Fleeing New York

“We’ve been around the country and nowhere has bands as good as Southampton at the moment. Keep supporting the scene.”

So say Xavier Floyd Firebird at a SouthSCENE gig which feels like both a homecoming and a tearful goodbye, with three local bands playing together probably for the last time at such a small venue.

Dead! Dead! Dead! are up first and despite breaking two guitars, they borrow instruments and pull it together to play a charged set. Songs like ‘George Lassoes the Moon’ already sound like standards, while newer compositions such as ‘Colours 123’ hint at promising horizons. Although the band admit the set is more like a night at Jongeleurs because of the banter between songs, it’s seriously good indie rock and the band are looking more confident with each gig.

Xavier Floyd Firebird take to the stage with the cockiness of a band who know their debut single is one of the best of the year so far. ‘Boss Man You Scare Me’ is met with boisterous local pride and the band even promise that “7-inches are available round the back”, although you imagine this isn’t quite as sordid as it sounds... Despite lacking the subtlety of the bands sandwiching their set, they make up for it with fillings of thick riffs and big choruses. ‘Brazillia’ rattles along like a broken washing machine while exhilarating closer ‘Do You Wanna Kick It In?’ is finished off satisfyingly with a guitar launched into the drums.

Admitting after the gig to feeling nervous about the size of the packed venue, Fleeing New York certainly have a lot to live up to after the quality of the previous two bands. Thankfully the best is saved for last and they are able to draw on their brilliant debut mini-album and finish the gig in style. ‘Hollywood Bowl’ is stomping rock n’ roll perfection while newer tracks like ‘Eyeballs’ show that we can expect more adrenaline fuelled songs from the three-piece in the future. The band are obviously enjoying themselves onstage which is mirrored by a lively audience who obviously know a good thing when they hear it. Clearly the scene’s support was never even in doubt.