Following their first headline shows at Jumpin’ Jacks and Think Tank? this past year, the energetic rock band decided to broaden their horizons. They played the larger Northumbria Institute 2 for this particular show.

Previous live shows for FEVA have included supporting The Pale White at Newcastle’s Riverside. This is along with performances at the last two Hit The North festivals consecutively. However, the energy displayed at this show topped any past performance.

Named as one of the most hardworking North East bands, FEVA have gained a hardcore and dedicated fanbase, with ticket holders even travelling overseas from France to attend the local artist’s show.

Vocalist and guitarist Sam Reynolds has an unstoppable energy when the band are on stage. w More of his time is spent climbing on the on-stage monitors and joining the crowd, rather than actually singing on stage.

At the show a there was a surprise performance on 2 of their tracks by The Pale White’s lead guitarist / vocalist Adam Hope. He covered Reynolds’ guitar section so he wouldn’t be constrained to the stage for their whole set.

The reverb soaked vocals on tracks such as ‘Waiting Room’ and ‘You’ are seen to be fan favourites, with many members of the crowd attempting to crowd surf in the small venue.

Surprisingly, even unreleased tracks like ‘My Woman’ gained a chanted chorus, from fans who have attended several of their live shows. Bassist Tommy Errington acts like there is no better place to be than playing live. It is rare to see artists on stage who seem to enjoy their live shows as much as their fans do.

Initial support at the show came from Newcastle based artists ‘Sleeptape.’ The self identified alternative rock group quickly warmed the crowd for the headliners with poignant guitar lines.

They sounded like they could have been taken straight from a new Mission Impossible style action blockbuster. It was great to see members of their band interacting with the crowd, with many people in the audience appearing to be very much aware of Sleeptape’s music.

Despite being another of Newcastle’s relatively new bands, Sleeptape have harnessed their intricate musical abilities, becoming a musical outfit that is sure to go far.

Sleeptape shared their love for FEVA at last year’s Hit The North Festival in Newcastle too. They named the fellow Newcastle group as one of their must see bands, alongside the likes of North East Coast favourites: Cape Cub.

The support performance from YVES made a lot of the people in the audience realise that their upcoming Newcastle show is going to be a must see event. Vocalist Harry Roake displays an interesting amount of charm in their performance, and the band come across to their fans like truly genuine people who love their jobs as live musicians.

These Swindon based lads are not to be missed, if you haven’t had a chance to catch their shows before.

WORDS: BETHAN MCCONNELL

PHOTOS: SAM WALL