Words + Photos: Caitlin Mellors
After a staggering seven year hiatus, Marmozets explode back into the scene with two new singles (with a third out on Thursday), a new album set to release in May, and a sold out tour.
A mundane Monday night in Nottingham turned into one of anticipation as a packed out Rescue Rooms waited with baited breath for the Bingley quartet to take the stage after being away for so long. It did not take long for that anxious energy to turn into pure chaos as the band walked out into the roaring throng.
They started strong, playing one of their new singles ‘A Kiss from a Mother’, followed by a string of classic fan favourites. The second the music started and the lasers cut through the fog, the energy in the room was electric. It was hard not to feel something as the crowds sang along; the floor a constant sea of mosh pits and jumping bodies. But the hype wasn’t limited to the ground floor, even up on the balconies people cheered and sang their hearts out. It seemed that the vibe was so infectious that a two-man mosh pit broke out up there, a true testament to the bands ability to get everyone moving.
Becca Macintyre remains a steadfast voice in modern rock, her insane vocal range continued to impress throughout the night – with her ability to carry beautiful melodies to her gritty snarls. But what really made the night was the interaction between the band and the crowd.
Early in the set, the band spotted a couple kissing during a song. “Stunning,” they remarked. “Is that your song or are you just that pissed? I know this sounds really weird, but can you kiss again?” In a burst of laughter and riding the high spirits, they continued their set. Towards the middle, things got rather sentimental. Between songs, a member of the crowd shouted out “We missed you!” to which the immediate and raw response from the band was “We missed you fucking too.” With Marmozets having been gone a while, it comes as no surprise that both band and fans missed one another. The most poignant moment of the night however, came during the song ‘Captivate You’. The crowd were encouraged to sing “Louder, louder!” by the band as the song came to its haunting end. As the hundreds of voices sang out in harmony, you could feel the tumultuous emotions of the room. The song ended but the emotion stayed, with Becca spotting a crying fan at the barrier. The singer promptly climbed from the stage to give her a comforting hug.
By the end of the night, Marmozets had played an inclusive set with old and new songs – even playing ‘New York’, a single not out until this Thursday. The crowd favourite ‘Major System Error’ ended the night and the crowd reacted accordingly with a large mosh pit breaking out and crowd surfers flying over the front barrier. If the night proved anything, it’s that Marmozets had clearly been missed, and despite their years away from the scene they have not lost their spark. Marmozets are back. And they are louder than ever.
Taped Magazine 