Egotist Live - Lock 91 (Rebel Riot Records)

Another late-evening Lock 91 show, I walk into the quiet attic space to be immediately greeted by drummer and long-time friend Mark Pinion, who tells me he isn’t actually playing. More often than now, the shows I have seen at Lock 91 have been acoustic, or lacked in drum kits, and I am not sure whether this is due to venue restrictions, or whether the vibe of Lock 91’s industrial attic space is simply perfect for intimate performances. The first support act – Noelle – sauntered on to the slightly raised flatform under spotlight and filled the room with looped keyboard and synth ambience, which provided an unintrusive musical background for the rest of the audience to arrive and greet their friends to.

Fynn Birch brought the biggest crowd, and played a solo set of pop ballads, and Webbo’s headline performance was another twist in genre and direction – rapping over a DJ. Both of these acts gave great performance and energy, but I was really there for Egotist.

As three of the four members step up to their instruments – an electric guitar, and acoustic and a big keyboard – Pinion cheers and we laugh in good nature. Cool and collected, Egotist’s setlist features many minor-toned songs that put a more emotional spin on the classic indie genres. As keyboardist Kirsty Jayner fills the low end with bass synth and piano chords, bringing in supporting backing vocals at key moments. Guitarist Alfie Prior builds layers with soaring reverb and expression pedals, focusing on effects rather than straight chords. Joe Prior links these elements together with his lyrics and haunting voice. “Holy shit” he sings repeatedly, and I feel goosebumps rise as he paces back and forth with melancholy intent.

Egotist are a stylish and interesting dynamic, speaking to indie fans who want something alternative to the usual Manchester-based indie artist. Joe Prior tells me that their music is a really long-time-coming, and that their preparation to hit the live scene properly has been a lot of work, but that he didn't want to blindly throw the band into the live scene without any product or foundation to support them. Their tone and energy imply a downtrodden generation and an urban sadness, but big choruses and lyrical hooks draw the listener into an intense soundscape that can easily pass as accessible listening.

Thanks to Mark Pinion for keeping me company, Rebel Riot Records and Molly Hall for putting on a mix of artists, and it was lovely to meet the rest of Egotist. Another uplifting night in my favourite city with some of the best people.