The Blinders are coming to town, and we are struggling to contain our childish glee at the prospect of revelling in the blood, sweat and tears that will inevitably follow.

Having played to great acclaim at The Great Escape 2017, we’re somewhat surprised, but rather happy, that we have the chance to catch them at Sticky Mike’s Frog Bar. It seems fitting that a band that sticks close to the underground (and their working class roots), want to get down and dirty, right in the faces of their ever-growing army of fans.

2016 saw the band rise through the indie circuits, while tracks such as ‘Murder At The Ballet’ and ‘Swine’ (originally titled ‘Pig Fuck’) showed they weren’t afraid to wade in with their vitriolic views on the political landscape. This refreshing take is summed up on ‘ICB Blues’; the track opens with the tragic recording of the death of Eric Garner (who died in NYPD custody). While it never makes for easy listening, the heavy, brooding (and immensely catchy) riffs and snarling vocals that kick in give a palpable sense of injustice, with lyrical dexterity to match:

“I can use words to legitimise brutality/protect and serve/with a couple of fatalities”

2017 saw The Blinders continue their upward trajectory. ‘Brave New World’ was an instant indie-dance floor filler that kept them firmly on the radar, as did high-profile support slots with the likes of Cabbage and Idles. The Doncaster lads (now based in Manchester) took a rare step back from their relentless touring towards the end of 2017 to start work on their debut album.

Tickets are still available, but dates on their tour are selling out so get in there quick. We’ll see you down the front!

Sticky Mike’s Frog Bar, Friday 9th February 2018
Words by Ashley Laurence
Photo by Sam Crowston (courtesy of PR)