Doncaster band The Blinders took to the stage at Jimmy’s for their This Feeling weekender, in which they played 2 sold out nights to the people of Manchester. It was the perfect choice of venue for an upcoming band, a newly opened independent bar in the Northern Quarter of Manchester, filled with interesting music memorabilia and plenty of bright neon artwork. We saw the band on the second and final night of the weekender with Types and Cavana as support that night, who were specifically chosen by the band themselves.
[Photo Credit: Lydia Maycock]
The band have a stage presence that you don’t see very often; their overtly political statements are something we need to embrace as an audience. Too many musicians markedly avoid being divisive at risk of losing fans, that isn’t something we should take lightly in the age we live in. The Blinders are not afraid to get in your face; frontman Thomas had “the end” written in black marker on his chest as well as “fuck the tories” handwritten on the body of his guitar, whilst the instruction “revolt” was written on bassist Charlie’s guitar. Tracks like ‘ICB Blues’ from their ‘Hidden Horror Dance’ EP perfectly encapsulate the band’s unashamedly frank qualities in standing up for what they believe in. Having supported bands like Cabbage, its evident that a resurgence in 70s-esque rebllious punk is already here.
[Photo Credit: Lydia Maycock]
The crowd had smiles on their faces as they joined in the mosh pit in the intimate venue, submissively entranced by the music. The Blinders not only execute punk strongly, but even a laid back A-Side ‘Ramona Flowers’ shows their range of talent. The weekender consisted of two gigs that would leave a lasting impression in people’s minds, one in which people will look back on as a pivotal event still in the early days of the bands career. The Blinders have quickly gained attention from a lot of people in the music industry and fans alike, including getting airplay on BBC’s music stations, it seems they have plenty more to offer us in the near future.
[Photo Credit: Lydia Maycock]
Keep an eye out for the trio playing more of This Feeling’s shows across the UK over the next few months.