Western Whistles” ring through the PA the band take to the stage to a rapturous reception. Then those jangly riffs kick in and we are right back to it again. Despite seven years out of the game, there doesn’t appear to be any signs of rustiness at all and the new four-person setup works just as well as it did as a five piece. One thing that is particularly evident though is that Becca Bottomley’s vocals have probably gotten even better over the years as those wails and growls feel almost note perfect.
From the new to the old and we get a flurry of hits from their debut including the likes of “Weird And Wonderful”, “Is It Horrible” and “Love You Good” which gives the crowd their first opportunity to have a bit of a boogie. From their hiatus, it feels like everything has been allowed to mature a lot more as they take time out simply to tune a drum which might to out of sync with the others. The same goes with the audience as well, whilst there is still a youthful exuberance, everyone has grown that bit older and so the days of chaos in the pits have been exchanged with greater cheers and louder singalongs.
We are treated to a host of new material from their upcoming third album; teased to be released next May. And if carries on with the strength of what we hear this evening, fans can be rest assured knowing that they are delivering once again. Even a broken snare can’t dampen the joy of “You Want The Truth” with its thumping bass-line propelling the song forward. “Cut Back” is an even bouncier number and “New York” reflects back on what is described as an “eventful” time where band couple Becca and Jack visited many years ago. All of these new tunes contain that signature Marmozets sound you know and love plus feel incredibly tight.
“Move Shake Hide” gives the crowd a chance to let themselves loose a little more. Whilst they may say they’re nervous on stage, the confidence that shines through their performances says otherwise. There is an exuberance and a swagger on stage which makes it feel as though they never went away for so long. “Captivate You” may have the biggest singalong of the night as everyone screams back every single word as Becca stands there proudly orchestrating the chorus amongst the fans. When it hits its peak, it’s hard not to be swept up in the emotion of it all and you get the sense for the four gracing the stage they’re feeling it too.
What’s always been great about the band is what universal appeal they have to an audience. If you want those metal breakdowns you have the likes of “Particle”, but if you’re in the mood for something that’s a bit dancier, you’ve got the likes of “Habits” and all are just as great. It all comes to a close with the fantastic “Major System Error”. I’ve probably lost track of the amount of times listening to this song over the years hoping that one day I’d be able to hear it live again. Every whack of the drum, vibrates through the speakers so that you can feel it in your bones and that when that chorus comes in you can’t help but move along; it feels like the perfect way to close proceedings. After a joyous hour, the crowd are pleading for more; they promise that they’ll be back with us again very soon. Just don’t leave it another seven years next time please guys!
