Live Review: Catfish and the Bottlemen - Cardiff Castle, 20 July 2024

Despite the weather looking less than optimistic following a sunshine performance the night before, Catfish and the Bottlemen were back in the Welsh capital for their second sold out show at the historic castle grounds on Saturday July 20th. 

Following a brief hiatus where speculation was quick to take place on the band's future, 3 years on from their last performance, a cryptic PR campaign through their mailing list earlier this year saw them share a set-time poster depicting a 6pm stage time. Much to fans delight this was the announcement they'd all been waiting for. A euphoric return to music with their new single Showtime, coinciding with a run of summer shows taking place in addition to their Reading & Leeds festival appearances. 

Selling out both nights in just a matter of minutes, it was clear to see their fans devotion, if anything, had only grown stronger in their absence as they eagerly packed themselves in to the walled grounds. 

Following a triumphant performance by The Big Moon, as if by some miracle, the forecasted rain had shifted and as the sun set on the picturesque backdrop over the castle walls, a palpable sense of anticipation filled the air before The Beatles - Helter Skelter began to play out. As the final notes faded and an elongated wait enfolded, cheers began to rise through the crowd as their anticipation piqued, all waiting to catch their first glimpse of Van McCann and co.

In what felt like a lifetime, but was probably just a matter of moments, the band finally emerged as they launched in to "Longshot". The crowd erupted as frontman McCann's raw and powerful vocals cut through the air. With a set-list curated truly of nothing but the hits, they certainly came thick and fast as they charged through "Kathleen," "Soundcheck," and "Pacifier" as the audience sang along at the top of their lungs, all beneath a sea of floating inflatable crocodiles. Elsewhere tracks from their most recently released album The Balance showcased the band's evolution and maturity as "Sidetrack" and "2all" saw swinging guitar melodies and gritty lyrics lead up the charge. 

Catfish and the Bottlemen - Cardiff Castle, 20 July 2024

 
Having garnered their reputation for a live show like no other, the band certainly pulled out all the stops as their vehement energy and electrifying musicianship transcended in to the crowd who jumped in unison, front to back. 

Despite a rocky road over recent times with line-up departures and new members joining, things seemed to have gelled well, and you'd be none the wiser as Van raced back and forth with a smile stretched ear to ear. And with that playful mood at the forefront, he regularly stepped back from the mic, basking in the choir recitation from the crowd that echoed throughout the iconic venue. There's a reason why Wales is known as the land of song, and tonight's evidence why, noticeably so on "Homesick".

Followed up with a passionate thank you to the Cardiff fanbase, Catfish weren't quite finished with the night just yet. Playing an almost 90 minute set with back to back hits, anyone would expect a lull in energy, yet this is a band where faltering ceases to exist in their vocabulary and tonight was to be no exception.

Rolling out the closing tracks with "7" and "Cocoon"they were determined to squeeze every last drop from the evening as Van screamed "Louder", commandeering the crowd to sing in acapella with for extended refrain of "I’d beg you, but you know I'm never home, I’d love you, but I need another year alone". And it's a good thing he had them warm up. With some technicality difficulties on their closing track with his microphone breaking, he egged them on a final time to take the lead. Improvisation at its finest.

In what was an anthemic night of epic proportions, few band's can claim quite so many hits on three records as Llandudno's finest, but with all thriller and no filler, it's a testament to their long standing status. And with these 2 sold out Welsh shows on home soil firmly under their belts, they're back to reaffirming themselves as one of the best live acts in rock today.

*****