//Gig Review\\ Open Beat Presents Crook On The Wall,Lunarca and Koan @ The Castle Hotel-24/06/2023

Variety is the spice of life I recall a lady telling me once at a train station during some unexpected delays, at the time I didn’t think anything of it but last Saturday’s gig at The Castle Hotel featuring shoegaze 4-piece Koan, making their live debut, Psychedelic Sheffield rock band, Lunarca and the show’s exciting young Indie band, headliners Crook on the wall, was the perfect example of the phrase. Three bands from different styles were brought together for a brilliant live show where magic was made, and bright futures were to be solidified.

The first band to work their magic and take the stage was shoegaze grunge 4 piece Koan, whose set at castle hotel was to be their live debut as a band. from the get-go, this band drew you in with a combination of melodic guitar riffs, flashing lights and shoegaze sweetness with a powerful intensity that had you feeling like you were the main character in a young adult coming-of-age film. Koan were clearly passionate about the music they were playing, performing as a solid unit of musicality, riffs and drum beats which perfectly combined to create a buzzing grunge soundscape that made you want to move closer and be part of the music.

This band were not only passionate about their music but also the music that had influenced the members overall, finishing their short but sweet set with a heavy grunge cover of ‘Everlong by Foo Fighters, a song that I’m sure has played a part in many people’s new beginnings. Starting slow and steady but quickly picking up this cover was a highlight of Koan's set showcasing a heavier side of the band which you couldn't help but watch with excitement.

First gigs are always daunting, but Koan gave it their all and did the one thing that every good live set does, leave the crowd craving more.

As Koan left the stage, after well and truly warming up the crowd, the venue was buzzing for the next act, Lunarca, a band from Sheffield who were ready to take the crowd back to the 70s and get them moving and grooving to some funky psychedelic rock.

With a mix of influences ranging from The Beatles, and The Who to Mac De Marco and Inhaler, Sheffield psychedelic rock 4 piece, Lunarca kicked off their set with a flair that made you sit up and listen close. This band had the crowd wrapped around their little finger from the get-go, whether they knew the band or not,’ come a little closer’ Lunarca Lead singer Connor asked, which the crowd did willingly, stepping forward towards the stage, excited to find out more about the Sheffield 4 piece.

Their set was impressive, possessing an infectious psychedelic groove, created through a combination of rich bass riffs, smooth-like-butter vocals and rhythmic drums, that intrigued and captivated all those in their presence. ‘we might just be your favourite band after this’ They may have joked, however, the set they played at this gig, they couldn’t have made a more true statement.

Lunarca showed throughout their set that they’re not the kind of band to fit just one genre, with each song in the set there was a different vibe, and style, from the punky 70s vibes of ‘Touch of Gold’ to the smooth cool rhythm richness and undeniable groove of Who is it Talking, a track with an air of cool that makes it shine like a treasure in the band’s set. This band could likely give most styles a try and they would create something brilliant. Lunarca radiated high energy and passion with every one of their tracks, you could tell they adored being on that castle hotel stage and knew how to put on a show, and it made it all the more fun to watch.

If that wasn’t cool enough then Lunarca had just the thing to solidify themselves as your new favourite band, their 5th track of the set,’ Reuben Blake’ a song about cowboys, described as being ‘for anyone who likes cowboys out there’ by the band. This track may have been unexpected but certainly turned out to be a stand-out within the set, funky country rock was in the building, and it showed this band could take on anything with effortless style and brilliance.

Soon enough it was time for what was meant to be their final track of the set,’ Comedown’ which sounded as if it had been pulled out of a cool music show like Daisy Jones and The Six, which if you love the show, this band’s sound is definitely for you, this song was the most crowd involving, with the bassist of the band playing in the crowd, and contributing to a set to remember for this exciting Sheffield 4 piece.

This band weren’t done yet, or at least the crowd didn’t think so, as the band began to say their goodbyes, the crowd were cheering for more, chants of one more song filling the venue. Lunarca weren’t about to let the Castle Hotel crowd down and happily jumped into a high-energy cover of ‘My Generation’ by The Who, a band who had a clear impact on this band’s sound, This cover showed once again, that this band weren't playing around when they said they'd be your favourite band, this cover solidified the band as the name on everybody's lips. The talent was abundant throughout this set and was the embodiment of cool, Lunarca are a band that plans on sticking around, and with sets like this, they are sure to be back in Manchester very soon. A brilliant set which brought an air of cool, funk and flawless groove that would have the crowd buzzing for days. The headline band had much to live up to.

As pints flowed and instruments were escorted on and off stage, there was a clear buzz in the crowd, and it wasn’t just from the last band. There was also a buzz of excitement for headline Band, Crook On The Wall, who although young proved that doesn’t come with an age limit or an age minimum.

The minute this band took the stage you could feel the excitement in the air, they had the crowd captivated almost immediately, with a sound that is best described as what I imagine Oasis and early Red-Hot Chilli Peppers combined together would sound like, it had the smoothness of Californication and the energy and lyricism of Roll With it, a sound that Crook on The Wall seemed to thrive in.

This band liked their music smooth, and sweet yet captivating and passionate. You could tell they loved playing on that stage, every note, riff and vocal radiated a love for the music they were playing, beautifully crafted from start to finish. The first few gigs are always the most nerve-wracking, but Crook on the Wall didn't let it show, handling their set with confidence and passion.

Central to this band’s set seemed to be melodic guitars, oasis-style vocals and a lyricism that kept you on your toes, especially when it came to their second song of the set which managed to embody this but with a softer vibe than their first track, already showing a range within the band’s music, something that is always exciting to see when you first see a band play in my opinion.

The band were here to make an impact after all, and their third track of the set ‘ ‘ with its crashing cymbals and rich vocals and powerful musicality solidified that, this was a sound they knew how to play with.

Overall, Crook On The Wall were very impressive to watch. There were a few moments of disjointedness between songs however, this band were always quick to recover and continue their set, with excellent encouragement from a crowd of family, friends, and new intrigued fans. This band are young and having fun on stage and that is what really matters.

Soon it was time for the band’s final two songs,’ The City’ and ‘Say More Say Less’.

Their second last track of the set was a personal one for the band,’ The City’ which the band introduced as the first ever song they had written as a band, one that I’m sure will be a staple in their live set in years to come. This one was the most oasis influenced in its lyrics and style but showcased Crook on The Wall’s distinct musical charm, which had the crowd moving along and listening with joyful interest as it played out.

, Crook on the Wall finished on a high with Funky guitar grooves, and high energy in the form of their final track of the set,’ Say More Say Less’, which had the crowd moving along to every beat. This was a shining star in the band's varied set, a set which had something that everyone would love. A skill that takes some bands years to master, and these four lads had it on lock.

A brilliant young band with a very bright future ahead of them, I cannot wait to see where the next few years will take them.

As the venue emptied, goodbyes and the joyful conversation took hold once again, and a cool Manchester night began to settle in, three names danced around people’s minds, Koan, Lunarca and Crook On The Wall, three bands different in music and lives all brought together for one beautiful thing: to light up the Castle Hotel with musical magic. There’s no better way to spend a Saturday night if you ask me.