Gig Goin’ – Modern Neutrals Single Launch at Le Pub, Newport

Le Pub once again proved why it’s one of South Wales’ most cherished live music venues,
hosting a triple bill that celebrated the thriving local indie scene. Modern Neutrals headlined
the night with their single release show for Ain’t That Something, joined by Swansea’s Swan Hill and Cardiff’s Marionette. With a mixed-age audience packing out the room, the
atmosphere was one of anticipation and celebration.

Marionette opened the evening with an energetic set, kicking off with You Always Come First and closing with their debut single Your Hands. Their brand of indie bangers landed perfectly with the crowd, showcasing a youthful energy that suggests a band on the rise.

Next up, Swan Hill—who previously welcomed Modern Neutrals to Swansea for their own
single launch—returned the favour with a lively and engaging performance. Their frontman’s
witty between-song banter kept the crowd entertained almost as much as the music. From opener Spielberg through to closing track Tascam, the set was full of highlights, including the infectious Black Beauty and Goddamn. A sneak preview of forthcoming single Bronco also left the audience eager for more.

The night belonged, of course, to Modern Neutrals. From the explosive opening of Lynch
and Seized, the Blackwood band commanded the stage with confidence and charisma. Mixing older tracks from their debut EP with fan favourites like Blue and a storming rendition of Obelisk, their set had the feel of a celebration—both of their new release and their growing reputation. Frontman James proved himself a formidable presence, his soulful vocals soaring
above the tight musicianship of the band. One particularly memorable moment saw him part the crowd in dramatic, almost “Moses-esque” fashion, uniting the room in a shared sense of spectacle. The evening closed triumphantly with their new single Ain’t That Something, a track that already feels destined to become a staple of their live shows.

If this performance is anything to go by, Modern Neutrals are a band not just building a
following but rapidly stepping up to bigger stages. Le Pub bore witness to a group brimming with momentum—on this showing, the horizon looks very bright indeed.

Written by Stephen Howell