Crystal Tides launch debut album Toothpaste at The Wedgewood Rooms: 'Biggest week of their lives' | Review
You only release a debut album once – and at the weekend homegrown indie stars Crystal Tides began what could be the biggest week of their musical lives.
The five-piece – frontman Billy Gregory, guitarists Harry Knowles and Neil Cripps, bassist George Regan and drummer Joe Knight – played all 10 tracks from their new LP Toothpaste to a sold-out Wedgewood Rooms, telling fans “this is the only time we will play this record in full”.
Catchy rock-and-roll songs Better Weather, Movies and Back to You, plus what Pompey shirt-wearing Billy called “the single that never was” Sidelines, showed why the band were confident to choose new material for their album, despite having an abundance of big singles already out there.
And mesmerising tracks When You Love Somebody and piano number All I’m Dreaming Of provided a contrast that helps make this a formidable album of tunes.
The second half of the gig was a celebration of songs which had laid the foundations for this new record, including previous singles One Night in Paris, Headcase and Backbiting.
The evening kicked off seven days of in-store shows and signings, including Pie & Vinyl in Southsea today – February 10 at 1pm; a Radio X session; and finding out if they will become the first Portsmouth act to have a debut Top 40 album in the official chart on Friday.
The Wedgewood Rooms saw five local hard-working lads who have not forgotten where it all started, from building a following in the early days through to playing the main stage at Victorious Festival and selling out The Guildhall last year.
Frontman Billy said: “This has always been our home, especially this venue, it has been a very special night, we couldn’t have done it without you.”
Despite all that’s happening, here is a band still bringing everyone else along for the ride.
They will be back, on The Castle Stage at Victorious Festival on Friday, August 28.