Crimsons | Jimmy's | Manchester | 20/05/17

On Saturday, Crimsons promoted the release of their debut EP by performing a brilliant set at Jimmy's, Manchester, alongside The Nix and Sam Craighan. The small Northern Quarter bar plays host to the band and a number of other great musicians every month, for the trio's periodic event titled "Club Crimsons", an alternative club night which is "adding a little creative flair to the mix in Manchester" according to Louder Than War magazine.

The night was opened by Sam Craighan, an alternative performer who sings and plays keyboard. He has an unusual look which compliments his quirky sound. I think the performance was great and I really enjoyed the style of his music along with the atmosphere which was created in the intimate venue. The artist has two songs available online and I hope to hear more being released in the near future but in the meantime I will keep my eye out for any future events he is taking part in, check out his Facebook page or you can find Sam Craighan next at Dot To Dot in Manchester on Friday.

Following Sam Craighan, The Nix took to the Stage, and the alternative rock quintet from Stockport brought an upbeat set list along with them to the venue. The group really did know how to create a lively atmosphere through out the club and they prepared the crowd well for the headlining act who were to appear next. The Nix look like a good band should, each member having an individual look that flatters the groups aesthetic. With several releases, including an EP, already available online, I imagine you will hear more of The Nix in the future, one of my favorite tracks by them is Luna, but I'd say it's all worth a listen. Find the fab five-piece online here.

This month the Manchester based trio, Crimsons, took their alternative club night to the next level by using the opportunity to introduce fans to their debut EP, Shy Talk. The EP includes four tracks, a mix of upbeat songs, including Before Again, and some which are more relaxed but still packed with energy, such as Night's Darkest Side, all of which are unique and compliment one another well on the EP. As the night went on the trio performed a fierce set involving intense lighting features and a smoke machine to create a more extreme atmosphere. The group made an effort to interact with the audience and radiated their fiery mood through the whole venue, this was contagious for the audience and contributed greatly to the show.

The small band performed all the songs featured in the new launch, with the addition of tracks that have been previously released, including much loved 2016 singles, Idle Ways and I Bring The Rain, they also performed a unique, psychedelic cover of Muddy Waters' I Just Want To Make Love To You, which offered a total contrast to the original track. Crimsons closed their set with a bang, by performing Shy Talk, the title track of their new release.

The up-and-coming band have a dark, gothic sound, which perfectly reflects the psychedelic presentation of the group. They undoubtedly work well together as a unit and they don't struggle to connect with one another or with the audience when performing. Crimsons are the type of band who can be identified as soon as their track starts to play, this is helped by their intense guitar riffs and energetic drum beat with the contrast of slower, almost ghostly, lyrics creating an eerie vibe.

For me, Crimsons stand out as a group who look at music in a different way and they definitely have something to contribute to the psychedelic rock scene. Crimsons are a band to look out for, they are a one of a kind trio who are gaining more recognition every day. Take a look on their Facebook page here, or have a listen to their EP on Spotify. Keep your eye out for their future performances, you can be sure to catch them at one of the many festivals they are playing up and down the country this summer including Dot To Dot in Manchester, Liverpool Sound City and Truck Festival in Oxfordshire. Alternatively find them at future Club Crimsons nights.

Today the band have announced their next Club Crimsons event to take place on 17th June, it is a no profit event and all proceeds will be donated to the victims and families of the Manchester Arena attack, tickets are available free online but a minimum donation of £5 is expected on the door. Other featured artists include Vida and Maddy Storm, this is an amazing tribute to all people affected by last nights attack and perfectly represents the strong sense of community in the city, it isn't a night to miss.

Liv X

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