Catfish and the Bottlemen

Catfish and the Bottlemen– The Barfly, London (July 23, 2013)

I first stumbled upon Catfish and the Bottlemen at a Communion event held at one of my favorite Camden venues, the Barfly. Other acts in the Communion lineup were Sam Fender and Nick Mulvey, both very talented singer/songwriters. I was extremely impressed with what I heard, and predicted a HUGE FUTURE for these Welsh lads. I met Billy and Van that night and told them all about the killer festivals in the states that I could see them doing. Van has killer frontman personality (HILARIOUS) that is perfect for engaging crowds and getting them on your side. As a loyal fan and buddy of this group from their early beginnings, I went on to see them a total of SIX TIMES in London (Barfly, KOKO, O2 Islington Academy, the Macbeth, Sebright Arms, The Borderline). CRAZY, I know. They were always so immensely appreciative and humbled by my support, and it feels good when Rob (aka “Dr Bob”) asks you your opinion about the new songs as feedback for the debut album. I always told them that Pacifer, Homesick, and Sidewinder (especially) were my favorite of their early setlists, and that Rango and A.S.A. would be their next big hits. Sidewinder’s pulsating riffs and infectious energy stir up all sorts of madness, and some of the lines (“I want to endorse you, I want you to EXHAUST ME”) are pretty hot. Turns out my prediction was spot on, cause Zane Lowe of Radio 1 deemed these songs (Kathleen) some of the “hottest record in the world”, and soon reached the top of the charts (as well as playlists for the epic footballers of Manchester United!…Also, my wish for them to tour the states came true, cause they got the opportunity to do the Governor’s Ball and Bonnaroo this year, as well as a few other additional fests! Re-VANped (pun intended) by their American glory, they came back the the UK fired up for a whole slew of summer festivals: Ibiza Rocks, Wakestock, T in the Park, Somersault, Tramlines, Kendal Calling, Belladrum, Boardmasters, Read and Leeds, Bestival…All BEFORE RELEASING THEIR DEBUT ALBUM. Mental! They also just SOLD OUT a headline show at KOKO in November, but I’ll be gone from London by then and I won’t get to be HOMESICK with them one last time. The energy and charisma of this indie rock quintet is pretty rare, and their chemistry is hard to find; the all grew up together in small-town Wales, and it SHOWS! Glad I was at least able to catch those CATFISH before others CAUGHT ON! 😛