Photo + Words: Jess Plunkett
Independent Venue Week is about more than just gigs… it’s about community, it’s about accessibility, and most of all, it’s about keeping grassroots music alive. And Youth Sector’s show at Future Yard on Wednesday thoroughly captured that spirit.
It felt especially fitting to attend my first event of Independent Venue Week at Future Yard. It was my first visit to the venue, but definitely won’t be the last. Throughout the week, Future Yard have been hosting shows night after night, and this one felt like a perfect example of why spaces like this matter. Forget expensive tickets or massive queues, all you need is a great venue, even better artists, and people who share a genuine love for music all in one place.
I absolutely love a small venue like this. They’re intimate without feeling cramped. Small enough to feel connected to the stage, but clearly built with live music in mind. And with that, it was time for the live music to commence.
Singer Bunny Alex opened the night with upbeat, groovy pop that suited an early-evening warm-up. Her set was fun and danceable, and her voice was made for light, pop-forward tracks. She set a positive tone for the night and is definitely one to watch.
Flowers followed as a six-piece with something to say. Their essence is quintessentially British; combining real political issues with witty, sarcastic humour, resulting in something that was, predictably, a real hit with the crowd. Musically tight and clearly not taking themselves too seriously, their set was easy to enjoy.
When Youth Sector took to the stage, though, people drifted closer, conversations stopped, and the room fully locked in.
The Brighton-based band are known for pairing bright, groove-heavy indie pop with lyrics that poke at consumer culture, anxiety, and modern life. Their debut album Pop Couture, released late last year, leans into that contrast in an interesting way. On the surface, the melodies appear upbeat and catchy, but with every listen, you notice those sharper edges underneath. It’s an approach that translated exceptionally well live, and, dare I say it, live performance is where Youth Sector are at their best.
Comprised of Nick Tompkins (guitar, vocals), Josh Doyle (bass), Brad Moore (guitar), Harvey Dent (synth), and Karl Tomlin (drums), the band’s art-rock/post-punk sound has earned them high praise from publications, and it’s clear to see why.
They opened strong and kept the energy consistent throughout. Matching outfits gave them a cohesive visual identity, and it was clear they’re at home when on stage together. Tompkins hit the stage with infectious confidence, lighting up the room from the first moment.
A new track, Here Comes the Fear, stood out to me. It was catchy, had a beat that made you want to dance, and the hook was so memorable the audience was singing along, even if they’d never heard it before. Audience participation felt natural rather than forced, and singalong moments connected the crowd as one.
Tracks like Free Parking and Buy For Less carried a steady groove that worked especially well in such an intimate space. But Who Dropped the Ball was my personal favourite. It was stuck in my head all evening, in the very best way. The repetitive nature was almost addictive, and it’s one of those songs that thrives in a live setting, with the audience dancing around and singing the lyrics right back.
By the end of the night, the room felt warmer and more connected than when it began. That’s the magic of nights like this! If you get the chance to see Youth Sector live, take it. And if you’re anywhere near Birkenhead, Future Yard is a venue well worth supporting.
Taped Magazine 