Dark Dark Xmas returns to Stockton for its eleventh instalment on Thursday 3rd December, bringing together three North East acts for a night of alternative music at The Green Room.
Headlining are Teesside all-round favourites Weathership, a band who have become familiar faces on the local live circuit. Their sound moves between atmospheric indie and something considerably heavier, with soaring melodies, layered instrumentation and plenty of emotional weight. They’re a band who can create plenty of atmosphere without losing the live energy that makes a gig worth getting out for. Having already played Stockton Calling, Twisterella and Gathering Sounds, they’ve had a busy year on the North East gig circuit. Their debut album, ‘Splendid Beast’, introduced their particular brand of alternative rock, while work on their second album is now underway.
Also on the bill are George Bailey Band, bringing a mix of indie-rock, blues and songwriting with plenty of melody. There’s a rawness to their sound that should sit nicely alongside Weathership, but don’t expect them to be all serious faces and thoughtful lyrics. In fact, on stage, they’re somewhat of a party. If you’ve caught them live before, you’ll know they’re not exactly ones to stand around quietly waiting for the applause.
Completing the line-up are Faithful Johannes & Neocia, bringing something a little different to the evening. It’s a little bit hip-hop, a whole lotta spoken word and plenty of energy. They’re the kind of act that can keep you guessing, which makes them a pretty good addition to a three-band bill like this.
And that’s what makes this such an interesting line-up. You’ve got three acts bringing very different things to the table, rather than three bands all fighting for the same patch of musical territory.
There’s also something to be said for catching these kinds of shows in a smaller venue. The Green Room gives the bands a chance to get properly close to the audience, and there’s always something more immediate about seeing a live band when you’re not watching them from halfway across a venue.
Dark Dark Xmas #11 is an easy way to spend a Thursday night discovering some local talent and supporting the North East music scene while you’re at it. Plus, there’s a fair chance it’ll leave you with a bit of rockin’ festive cheer.
Tickets, priced at £7.94 in advance, are available at universe.com.
