Celebrating the launch of their debut album, Technicolour Daydream, FINNEY took to the stage of The Underground on Friday night with support from Darla Jade and Foxa Riot – a line up that would certainly not be short of surprises and would serve as a testament to the vibrant and talented music scene pushing up out of Stoke-on-Trent.
Immediately when you stepped into the Morley Street venue, this wasn’t going to be any ordinary gig. I mean, the crowd barrier was up for a start, with a flat screen television on stage with retro video-game style writing that spelled out FINNEY. There was a buzz in the air that was inescapable – this was going to be a huge gig, and everyone knew it before the first note had even been played.
Foxa Riot’s Rhys Oakes ensured the crowd was suitably warmed up for the evening, wearing a crisp white shirt and neon orange bucket hat. The intimacy of The Underground provided a fitting backdrop for his electronic bedroom-pop beats as he built each individual track from various instruments and elements on the stage, with help from Ruby and Joe on certain numbers.
We’re big fans of what Foxa Riot is doing here at The Leopheard, having reviewed both his first singles under the alias, developing a knack for catchy choruses and upbeat melodies that disguise darker subject matters like mental health issues and drug addiction. Best Friend, his latest record, falls into the latter category, with Rhys earnestly talking about his former cocaine addiction before announcing his year-long sobriety.
The lighting techs deserve a round of applause too for capturing the atmosphere of each track perfectly and really making the night an immersive experience. Fans engaged well with every act whether they’d specifically come to see them or not, with Foxa Riot’s Letdown (Everything I Ask For) seeing the whole crowd chant the final chorus back festival-style before he invited local rapper Geth on to conclude the set with Comedown. Foxa Riot’s set was not merely a prelude but a captivating introduction to a night of talent, collaboration and connection.
Darla Jade – alongside her band, Jay Johnson, Danny Higgins and Jordan Wright – ate and left no crumbs. She seized the momentum and elevated the energy in the room, captivating the audience with a high-octane pop performance that was nothing short of flawless. A force of nature on stage, she demonstrated her impressive vocal range and an innate ability to connect with the audience through a string of 13 tracks from Glitch in the Matrix and Broken Armour, to newer releases like All For Nothing and Buy More Time.
It’s impossible to take your eyes off her as she uses the whole stage, oozing confidence as she dances to heavier breakdowns with a fantastic chemistry among her bandmates. She’s really got the whole package when it comes to live performance and the way she translates her recorded material for stage. A highlight of the set for me though, was her newest release Backseat Driver, which came out last week. It’s the first time I’ve heard Darla perform it live and it didn’t disappoint, boasting a rock edge and infectious chorus.
Since FINNEY released their debut album last month, gig goers and local music fans have been waiting patiently to see it performed live almost in its entirety save for Brighter Side. The four-piece electro-pop rock band took the stage in matching customised blazers with an air of confidence, ready to celebrate Technicolour Daydream finally being out in the ether.
The energy in the room surged as the first notes of the World Burn filled the space. What followed was a sonic journey that summed up the hard work, creative process and determination to think out of the box that FINNEY had undertaken for the past year.
To Love You and Walking In The Rain followed before saxophonist Molly joined the lads on stage for Whiskey and Water – see, I told you it was full of surprises. What I loved about this performance was that it wasn’t a matter of turning up and churning out some tunes to satiate listeners – this show, like everything FINNEY does, was carefully considered and choreographed, which really adds to their image and reputation for putting on a show.
FINNEY’s performance seamlessly weaved together elements of electro-pop and rock, boasting classic 80s influences with a modern twist, the sax adding a touch of jazz to the set as Darla Jade returned to perform Lady with the band.
Adam’s gravelly vocals soared through every track, while his younger brother Tommy on the bass brought some serious sass as he climbed on top of the kick drum and jumped off the stage into the photo pit. Zak’s relentless drumming propelled each track forward, and what’s great about the live set is that you can see the skill and nuances that you might take for granted on a recorded track, and how every drum fill serves its own purpose. Meanwhile, Mitch Rindom showcased his many talents between programming, wielding his keyboard or brandishing his guitar – he’s FINNEY’s secret weapon and has done a great job at producing this album and bringing it to life.
The band headed off stage after Technicolour Daydream and I Can’t Fly before returning in FINNEY t-shirts and vintage leather jackets for the uplifting and hopeful Better Days, before ending their set with To The River – the only song that never made it onto the album but remains a firm fan favourite. This gig felt like a real watershed moment for FINNEY, and I think it’s one that will stay with them for a while. It’s certainly solidified them as one of the most exciting emerging bands on the scene with bags of potential to push beyond the borders.
