Bryn was one very excited little bear. We were off to Soup Kitchen to see our favourites, York’s finest and hotly tipped band, The Howl & The Hum. We would soon hear the mesmerizing voice of their singer and songwriter Sam Griffiths, performing alongside his comrades Bradley Blackwell, Conor Hirons and Jack Williams. We would also get to hear some singing of a slightly different nature first, but more on that shortly. First it was time for food and luckily for us, Mum’s epic fail turned out to be not that bad as we got to find the wonder that is Tokyo Ramen. You can read more on about the best ramen in Manchester by following the link.
Food done and we had a bit of time to kill before the gig, so Dad decided it was a good time to introduce Mum to an institution of Manchester’s Northern Quarter. Located on Thomas Street, The Millstone pub is one of the Northern Quarter’s friendliest and liveliest pubs. It stands out amongst the bars typical of the area in that it’s not pretentious whatsoever and tonight was karaoke night. It was very busy and despite some of the singing hitting notes that only dogs can hear and probably shattering a few windows at the same time, it was a truly great atmosphere. We would definitely recommend a visit here on a weekend.
A few ciders and sambuca shots later and we set off to Soup Kitchen and had a quick pint upstairs… I say upstairs, but it’s not upstairs, it’s just that the gig is downstairs in the basement, so you know what I mean! This is the type of venue we love. Just the smell – slightly musty and damp – evokes memories of gigs gone by. These are the best type of gig, intimate venues and a small crowd, especially when you look back and can say, I was there at the start. Well we almost were! Sam was doing as he often does before gigs and chatting to some of the crowd. Having steadily built up an fanbase through gigging, there is always a few of the same people there and that included us as this was the second time of seeing them live and as usual they did not disappoint.
The Howl and the Hum’s music is a magnificent concoction of alternative rock and new wave, laced with darkly poetic lyrics. Starting the set with Terrorforming and Manea from the 2017 Godmanchester Chinese Bridge EP, the crowd were engaged from the off. Manea was the track that got Mum and Dad into the band, when they first heard it in late 2017 courtesy of Radio 1’s BBC Music Introducing. It got a few plays on mainstream radio and it made the humans look up the band and thank goodness they did. Next was Portrait I, Vitamins, I Wish I Was a Shark, Don’t Shoot the Storm and Murder all from 2018.
We then got a bit of a special treat as they played Hall of Fame, Sweet Fading Silver and Hostages, all of which will be on the debut album, if and when they finally release it! Sam keeps the audience smiling throughout with his chat between songs, his speaking voice soft and calming and sometimes it makes no sense that those powerful and amazing vocals are coming out of the same person. The set finished with Godmanchester Chinese Bridge, the band’s first release. Their musical spectrum spans from electronic minimalism at one end, to explosive indie rock at the other. If you still haven’t listed to them, what are you waiting for! We can’t wait to see them again.
We stayed over in Manchester that night, so a very quick mention of breakfast, which this time was at Sugar Junction on Tib Street. Decorated authentically with a vintage vibe, China tea sets, pin-up and war posters to the sounds of authentic music, you will feel like you have stepped back in time. Their website describes them as a tea and cocktail emporium, but they are open from 9am for breakfast/brunch. Mum and Dad both fancied poached eggs, so Eggs Benedict and Eggs Royale were the choices of the day. Very nice as well.