Gig Goin’ – The resurrection of Jump the Underground

30 March 2024 172 3 4

Finally, it's the return...

After a 15 year hiatus and a couple of failed attempts beyond their control at a reunion show, it seems fitting that on Good Friday the beginning of the resurrection of Jesus that Newport’s’ Indie/Rock favourites Jump The Underground held their show at the recently refurbished and opened Corn Exchange venue.

This sold out show was much anticipated both by fans and the band themselves no doubt. The bill was completed by support from Familia, The Dirty Deluxe, Failstate, Stay Voiceless, The Rogues and Black Metro providing an eclectic mix of artists from the area.

For this review I am focusing on the bands that I saw.

Support

Stay Voiceless a Cardiff based Indie/Rock trio who have recently been on a tour of some of Wales’ iconic venues as part of the Punk Rock Trio tour including The Bunkhouse Swansea and Clwb Ifwr Bach in their hometown of Cardiff provided a strong set creating a great noise for a 3 piece. Lead singer Chris was ably complimented by bass player Eddie and female drummer Cherish.

The Rogues – A year almost to the day since I saw them for the first time at The Big Sesh at The Westgate Hotel. I am running out of superlatives to describe this band. But making their debut at The Corn Exchange the band delivered an assured set as opener 1963 is a great start to the bands set followed by the slightly funky Oh Gena an unreleased song but surely a future single. Again we got the opportunity to hear new song Underside this is the third time I’ve seen this song and it gets more anthemic every time I hear it. Singles Skinny Dipping and Lizzy are greeted with much fervour. Before the finale of Nice To Say Hello and the singalong to Chemical Dream gets better every time I see them perform it live. There’s a similarity between The Rogues and Jump The Underground two bands riding the crest of a wave in the Newport scene and I really feel its a matter of time before big things happen for this band.

Next up were electronic duo Black Metro who with their pounding dance beats were the perfect act to get a full room in the mood for the headline act and added to the celebratory feel of the evening. From the Opener Snap they were accompanied by superb visuals. They were a true spectacle to witness. Ending with the track One Love which included a nod to The Stone Roses song of the same name.

Jump the Underground

Then it was time for the headline act the anticipation in the room was palpable and boy did the band deliver. Jump The Underground. Opener Charlie got us underway and set the tempo for the rest of the set. The band ripped their way through songs from their album which was eventually released last year. Highlights for me include Tracy Am I, Pretty young which singer Anthony stating despite the years since he still feels that way (maybe) I think this song perfectly sums up the band given the length of time since these songs were written/released.

With a nod to the future we got some new songs proving the band still have that verve as a unit. A great version of lost B Side Bergerac was a nice respite in the set. And well received. The band ended with the ode to night life Kicking Off and album opener Iceberg bringing a triumphant end to a phenomenal set. Singer Anthony is an artist and he paints superb pictures with his lyrics. In the years since their split the band have not lost any of the energy of those songs and are a powerful unit live. It really was a special evening and third time is definitely lucky.

As I said at the beginning of my review this truly was a resurrection and I am so glad this band have reunited as it’s the perfect time for them given the resurgence of guitar bands at the moment and the continued explosion of the music scene in and around Newport at the moment. It really was a Good Friday indeed.

Written, and photos by Stephen Howell.

Written by: Ian.Lamsdale

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