Falmouth Town in Cornwall has long been a thriving hub for new and vibrant music , attracting many aspiring bands and artists from near and far. Its colourful stages and lively crowds welcomes a perfect venue for many emerging talents. One band in particular made the trip down from Crockerton, Wiltshire on Saturday 31st January to deliver a night of infectious new tunes and irresistible energy that injected an itch into the audience.
Onceisaid. Photograph taken by Scarlett Jeffries
Dialler. Photograph taken by Scarlett Jeffries
The night kicked of with Falmouth based indie band OnceIsaid, who effortlessly warmed up the crowd with a dynamic mix of covers and cleverly imagined originals. Their performance initiated the tone for the rest of the evening, showcasing what makes Falmouth music scene so unique and special. They were then followed by established heavy rock band Dailler, whose presence was as commanding as it was confident, they seized the room with their commanding sound.
Gnatcatcher. Photograph taken by Scarlett Jeffries.
It was the arrival of Gnatcatcher that really set the stage alive, as soon as their set began the room was awake, a circle of devoted fans and Cornish newcomers that shared a love of homegrown music flocked to the front of the stage, jigging and jostling their way through every track. The chemistry between band and audience was palpable, it became a celebration of music and its effect.
Following their performance, Scarlett Jeffries caught up with Gnatcatchers lead vocalist and Drummer, Todd Lucas Phillips and guitarist and vocalist, Theo Richards, they discussed their newly formed band, their experience performing in Falmouth and what’s next for them.
“It felt very high energy,” Todd admitted. “I felt calm but awake and ready, – like a sweet release” Theo added. Reflecting on the shared excitement from the duo.
Falmouth has long been a dream performing destination for the band. Todd, who has been attending gigs in Falmouth for a fair few years, explained. “I’ve always enjoyed the music vibe in Falmouth and we know the scene quite well, the hope is to perform at Cornish Bank, and Underland, I’m very keen for Underland.” Todd explained. “but I think were keen for absolutely everywhere, everywhere has people who want to dance.”
Gnatcatcher. Photograph taken by Scarlett Jeffries.
For newcomers to their sound seeing them for the first time, Gnatcatcher described their sound as ‘loud and energetic,’ “hopefully something people want and can dance to.” Todd explained. “Its a bit of a mix, incorporating music that we like into one place, but also where it’s not too scattershot, Dance rock is the best way of describing it.”
When asked what one of their songs best represented their current stage as a band, they highlighted their song ‘Elvis Baby,’ a four minute long original that they performed as the final of their set. A song in which the crowd went wild for, jiving non stop throughout. “Elvis baby is about a baby, which is fitting, because we’re right at the start of our journey.” Todd said.
By the end of the night, it was clear that Gnatcatcher had left a lasting impression on the attendees of FishFactory. With their combination of passionate musicianship, passionate energy and infectious enjoyment of their craft, the band is well on their way to become a fixture of the Cornwall growing music scene.
Gnatcatcher. Photograph taken by Scarlett Jeffries.
So whether your a seasoned Gnat fan, or just discovering their music, keep any eye out for Gnatcatchers promising journey. The night in Falmouth was just the start, and if their debut in Falmouth was anything to go by, their best is yet to come.