They began as they meant to go on with tracks from their new album ‘One Thousand Pictures’. Not deterred by the large gaps in the crowd that were sporadically filled with pints of beer placed on the floor, the Pirates continued to thrash out their energetic rhythms with a mixture of old and new material. Including ‘Winter’, ‘She Doesn’t Belong to Me’ and new single ‘Come to the Bar’.

Curious clubbers were able to browse the off-brand merchandise stand, that only became a distraction once the Pirates took to the stage and their dazzling indie tunes really kicked in.

The small venue meant the thumping guitar rifts sounded even heavier and euphoric, coupled with the Pirates intense energy they quickly captivated the sparse but enthusiastic audience. Lead singer Thomas Sanders developed an instant rapport by indulging in some early self-deprecatory banter with a group of Converse-wearing lads at the side of the stage. “What shall we play now?” Sanders enquired. The reply, “how about some dubstep” did not throw him off his stride, “well, we’re just another guitar band” he joked.

The crowd disagreed with this assessment and as the numbers filled out the Pirates took it to the next level, stomping and jumping around the compact stage as they played tunes that were more familiar with their cult fans. The audience showed their appreciation for their Arctic Monkeys meets The Go! Team sound with head nodding, foot-tapping and gentle swaying.

Pete and The Pirates

Audio

Tuesday 12th April 2011

Words by Chris Dyer

Photos by Hazel McCoubrey