Photo Credit: Aylise Bailey
Concluding Independent Venue Week at The Garrison in Barnsley was Manchester indie-pop band THE COVASETTES. With a jam packed 2025 ahead of them, and coming off the back of a huge UK tour which saw almost every date reach capacity, the bands debut in the South Yorkshire town was certainly one to warrant a return.
Opening the night was Rotherham act LPMC, delivering an upbeat set that warmed the crowd up to ease in to the night. After a ray of songs, frontman Lee McMahon dropped the guitar to let loose and dance on stage for groovy track ‘Joe’. The local act’s highlight of the night was unreleased song ‘Jennifer’, with a set filled with occasional guitar solos but overall a tight knit performance.
Sheffield indie quartet CRUZ followed next, returning to the venue exactly one year later for another spectacular display. The pleasant ‘California’ enticed the crowd from the beginning, with the band delivering classic indie riffs alongside brilliant guitar solos. A surprise cover of fellow Sheffield band Arctic Monkeys’ ‘The Hellcat Spangled Shalalala’ made it on to the set list, whilst the bands latest single ‘Play the Game’ which has been a staple in the bands live show, now has a recorded version that really packs a punch.
Finally, Sunday night headliners THE COVASETTES made their way on to the stage for their debut performance in Barnsley. The packed crowd swarmed to the barrier to join in with a range of songs that can get anyone off their feet. Opening with ‘Spin’, with ‘Duvet Thief’ following, it was the latter song that really got the place bouncing and singing along. Frontman Chris Buxton greeted the Barnsley crowd and was met with a huge roar across the room, showing that the love for the band is very much alive in the town. ‘Rebound’ made an early appearance in the set, with Buxton explaining the meaning behind the song to many peoples amusement.
Fan favourite ‘Big Dreamer’ had the place dancing once again, with further staples played to keep the crowd entertained. Buxton introduced the band one by one, as each member received their own cheer before concluding the night with ‘This Feeling’ and ‘Top Drawer’ to bow out in style. After such a positive reaction for their Barnsley debut, the crowd were eager for more. The band returned to the stage to finish the night once and for all with ‘She Is’ serving as the single encore track.
The bands’ first time in the South Yorkshire town was a memorable one for not only the fans, but for the Manchester quartet too. Their love for the venue was voiced on stage, and sets up a potential return at some point in the future.
Taped Magazine 