Arno @ EBGBS, Seel Street 19/01/2018

Liverpool showed why it’s home to one of the most exciting and up and coming music scenes in the UK, as Arno took over EBGBS.

With Independent Venue Week just around the corner, we were given a preview of what to expect with Arno and a host of local acts performing in one of Liverpool’s most unique venues.

Singer-songwriter Rory Hope, started things off with an intimate acoustic performance. Providing the early arrivers with a warming start to a wintry night in Liverpool, Hope’s powerful vocals were captivating.

While he showcased his passionate songwriting abilities, his two covers of Nothing But Thieves added to the mood. Even with technical difficulties bringing the performance to a brief halt, when it got back underway it still didn’t disrupt Rory’s flow for the final couple of tracks. However, it was a pity that the crowd at times didn’t give him the attention he deserved, given the positive start he got the night off to.

The uplifting start from Rory Hope was followed by lively Ipswich band, The Baskervilles. Their intense rock filled the basement, with the roaring guitars and crashing drums bouncing off the arched stone walls of EBGBS.

With the likes of ‘Kalashnikov’ and ‘Blood in my Mouth’, they’re a band who demand your attention with their aggressive rock and charismatic stage presence. While there were issues with their sound, the fact that no one could look away from their performance showed it was only a minor issue.

Energetic indie quartet Rats, picked up from where The Baskervilles left off, with light-hearted and quirky rock songs. Their feel-good songs are made for live performances at festivals on a sunny summers day. Providing the audience with breezy melodies, it was easy to move along to and get hooked on.

Rats’ energy was infectious as the crowd absorbed and then thrived on the atmosphere they created during their set.

Topping the bill, Arno finally got their moment to shine in a near sold-out EBGBS and they didn’t disappoint. A breathless performance meant that you’d no sooner have thought, this is a stand-out moment that they’d follow it up with something better.

Arno had the crowd in the palm of their hand from the moment the first chords were struck. Still a relatively new band, they performed like it was second nature to them. The set was filled with catchy and fun tunes that’ll be stuck in your head for days after.

It was their first headline show and definitely won’t be their last. Arno’s sound demands to be headlining gigs.

Arno, along with Rats and Rory Hope all showed why Liverpool’s music scene is still alive and well. With Independent Venue Week beginning later this month, they’ve shown why it’s worth a small fee to go and support these local musicians and venues that rely on music fans to help keep these events going.

Arno’s next live show in Liverpool is back in EBGBS for Independent Venue Week on February 2nd, supporting Generation.