With their innate ability in creating show-stopping moments through their breathtaking sound, York based outfit The Howl & The Hum made their very welcomed return to Cardiff for a debut headline show that would certainly pause time momentarily. Having been postponed last year, fans finally got the chance to experience the band's scintillatingly powering sound in the flesh, in addition to Sam Griffiths' flamboyant dancing that certainly got the crowd moving as he swayed about with flailing hands and arms aplenty. 

Opening with their album's title track Human Contact, with its huge grinding synth notes and outpouring vocals, the scene was set for what was to be an energised evening. From A Hotel Song's impassioned delivery to the soaring choruses in Hostages, a touching depiction of a relationship breakdown, each song's articulated performance lifted the energy inside that little bit higher.

If there was one thing to leave its mark, it was Griffiths' empowering vocals and sensational dynamic ability and tonight showcased that talent in all its glory. Evidently The Only Boy Racer Left On The Island showed real ambition here as its driving percussion and pitch perfect vocals culminated towards its explosive crescendo.

The beauty within The Howl & The Hum and their music is the way they can so readily switch the timbre of their sound from a firework delivery to soft and tender and it's exactly what they cultivated in their set list. At the nights halfway point Hall of Fame got an almost acoustic delivery with just Sam and his guitar alongside new single Thumbs Up getting similar treatment as its stripped back delivery got a warming reception.

Smiling ear to ear it's clear just how much this night meant to Sam and the band and being back centre stage was a welcomed sight for all. "we've been told there's a strict 10pm curfew, so who's up for a karaoke bar" he shouted. I think everyone could agree they didn't want the night to end. Although, sadly all good things must as they rounded up with the impassioned Godmanchester Chinese Bridge, the crowd singing back each and every word. 

From their euphoric energy, studio-like delivery and heart wrenching poetic lyricism, The Howl & The Hum have only up to fall and having released their debut record during lockdown, it's sure to be an exciting few months ahead as they unleash it out on the road. The band continue their tour at the following dates below: 

15th Oct - Hope & Run, Brighton
16th Oct - Joiners, Southampton
17th Oct - The Exchange, Bristol
19th Oct - King Tut's, Glasgow
21st Oct - The Sugarmill, Stoke
25th Oct - Hare & Hounds, Birmingham
27th Oct - Jericho Tavern, Oxford
30th Oct - Brudenell Social Club, Leeds
31st Oct - Brudenell Social Club, Leeds