The Independent Venue Week is a celebration of small but indispensable venues, showcasing budding and already established artists. The Library pub’s 360 club played host to four excellent bands. First up were Meihaus, a Bradford five-piece fronted by Luke Womerlsey, who joyfully rotated between cowbell, tambourine, keys and maracas and whose poise gave the impression of having the crowd in the palm of his hand. Supported by sublime guitar work, the band’s elements merged into truly unique hooks.

The indie/psychedelic rock-inspired Seagulls were second, boasting energy and enthusiasm, featuring intoxicatingly cryptic, if sometimes overly-trebly, solos, supported by melodious bass. Admittedly, after the first song, I wasn’t a fan, but was won over by frontman Dominic Richmond’s sass and charisma, comparable to Harry Koisser of Peace, with the last song seeing him entering into a screaming and flailing-filled frenzy.

Marsicans followed, local lads who ignited the room with math-rock riffs, animated rhythm sections and well-balanced Wombats-esque harmonies and yelping. Showcasing their newest single ‘Arms of Another’, this quartet were unrivalled in cheerfulness, each parading their own unique stage personality, from drummer Cale’s energetic flurries to frontman’s James’s unassailable composure. Combined they created a potent fusion that brought about a joy and liveliness that the whole crowd, young or old, front or back, was swept up in.

The last band, Happy Daggers, laid down the groove with unmatched swagger that saw the crowd boogying along from the first song. The soul and funkiness emanating from this five piece was unequivocal. Tommi Stubb’s melodic bass-work, Sinclair Belle’s sublime vocals, lavishly technical drum-work from Jordan Fearnley and spicy guitars showcased a band that has found its own beat. Bonus points for the coordinated paisley shirts.

Euan McDonnell