It's no surprise that Echobelly put on a stellar show last night at The Phoenix in the heart of Exeter. With six studio albums at their disposal, they compiled a crowd-pleasing setlist that explored every nook and cranny of their illustrious career.

Echobelly is a band that faced a massive uphill struggle against the strong 'lad culture' dominant in the 90's indie/Britpop scene. It's refreshing to see them still doing what they do best, alongside contemporaries like Sleeper, another favorite from the early days.

Opening the evening was the fabulous Blue Violet, an alternative/rock quartet from London. They played impressive tracks from their 2022 debut album "Late Night Calls", as well as a few from their forthcoming record "Faux Animaux", set to release on January 24th. Their debut had a more Americana/Pop/Rock style, but after catching up with Sam and Sarah from the band after the show, they mentioned a shift towards a rockier sound moving forward. This was evident in their performance, which tantalized the capacity audience with electrifying stage antics, strong backing, and solid guitar solos from Sam.

Sarah truly owned the stage, parading from left to right, dancing, and even stepping onto the barrier to get up close with the audience. It was great to see such engagement. I spoke to many people after the show, and they all mentioned how much they enjoyed Blue Violet—a rarity, as opening acts often play to near-empty rooms. Blue Violet blew the roof off The Phoenix and are definitely an act to keep an eye on. You can pre-order their new record here.

Echobelly took the stage at Exeter Phoenix to rapturous applause. Sonya looked amazing, as if she had been in cryogenic suspension since the mid-90s—she literally hadn't changed! They delivered a performance that transported fans back to the mid-90s. The band, formed in 1992, quickly rose to prominence with their debut album "Everyone's Got One" in 1994. Many will be more familiar with their sophomore release "ON", released in September 1995 at the heart of the Britpop era, which reached #4 in the UK album charts. This album, their most successful, spawned three singles that cemented their place in Britpop history and allowed them to stand shoulder to shoulder with the heavyweights of the time. Their unique blend of indie, alternative rock, and Britpop, coupled with Madan's distinctive voice and poignant lyrics, made them a standout act of the time.

The audience was a diverse mix, with many fans who had grown up with the band in the 90s, as well as a surprising number of younger fans who had come to pay homage to these Britpop gods. The energy in the room was electrifying, with everyone singing along to every song, creating an intimate atmosphere throughout their set.

The setlist at Exeter Phoenix was a perfect mix of nostalgia and new energy, featuring hits like "King of the Kerb", "Great Things", "Dark Therapy", and a truly magnificent acoustic rendition of "Insomniac". Each song was a reminder of why Echobelly was such a pioneering force in the Britpop scene, and why they remain relevant today.

Echobelly's journey has been remarkable. After their initial success, they faced challenges, including lineup changes and a hiatus, but they made a triumphant return in 2015 and have continued to tour and release new music. Their latest album, "Anarchy and Alchemy", released in 2017, showcased their creativity and ability to evolve while staying true to their indie roots.

As the night came to a close, it was clear that their legacy is not just in their music, but in the memories they create for their fans. Their performance at Exeter Phoenix was a testament to their lasting impact on the music scene and a reminder of why they are still celebrated today.

Words and Pictures by Steve Muscutt

Setlist

1. I Can't Imagine the World Without Me

2. We Know Better

3. I'm Not a Saint

4. Car Fiction

5. Iris Art

6. Father, Ruler, King, Computer

7. Fear of Flying

8. Worms and Angels (Acoustic)

9. Insomniac (Acoustic)

10. If the Dogs Don't Get You, My Sisters Will

11. Down to Earth

12. Something Hot in a Cold Country

13. Great Things

14. Scream

Encore

1. King of the Kerb

2. Giving It All (Calm of Zero cover)

3. Dark Therapy