Live Gig Review from the Moth Club London 17.02.24

A band followed and loved by many, especially here at The Songbird…and last Saturday I was lucky enough to catch them at the end of the U.K. leg of their debut album tour for Exit Strategy.

The Clockworks, Galway born and London based really know how the put a gig on. They sold out The Moth Club, Hackney, last Saturday and it was one to remember. An iconic gig to remember for the ages. After 19 gigs on the U.K. leg of their tour…they had energy and passion as if it was their first.

The night started with Irish/London based duo Nixer, covering a majority of The Clockworks tour with 10 dates really gave us the warm up we all needed. A cold, rainy, wet night in London turned into a hot, warm, sweaty night quickly. Pure energy from them and got the crowd dancing and jumping in no time. Definitely a band to look out for in the future.

Then it was time, the lights went out and a backing track started to play as the Galway gents entered the stage, via the crowd. This alone was new to the band. A lot of changes and updates happened that night to what we’ve previously seen in past years. Some new changes added was a piano, a synth pad and a backing track which played commentary in between songs. Tom, the bassist controlled the synth pad aswell as the piano at times.

The band released the debut album with the tendency of it telling a story…and a concept album it was. From start to finish we follow a story which is based and inspired on the upbringings of themselves. The backing track added between songs joined the set to one big, well-timed masterpiece.

The gig was something of a piece of art. Amazing solos, superb vocals, brilliant drum fills and beautifully written lyrics. Playing songs from their early singles to new tracks from the album. A few highlight songs for me were ‘Danny’s Working Like A Dog’, ‘Lost In The Moment’, ‘Westway’ and Mayday Mayday.

From start to end, the mosh pits were forming, the crowd were cheering and the beers were flowing…Saturday nights in Hackney don’t get much better. As the night came to an end, James, the frontman left the stage to say thanks to everyone. Hugging, handshakes and thank yous were exchanged, the band played out the gig and then left the stage via the crowd. Making their way to the back of the room to their merch stand to sign vinyls, sell t-shirts and to meet the fans.

Well done lads, well done!

Review by Dennis Halfhide-Smith