Mr. Jack’s Birthday / The Devil’s Arse

As part of Jack Daniels yearly Birthday celebration, the brand likes to put on a memorable event that captures the brands Rock ‘n‘ Roll touché spirit; this year was no different; opting to take a large number of competition winners to a place known as The Devils Arse for a memorable experience in a dark cavernous environment. This naturally formed cave in the small Yorkshire village of Castleton played host to a rock ‘n’ Roll show unlike any other it has held before.

It was Camden dwelling quartet Tribes who kicked the shindig off. Having flown into the UK from the sun-kissed LA the day before; after putting the finishing touches to their forthcoming second album, they delivered a strong performance that heavily leaned on the songs that featured on their well received debut ‘Baby’. Anthemic songs of youth such as ‘Sappho’ and ‘We Were Children’ may have got part of the audience singing along in unison, but the two new songs showcased ‘Coming Of Age’ and ‘Girlfriend’ gave strong hope that this quartet should not be facing any second album curses.



Next up to play their wares in this unusual venue, were fellow Londoners Mystery Jets. It has been a year of change for this group who released their fourth album ‘Radlands’ earlier this year and which saw founding bassist Kai Fish leave. Having decided to estrange themselves completely from the material that formed their debut critically acclaimed album ‘Making Dens’ many could still consider what followed as a greatest hits set. It was a relaxed performance that saw the band swerve through a set that included such radio friendly pop infused tunes as ‘Two Doors Down’ and ‘Young Love’ as well as the more recently released ‘Serotonin’ and ‘Greatest Hits’

The event was finished by a band who could easily claim the title of being the ‘Biggest UK Guitar band in the country, right now’. Guitar toting indie band The Vaccines may have their vocally inclined detractors [Yepp - Ed] but there is little denying that this band write songs for the masses and which are perfect for 2am indie-disco dancefloors fumbles. Playing a set that spanned the bands two albums; they kicked off their set with ‘Tigerblood’ and rolled forward with a dedicated run through of such smile raising guitar pop orientated songs as ‘Teenage Icon’, ‘Post Break Up Sex’ and set closer ‘Norgaard’.

Those in attendance; will remember this event for all the right reasons.
Nathan Westley