Three Bands, One Epic Night: Wizards Can’t Be Lawyers, Kez, and Marvin’s Revenge Light Up Saltbox
Marvin's Revenge at Saltbox - Images by Liv McCarthy
I was looking forward to watching three of the hottest new bands in the area play at Saltbox, a venue I’ve heard great things about and one I’d been hoping to experience properly for a while. As I walked up to the front door, I felt the excitement that seemed to seep from the walls of the place. I bumped into some friends outside and chatted with them about how excited we all were, taking in the atmosphere around us.
Saltbox - Images Liv McCarthy
I headed inside and was immediately struck by the unique look of the place, with its cool 60’s-inspired stage that reminded me of the Ed Sullivan show. An eye-catching visual was projected onto the wooden back wall, with each of the bands’ logos perfectly placed on white rectangular blocks for their particular sets. This visual element seriously elevated the look and feel of the shows and highlighted the potential of this amazing venue. I grabbed a pint from the bar before making my way through the packed crowd to get a spot at the front for Wizards Can’t Be Lawyers.
Wizards Can't Be Lawyers
Having seen Wizards in the past, I knew to never expect the same show twice, and this one was no exception! Their set tonight leaned towards the heavier side of their sound, which I definitely appreciated. They played a consistent setlist of tunes that made you want to move. This is a rare band that evolves their sound with every show, and tonight they were ready to rock Saltbox. From the very first song, they had the crowd moving and dancing with confidence and ease, starting with a smooth and funky groove that gradually built to a crescendo, ending with a bang. Like a racehorse out of the gate, they then perfectly transitioned into a series of consistently catchy and energetic songs, with standout track In The Hive.
Singer Joss Francis’ powerful performance and intelligent lyrics intertwined seamlessly with the song’s hypnotic riff and fine-tuned harmonies, taking it to new heights. New song Creatures of the Night sounded like the perfect next single—a party anthem that lyrically feels inspired by a rave in a haunted house. Crowd favourite Your Place Or Mine showcased Cameron Harris’ charismatic performance and vocal ability. It’s a song that never seems to lose its power to get people dancing. It was remarkable how clear and well-balanced the band’s sound was, despite the number of people on stage, each instrument perfectly complementing the others—a testament to the band’s ability to write complex, multi-layered music. This was further enhanced by local sound engineer Mark Reeves, who worked his magic on the sound desk. Wizards cast their spell on Saltbox with one of the best sets I’ve seen them play.
Wizards Can't Be Lawyers at Saltbox - Images by Liv McCarthy
WCBL at Saltbox - Images by Liv McCarthy
Kez
After Wizards, the bar was set high, and the energy coming from the stage was electric. One of my favourite songs, Big New Prinz by The Fall, boomed out of the speakers, setting the scene for what was to be one of the best gigs from a new band I’ve seen in a long time. I originally thought Kez was a trio, as I hadn’t heard their music before, but I quickly realised that drummer Greg, bassist Jack, and guitarist Taylor were laying down the tracks for the steam train that was coming. They built an aggressive groove that intensified before reaching a peak, as frontman Jamie Thrasivoulou made one of the coolest stage entrances I’ve ever seen, sending the crowd wild.
Kez - Images by Liv McCarthy
Jamie’s presence was incredible, launching his lyrics with precision and intensity, using a megaphone at times to distort his voice in a unique and powerful way. Between songs, he engaged with the audience, using humour and anecdotes about songs like Blog Politician. This was my favourite track, blending influences from Public Image Limited, The Minutemen, and The Fall, with a distinctive Kez twist. The basslines, reminiscent of Viagra Boys at their best, locked in perfectly with the drum beats, while the guitar provided a perfect counterpart to Jamie’s vocals. Kez’s confidence and humour shone through, and they clearly enjoyed playing together, creating an electric atmosphere throughout the set. I’m excited to see what’s next for Kez.
Kez - Images by Liv McCarthy
Marvin's Revenge
Marvin’s Revenge are a trio that really stand out as a headline band. They’ve played amazing shows around Nottingham and the UK, and their passion for what they do is evident. It’s rare to find a trio as finely tuned and polished as these guys, who channel the energy of a 90’s grunge band rocking out to thousands of fans. They’ve put their own twist on the grunge sound, making it truly their own. Tearing through a set of power-chord-laden hits, they captured the crowd’s excitement with a well-chosen setlist that flowed perfectly, showcasing both their intense, distorted tracks and more atmospheric, shoegaze-influenced songs.
Marvin's Revenge at Saltbox - Images by Liv McCarthy
I could hear the influence of legendary bands like Nirvana, Sonic Youth, and The Pixies, all masters of dynamics and melody—something Marvin’s Revenge have clearly perfected. Jack (Let Go of the Door) got the crowd going, its infectious riff blasting through the room. New single Hugs From Grandma brought an incredibly catchy melody and memorable lyrics, adding a more upbeat twist to their sound, which was a great addition to the variety of the set. The psychedelic light show behind them intensified the impact of their performance, giving them the rock star look they deserve. This was definitely a show to remember, and I can’t wait to see what they do next.
Marvin's Revenge - Images by Liv McCarthy
Images by Liv McCarthy