Live Review: Spotlights - Bodega, Nottingham
10th June 2024
Words: Rob Barker
Header Photo: Tim Finch
Nottingham locals Hurtsfall kicked off the evening with a very solid representation of goth-wave / post-punk. Very much a different band to the main act, but by no means ill-fitting to the bill; conversely making a solid connection with the all-too-small crowd that had made it to their set, and setting a mood for the unexpected, the experimental, and the unapologetic. I’d recommend going to see Hurtsfall if you get the chance to, even if on paper it’s not your thing. This is a band who showcase top-tier musicianship and a lost dark art of new romantic performance. Much more than just emo for adults.
Spotlights consist of Mario Quintero on guitar and vocals, Sarah Quintero on bass, and Chris Enriquez on drums. For those unfamiliar with what they do, think best-era Kyuss meets best-era Deftones, and you’ll get a rough-cut idea. All the fuzz, all the distortion, all the mood and all the layers-upon-layers of that head-nodding fuck-yeah sound, yet totally missing out the corniness or cheapness that could accidentally come along with this kind of sound. Their latest release, Alchemy for the Dead, is a powerful haze of noise and strange beauty, calling back to Swervedriver-esque pileups of oppressive sound and groove.
Spotlights’ set commenced with no announcement, no introduction, no buildup, no movie, no lightshow – letting their power of their music do the talking. Big, long, heavy instrumental sections are what these guys are all about. As a three piece, they cannot be reliant on such a wall of noise and atmosphere to come naturally, or to be in the hands of someone else, and they seem acutely aware of this; their ability to turn their limited numbers to their advantage is exceptional. Their intensity continued in full force until the end of their set, culminating in blistering power.
Spotlights are finishing a UK tour, then heading to mainland Europe along with Oxbow and Mr Bungle (Oh My God what a line-up!). If you’re looking for a damn good gig to head to, do yourself a favour, check where they’re playing and go see them!
Photo credit: Tim Finch Photography
