Durham’s three piece act ‘Spider Noises’ are on first tonight, their thirty minute set focusing on jazz infused textures and sounds. Led by an arpeggiated Gretsch guitar, the Spiders weave in and out of songs focusing on abstract subjects such as the stairs up to Newcastle’s Bridge Hotel as they blend moments of fine jazz drumming with thunderous bass patterns.  Fine musicianship dominates a great set by the trio with “Candy” (I think) standing out as a highlight. 

A quick turnaround provides Liverpool four piece ‘Hank Bee’ the space, and time, to play a full 45 minutes in their role as the second/main support act.  Using fuzzy guitars and a combination of lively Americana, the Bee’s land somewhere between the more distant moments of Best Coast and the delicacy of early Whiskeytown.  “I don’t ask for much”, “Horner” and “This time around” stand out in a set filled with great melodies and even better musical ideas.   

Main act Whitney K are on at twenty past ten, closing a fine night of music, once again, at the Lubber.  Drawing heavily from recent album “Bubble”, Whitney’s (aka Konner Whitney) main strength is his ability to mix Loud-Reed style lo-fi sounds with deliberate street-slang-spoken word.  Playing as part of a four piece, Whitney’s ideas are pushed high into the mix as the collective fires off aggressive guitar work – a la The Replacements – whilst maintaining enough collective force to ground the live show into the heart of K’s work.  They both rock and roll.  “The Ocean” and “Apocalypse Rock” stand out in a show which demonstrates the cool aloof of K and moves their live experience towards elements of mid 90’s Lemonheads, complete with distant, yet close-by, lead singer/song-writer.  Excellent.