Live Review - Caral Barat and the Jackals


Carl Barat and the Jackals @ The Venue, Derby 06/07/2017

Bringing a full crowd together on this Thursday night in Derby, Carl Barat proves his star power, with Derby being renowned for being difficult to fill a venue. 

Blackwaters arrived with a crazy cool aesthetic, the guys each with their own unique style, but hitting the stage with a coherent look. They looked young, fresh, cute and cool. And then they hit into the tunes. Favourite of their set had to be the track that went “Oh yeh, fuck yeh” for it’s flawless hark back to old school punk. This show could have been Blackwaters’, this band has a presence, an originality and an authenticity. Impactful, fun and performed with tenacity, every minute of their set was a riot. We would go out of our way to catch these guys again, and we will be keeping a close eye on them from here on out. Check them out for yourselves. 

Next up were Lock. Again, we have another band with a crazy cool look, three stylish and slick ladies donning the stage with their neon lights and rock star style, they definitely have a visual appeal.  Along with this, these women have a unique sound, a retro yet modern take on electro dance rock. The crowd were loving it, dancing and singing along, Lock created an electric atmosphere and set up for Carl and the Jackals perfectly. 

Star power is a very strange thing. It goes along the same lines as “coolness”, it’s not something anyone can try to have. You either are cool, are a star, or you’re not. Carl Barat exudes star power. He’s quiet, laid back, and nonchalant, yet, is an enigmatic performer, mesmerising and bedazzling. Along with that, his Jackals are equally entrancing, unlike the bands before them, each of these guys are individuals, you wouldn’t pick them and say “you’re a band” yet it totally works. The sound is loud, punchy and makes you want to groove. The only negative, although these tunes are great, enjoyable and could be enjoyed by almost anyone, it’s not a brand new sound that’s never been done before, however it is a take on the past of indie and rock, and has been taken a step forward and given a new flavour. 

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