LIVE: A Stone’s Throw
It’s an exciting year for Newcastle; after hosting the MOBO awards last December, it’s set to be the epicentre of the music world once again when the Mercury’s come to toon in October. But, although it’s only now receiving public recognition, music has always been an integral part of Tyneside’s cultural identity and it’s local organisations that deserve all the credit for growing a thriving community from the ground up. One of those independent players, A Stones Throw Festival, is starting to make waves across the region with its DIY ethos and focus on bringing smaller artists to the front.
Now in its third year, the North Shields-based festival has made it its mission to showcase local talent and culture. With a stellar line-up that blends established names with up and coming artists and boasts headline performances from Psych Rock giants Psychedelic Porn Crumpets and post-punk heavyweights Shame, AST has long worked through any teething problems and grown into a vibrant hub for local creatives and North-East music lovers.
Stretched across multiple venues, the festival gives plenty of room for the local scene to shine: North Shields’ grassroots venues scrub up nicely to welcome the growing crowds with open arms and even the weather puts its best foot forward on this May bank holiday. Thanks to its growing reputation and an incredible team behind the scenes, AST draws an ever-growing crowd to the coast. Bustling venues, excited chatter, and that Bank Holiday feeling create an atmosphere that is as infectious as the performances themselves.
Salt Market Social is already buzzing with energy when Alt Rock riser Robyn McLeod takes the stage for the first performance of the day. Armed only with a pink guitar and a soothing aura, her earthy vocals cut through the chatty backdrop like sunlight pushing through clouds. It’s aptly named track ‘Let Me Grow’ that finally breaks through and demands undivided attention. A perfect start to the day with an intriguing new voice that should immediately be added to every ‘Ones to Watch’ list.
Elsewhere, Newcastle’s answer to The Smiths, post punk outfit Stannington, are warming up the crowd at King Street Social Club - setting the stage for a day of unrelenting rock. All five members have cut their teeth in various other formations - New Horror, No Teeth, Swine Tax, to name a few - and it shows: Noodling guitars blend into driving basslines that underpin Thomson’s melancholic vocals. Without any frills or pretence, the five-piece prove that North-East guitar music is alive and well, thriving in fact.
Local alt-pop starlet Cherry Blur teaches a masterclass in live performance, chasing away any traces of an afternoon slump with sugary grooves and the infectious energy of their bubbly frontwoman. Sleek love song ‘Cool About It’ immediately breaks the ice with its big, catchy chorus and Chloe Qisha-esque track ‘Patience’ melts away even the last bit of hesitation, turning a previously static audience into a sea of swaying bodies.
As people are gearing up for the final performances of the night, Dublin’s no-wave juggernauts Skinner take the stage at a slightly deserted Tanners Bank. But what they lack in audience, they more than make up for in attitude.The brainchild of multi-instrumentalist Aaron Corcoran, Skinner is an absolute thrill to watch as he shreds on a cowbell and a set of bongo drums. With gritty textures and roaring vocals, Corcoran proves a force to be reckoned with and wins the award for most underrated act of the day. A must-see for fans of ESG, LCD Soundsystem and Osees.
Wrapping up the day are a line-up of spectacular headliners - punters are well and truly spoiled for choice - and, though clashes are vital to avoid overcrowding, AST make picking your favourites increasingly difficult by giving us four standout acts to choose from.
Closing out Salt Market with intricate folk rock is local four-piece Ernie who, since their debut in 2023, have quickly become a staple amongst those in the know - with a stadium-worthy sound that rivals the likes of The National, you can count on Ernie to deliver a stunning performance. Frontman Joe is, after all, one of the best songwriters in the area joined by a live band that makes each performance look effortless.
One 3 minute bus ride away, it’s time for the big guns. Psychedelic Porn Crumpets show us how it’s done with a striking set at King Street Social Club; a long anticipated homecoming for Newcastle-born frontman Jack McEwan. The performance? Phenomenal. The Room? Literally bouncing. A social club may not be part of their average touring schedule, but the five-piece fill the space with the sound of sprawling prog rock and heavy garage riffs, not skimping on roaring solos, and the audience match the energy, giant mosh pit included. A showcase of psych rock extraordinaire.
As the festival draws to a close, Newcastle is celebrating two wins in one day: NUFC joins the Champions League and A Stone’s Throw firmly puts itself on the map as a vital part of the Northern Music Ecosystem.
In a time where over saturation is ripe and anything outside of London is easily overlooked, it’s refreshing to see a festival take a chance on smaller artists and the growing crowd embracing its ethos. A Stone’s Throw is a prime example of the importance of nurturing local talent - not only does it foster community, it creates change. AST are trailblazers for a new, more sustainable music industry, and it’s an absolute joy to see. Bring on next year!!