Gig Review: Express Office Portico and Catmilk at The Old Cold Store
An EP launch with a sombre undertone
Located conveniently right next to the train station, The Old Cold Store is a Nottingham venue that doesn’t always receive the love it deserves. Nestled at the back of the Vat and Fiddle pub, the room provides the perfect setting for intimate local gigs.
Kicking off the night were Catmilk, who performed at this very same venue only a few weeks ago for International Women’s Day in support of Midnight Rodeo. Taking the support role once again this evening, it’s only a matter of time until they will be selling out headline shows of their own.
Their dreamy indie-rock, folk-infused sound is even more powerful in a live setting, with Alex Milne’s voice surging with power with the backing of her band. When everything comes together into a powerful wall of sound, the band’s nostalgic 90s grunge undertones shine through, making for some of the most captivating moments of their set.
One slightly disappointing issue which emerged within the crowd was one of gig etiquette, which has been discussed widely in the media lately. Unfortunately, the murmurs from the back of the crowd were rising in volume throughout the set, which really did deserve the undivided attention of everyone in the room.
This was no fault of Alex’s, who powered on and didn’t let this deter her, but other members of the crowd were getting visibly annoyed by the noise, even turning to shush them at one point. It didn’t take anything away from the magic of the set, but it was a shame to see, when audiences at these intimate shows are usually respectful to the artists.
When Catmilk's set came to a close, Express Office Portico took the stage after a short break to launch their EP Incommunicado, which was released at the end of last month. But the occasion had sombre undertones, because lead singer Tara Freeman announced a few days prior on BBC Introducing that she was leaving the band and this would be her last show with them.
“This created the perfect balance for the audience, who feel comforted by the feeling of familiarity that the songs provided them with, but also excited and intrigued by the new and interesting sounds that were woven into this”
Debuting all five tracks from the EP, as well as a few deeper cuts, Tara sounded as in sync as ever with Billy Townsend (keyboards), Sam Watkins (guitar), Ben Phipps (bass) and Olly Walton (drums), despite performing a lot of tracks for the very first time in front of a live audience. Every track from the EP shone equally as bright, from lead singles ‘No One’ and ‘He Said She Said’ to deeper cuts like ‘Guillotine’.
Despite being new songs, only released a few weeks prior, they have a deep feeling of nostalgia to them, which will almost make you think that they have been out for a while and you have been listening to them for years. But at the same time, they sound fresh and innovative, like nothing else you ever have heard before.
This created the perfect balance for the audience, who feel comforted by the feeling of familiarity that the songs provided them with, but also excited and intrigued by the new and interesting sounds that were woven into this. This is a major part of the band’s appeal: never sounding stuck in the past, but taking just the right amount of input from their influences.
The band proved throughout their set that they are at the top of their game right now, which makes Tara’s departure all the more saddening. While there is no doubt that it will be difficult to replace her, the rest of the band have confirmed that they will still be continuing the project and are in search of a new lead singer, so do get in touch with them if you think you can fill her shoes.
By Gemma Cockrell