Alt-rock three-piece Marvin’s Revenge return to fine form with colassal hometown show.

photos: Luke Brennan

After a triumphant set at Paint by Numbers festival in December last year, the three-piece powerhouse that is Marvin’s Revenge made it an occasion to remember. But this time, hauling a headline show in tow.

Forged by the catalyst of Pixies’ off-kilter melodies and punk riffage of Melvins, Marvin’s Revenge are a sheer tour de force. Embraced by the 0115 community as an all-round “life-affirming” band to see on the live circuit, the suitors Luke Eaton (bass and vocals), Job Gregory (drums) and Oliver Sammels-Moore (Guitar), embark on a hometown headline for the ages.

With their third EP ‘Offer of Love’ convoying into the city, Marvin’s Revenge are a testament to Nottingham’s forever-enriching track record of alternative acts to remember.

Continuing on the theme of an all-out city blowout, support was met with Nottingham-based Sunk – a bombastic punk duo with an aim to please. With a glean in their eye and fast riff blitz as accompaniment, it’s quite safe to say Sunk ripped it up, wading in an evening of entertainment. Their latest EP from last year, Bun This Get Sunk was on proud display as ever, punk is best heard live and loud.

Their follow-up were equally impressive. A DIY favourite hailing from Leeds, Normal Village introduced us to their oddly charming chaotic affair of off-kilter post-punk. Their all-encompassing sound of writing as a group was made all the more consequential when they began to rent out each others’ instruments, taking it in turns to play intricate parts from one flash of a song to another. Like those before them, Normal Village were also here to introduce us to their debut EP, aptly titled Pile On. Met with the defiance of Pylon and To Me, To You their tangling of ideas unravels and ends up being a highly confident and unrestrained set. There is a fine art to making music where in one hot moment of error, the wheels can suddenly fall off. It appears Normal Village have mastered it.

Before we knew it, we were in the throngs of the headliner. A pit was formed before the first riff stroke was thrown out and before long, the room was rocking an assemblage of noise hit the floor.

Recent EP stalwarts, Get Married and Scrape were met with rapturous roars as Eaton’s deep vocals swooned and scratched out. New flavours Rabbit Murderer was a big hitter and soon-to-be a familial favourite amongst the hectic punks of the group. Heavy-psych chants of Wealth and Picture of a Town andWealth were delivered with high-octane energy and totally, totally unrestrained.

As the last chords strung out and the lights filtered through, it all just reaffirmed just what kind of scene the city was making – a loud one. For Marvin’s Revenge, it was business as usual. A testament to the bands’ sound and identity, it sets them up for a massive year.

Missed them this time around? The boys’ return to Nottingham for this years’ iteration of Splendour Festival in July.