On Saturday night, 15th March 2023, The Bunker in Sunderland played host to an exciting lineup of bands across various genres, treating the audience to a memorable night of local live music.
Headlined by post punk group The Black Rain, the night showcased just some of the great talent, that the region has to offer.
Adastra kicked off the night with a mix of originals and impressive covers, delivering them with high energy and confidence. From stellar covers of the likes of All Time Low and Foo Fighters to an incredible rocked up rendition of the Spice Girls’ Wannabe, the group brought electrifying grunge energy to the evening.
Their Spice Girls cover showcased the remarkable synergy within the band, bringing vibrant energy and personality to their set.
The stage chatter between band members highlighted their tight-knit camaraderie, enhancing the overall performance. You can catch them at the The Independent in Sunderland on May 4th at Roulette Fest or at Downcast Studios later that month.
Next on the bill were Breakaway-NE, an indie rock three-piece hailing from Newcastle, who delivered a set filled with bluesy originals.
Featuring stunning guitar work, their set featured recent singles “Whirlpools” and “Secrets” amongst other unreleased tunes such as “Beesting”. The aforementioned track illustrated the bands ability to construct a catchy melody. Having only heard the song once, the chorus is still going around my head days later, which is always a good sign.
The band’s versatility was evident as they seamlessly transitioned between songs, maintaining interest throughout. Notably, the intriguing guitar effects in “Secrets” added a unique touch, while other tracks evoked bands like The Police in their sparse soundscapes and more bass-driven moments. Overall, it was an enjoyable and diverse set from a group of phenomenal musicians.
Next up were Even The Tides, who delivered an amazing set of indie bangers drenched in heart, chorus and reverb. Their set fizzed with energy with incredible guitar lines and some really excellent tunes which came in quick succession.
The group’s sound is akin to a blend of Muse and Sam Fender, characterised by a reverb heavy melodic core complemented with intricate, crunchy riffs. The result was a truly excellent show, the only shame was it wasn’t longer.
The band’s new single No Regrets released the night before went down a treat with the audience adding to the group’s catchy catalogue.
Make sure to check out the band who are playing a number of North East dates over the next couple of months including a show with Dual Rouge on the 20th of April at The Globe in Newcastle.
Next up was the headliner The Black Rain, who were playing their first show at the rehearsal space, where they have honed their craft. The Bunker is a charming rehearsal space and venue in Sunderland, which is well worth checking out if you’re a local band from the area and haven’t somehow not already heard of it. The Black Rain are one of its numerous alumni so where better to get started.
To say this was their first gig is insane. The band seemed like a group who had gigged together for years delivering their set with energy and precision, which many groups take years to perfect.
The band’s post punk and goth sound is reminiscent of groups such as Joy Division, with baritone vocals and driving riffs. However, there is also a darker element to the group with a definite influence coming from the more heavier The Killing Joke creating a moody distorted atmosphere to the music.
Their set flew by with a whirlwind trip through the group’s excellent catalogue. Tracks, like “Dutch Dreams” highlighting the their ability to take their influences and make something new with them.
Make sure to check the band out on Instagram where they have some preview of some of their tracks.
Their set closed out an incredible night of live music, which traversed various genres, each delivered excellently. I look forward to seeing each one of these bands later down the line.
Humbug North East 
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