The Salford Arts Theatre on Saturday Night saw the first of a series of planned gigs bringing music back into the heart of Salford “Salford City Limits”. The concept is simple, put on three greats bands, add a couple of DJs and the result is a fun night out with live music at reasonable prices, and the bands get paid.

Sponsored by Pendleton Inspired and SP+, and in association with Salford Arts Theatre, Salford Music Cooperative, and Salford City Radio  the night featured Sicknurse, Death to the Strange and Hans Island.

Sicknurse’s infections power punk is insanely catchy, refreshing, and life-affirming. With Ian “Moet” Moss the band has a front man with an attitude and energy that drives the performance. The band is tight and accomplished with a manic energy that got the crowd moving.  And the songs are good as well, from anthemic chants, through punky ska,  to more rock oriented pieces like “Drowning”, the influences are fairly obvious if you are seasoned punk watcher, but the band have the ability, and chops,  to make the songs relevant and fresh.  Particular favourites were  “Funhouse” and “You don’t belong here”. They are well worth catching and put on a great show.

Death to the Strange are fast growing into the complete live experience and had the crowd in the palms of their hands. John and Clarkey’s harmonies soared and Adam Hart and Jamie Wilson’s rhythm section was powerful and supportive. As I’ve said before, it's Rob Sewell’s sonic palette that makes all the difference taking the band to areas that their contemporaries can’t match. The closing section of the gig found the crowd brought forward and close to the stage to give a real sense of community.

Hans Island are growing in strength and provided the crowd with a suitably up-beat finale to a great evening. Ben, Dean and Mitch played their socks off and had the crowd on its feet and dancing to their excellent songs. Crowd favourites like “Give Over”, and “Demonstrate” are instantly memorable.  The bands mix of power pop, shoegaze and wall of guitars sounds certainly has a lot going for it.

DJing duties were provided by Salford City Radio's Stephen Doyle and Paul Sewell and the crowd left the venue with big smiles on their collective faces. Kudos to Scott and Roni at the Arts Theatre for making the venue available.

If you missed the show then you were unlucky – look out for the next one!

All words and photos by Bob Osborne.