Tonight: the ultimate gathering of the Indie loving teenagers of Norwich City. Prepped up in their tweed jackets and floral dresses, everyone has come to see local heroes The Kabeedies in their biggest headline show ever in the City. Everyone in the audience is expecting a show to remember, one in which the Kabeedies aim to prove that they are more than a Norwich band.

First to play are special guests from London Town and Steve Lamacq favourite, Pull In Emergency, who impress the audience straight away and lead singer Faith Barker captivates with her magnificent stage presence. I think it is also fair to say that every male member of the audience failed to have the strength to look away from her intense performance. Playing a short but powerful set, Barker’s vocals put her in the same league as acts such as Florence and the Machine and Ida Maria.

Next to perform being The Loyal Few, whose pop tunes hit the audience with a whirlwind of energy and excitement, followed by all girl group Violet Violet who also gain a rather stimulating reaction from the crowd (again especially that of the male gender). Their vigorous performance is extremely interesting to watch; with a spicy mixture of heavy guitar solos, powerful drums and attitude they show that they are no ordinary girl group.

It is when The Kabeedies finally take to the stage that I realize the true extent of their popularity with the music lovers of this Norfolk City. Lead Katie enters into tonight’s atmosphere like a sugar-rushed toddler. Her performance is centered around her energetic jumping around the stage with fellow band members. It is a truly remarkable routine, which is not expected from an indie-pop band. The audience, of course, revels in its thrilling nature, and it is not long before every person in the front row is covered in sweat. The band even manages to convince the audience to dance arm in arm with a partner whilst showcasing their new songs. This did indeed prove to be a performance not to forget, and I am sure it will not be long before The Kabeedies are convincing the Indie kids of the rest of Britain to find a dance partner to listen their songs to.

Words & photos > Rhian Brighton