The Sherlocks at Engine Rooms, Southampton REVIEW: 'They have struck gold again'

A lot has changed for The Sherlocks since their first gig in the south five years ago this month.
The Sherlocks at Engine Rooms, Southampton on March 6, 2020. Picture: Rhona MurphyThe Sherlocks at Engine Rooms, Southampton on March 6, 2020. Picture: Rhona Murphy
The Sherlocks at Engine Rooms, Southampton on March 6, 2020. Picture: Rhona Murphy

Now the Yorkshire band are back to support their second top 20 album, Under Your Sky.

Frontman Kiaran Crook, his brother and drummer Brandon, lead guitarist Josh Davidson and his brother and bassist Andy bring songs from their first two records and a performance built on years of climbing every step of the ladder in music.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Older tunes like Escapade, Blue and Will You Be There? still resonate fiercely, but tracks from the band’s latest release more than hold their own too.

The Sherlocks at Engine Rooms, Southampton on March 6, 2020. Picture: Rhona MurphyThe Sherlocks at Engine Rooms, Southampton on March 6, 2020. Picture: Rhona Murphy
The Sherlocks at Engine Rooms, Southampton on March 6, 2020. Picture: Rhona Murphy

The upbeat, but ominous Magic Man and the neatly produced Waiting pack a punch, while the energy of I Want It All and Time to Go means there is no let-up in pace, all to the delight of the 600-strong crowd.

Singles NYC (Sing It Loud) and One Day share a wide-eyed optimism and contrast nicely with first album rock numbers like Nobody Knows and Live For The Moment.

These are timeless, melodic songs, played live by four musicians who know how to deliver.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The band treated fans to a new track called Wake Up and, from the reaction here, it seems that they have struck gold again with another three minute banger about an age-old quandary everyone can relate to. It is more proof that Kiaran, 24, is one of the best songwriters of his generation.

Since their first gigs at The Joiners and then The Wedgewood Rooms, plus last year’s Victorious Festival, The Sherlocks have grafted for years to earn a night like this in the south. Here were scenes that came close to what you see at gigs in their strongholds of Sheffield and Manchester.

If there ever was a north-south divide for this band, it’s over now. The Sherlocks can pack out venues anywhere.

Earlier in the evening, Southampton’s Djuno and Portsmouth favourites Crystal Tides also drew a big crowd.

And Crystal Tides announced their own headline gig at The Joiners in Southampton on Saturday April 4.

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.