Defiant young folks in YES Pink Room; Mosh pits to fight injustice, and a night no one will ever forget.
- 7 days ago
- 5 min read
Updated: 5 days ago
Words: Sam Jeavons
Photos: Gabbi Goldman
It’s a very special time to be in Manchester. Many assume its heyday has been and gone. Whilst what’s fostering around the city won’t catch the headlines that Acid House and Madchester did, it may be just as seminal. No Band is an Island is the epitome of this.
One year on from the inaugural event put on by Aoife O’Connell at Fuel in Withington, the very same 4 bands returned to grace the YES Pink Room. The most sought-after ticket in town, sold out within hours, all funds going to Palestine. It was a special bill this time last year, but the reputation of these bands has exploded since the last run out. Sadly, it’s not just the bands that have been growing in stature; so too have the very issues they strive to tackle.
Despite all this, not everyone has turned to nihilism as a form of coping. It takes the strongest to step up in the toughest of times. Aoife, aided by Jim Marson (Martial Arts), and no doubt many other incredible humans behind the scenes are organising gigs of defiance. In a night of politically and socially charged community, the bands truly must be special to stand seemingly as important as the vital message itself.
Push Bike footed the bill, and despite being the only band not hailing from Manchester, their contribution to the city should not go unnoticed. A while back Push Bike heard some demos by a little known band called Westside Cowboy, prior to their debut single being released. Intrigued by the demos they invited them down to the Cavern in Exeter, the relationship between the two and No Band is an Island was set from there. They clearly see a lot of themselves in each other. Teenage Fanclub, Guided by Voices, Pavement, all effortlessly inspiring, with their own lo-fi principles instilled. To hold up on this lineup of bands truly is a litmus test. Their early work with No Band is admirable, the 500 mile round trip does not go unappreciated. We only wish it wasn’t a long distance relationship.
No half price pint deals to support the support were needed, each band with headline worthy crowds. Holly Head was up next. Their new single No Country is an Island synergising themselves with the cause. All of these bands feed off of each other. The scene hinges on community, shared message and shared purpose. It helps that they are all pretty fantastic at music. Holly Head differs in influences, drawing on a wider range of genres. They’re known to use latin drumming styles and have a jungle producer in the band. This shared inspiration with other bands on the bill (having even shared members) blends brilliantly. Movement effortlessly begins as the bassline of No Gain ripped through the Pink Room. They’ve supported Westside Cowboy many a time, and headlined YES in their own right. To sound like a broken record. What a bill.
The night was an Akoustik Anarkhy sandwich, with the Manchester record label providing the next act too, Martial Arts. As mentioned, Jim Marson and the band (although all the groups contribute) are responsible for the event. In the space of the last year, they’ve opened for Bloc Party, played in Paris and completed a successful UK headline tour. The call of the 250 capacity Pink Room with their pals and a cause they care about still at the forefront of their agenda. Indie influences with Sonic Youth noise.Their arsenal of guitars imposing over the audience, a robust impenetrable shield wall. Already backed by impressive singles released online, Defector gained the most traction. It’s a crowd favourite for good reason, and feels like a perfect representation of the band. An EP/LP is desperately needed.
With the Cowboys poised, their guns remained holstered before the most poignant moment of the night. David from Take Back Power addressed the crowd. As incredible as all this music is, it’s important to remember the aims of No Band is an Island, and the point of the event. Raising money and awareness. None of the bands make the evening about themselves, it all funnels towards a shared ethos of making a difference. When people talk and inspire each other, it makes you believe that together, maybe, just maybe, a difference can be made. David personified the evening by finishing his rousing speech, introducing Westside Cowboy, and continuing his stellar work in the melee to close the night.
No introduction was needed. The main event. Their name has become a buzz phrase around music. Without context it causes intrigue, with their reputation ears prick to the syllables. This time last year was a brief calmness before their explosion, having only one single out. Two EPs later, if you don’t know Westside Cowboy, what the hell are you doing. NME, Glastonbury, Radio 1. I heard Obama likes them.
Lucky enough to be no stranger to a WSCB show, this one may just top the podium, I doubt the band would disagree. It seemed every member of the crowd knew just how lucky they were to be watching this band, at this moment, in this space. It almost couldn’t contain the audience. People moved up and down as one, bouncing off the walls and floors like gas particles. Contained compressed kinetic energy which built throughout the night. The band’s own material needs no praise, for the first time, it was accompanied by a cover. Peter Bjorn and John’s Young Folks. The whistling translated into Cowboys guitars, it felt like a statement given how unusual this is for them.
The crowd demographic is the most important takeaway from Westside Cowboy and No Band is an Island. Whenever you attend these events or see any of the bands on the bill separately, you are surrounded by young people. This isn’t a 6 Music dad event. Gone are the parents on the venue stairs with stable mortgages, calendars and concrete plans to sort out their overflowing tupperware cupboards.
The crowd is photographers, writers, artists and punters. Contemporary groups from the scene who have previously played on No Band lineups for Palestine, here to support. Young people with aspirations. Future visions of a more equal world, where everyone can be safe and supported in who they are. One that has opportunities for all to thrive and not just survive. One that is shared with all the other people who matter and are around them.
There’s every chance WSCB just likes the whistling, it is a pretty fun tune at the end of the day. Nonetheless, Young Folks felt very appropriate.
Medical Aid for Palestinians UK used to receive every ticket and merch sale. Since being banned from entering Gaza by the Isreali government, the funds raised now go to UK Meds Gaza Hospital Appeal.
Despite the continued decline in the world around us. Despite the continued success of these artists, their drive to fight for a better world, a world that we all deserve is somehow undeterred. This is what resonates through the whole evening. If they believe we can take action and make a difference, so too does the crowd. With the increased success, it seems the bands feel the increased responsibility to use their platform.
The rise in stature of Westside Cowboy cannot be understated. The last people to say this is beneath them would be the band themselves. It’s important to note however that they could easily sell out venues beyond quadruple the capacity.
They are not playing YES Pink Room because they need a gig. They’re playing because they feel they need to make a difference in the world. They have chosen not to turn their back on community, in fact, they’re looking to grow it.
As they said on their Instagram following the gig, life is beautiful. When you look for it beyond the negativity, you’ll find that there’s spirit. Spirit cultivated by No Band is an Island.
