From Folk to Grunge: Third Eye Live Events Takes Over The Victoria Inn 

Derby’s grassroots music scene was back in full swing at The Victoria Inn on 24th July, with Third Eye Live Events bringing together four very different artists for an evening that moved through folk, glam rock, psychedelia, grunge and alternative rock.

With Wandering Nomad, The Obsession of Scarlett, Output and StBlush on the bill, it was another example of the variety you can find within Derby’s live music scene. Rather than four bands competing for the same space musically, each act brought something completely different to the stage, making for a night that continually shifted in sound and atmosphere.

Opening the evening was Wandering Nomad, the solo project of Rin Carvell, with a beautifully played set of folk music combining original material with a selection of covers. It was a gentle start to the night, built around acoustic guitar, strong vocals and thoughtful lyrics.

Rin can usually be found playing guitar in much heavier bands, so Wandering Nomad offers the chance to see a completely different side to his musicianship. Stripping everything back puts much more focus on his voice and songwriting, and there is something particularly enjoyable about seeing someone normally surrounded by distortion and volume commanding a room with little more than a guitar. It was a warm and understated opening set that eased the crowd into the evening perfectly.

Next came The Obsession of Scarlett, and things quickly became considerably louder and more theatrical. A six-piece band is a lot of musicians to squeeze onto the stage at The Victoria Inn, but somehow they made it work, filling both the physical and musical space with plenty of energy.

Drawing heavily from 80s rock and glam rock, The Obsession of Scarlett delivered big, expressive songs packed with personality. There was plenty of emotion running through the performance, but equally this was music designed to move to. Their combination of glam influences, energetic instrumentation and a larger-than-life approach made for a noticeable change of pace after the acoustic opening.

Derbyshire alternative rock band Output followed, bringing another change in atmosphere. Their sound is considerably more mellow and ambient, with psychedelic elements running through their music before giving way to heavier moments that feel raw and emotional.

That contrast is a major part of what makes Output work so well live. There is space within their music, allowing the quieter sections to breathe before the heavier parts arrive with considerably more impact. The result is a surprisingly big sound, moving between dreamy, atmospheric passages and bursts of alternative rock intensity. They are always a good band to catch live, particularly when given the opportunity to turn things up in an intimate venue like The Victoria Inn.

Closing the evening were StBlush, an alternative rock band from Derby who brought the night to a suitably powerful conclusion.

There is a definite grunge influence running through StBlush’s sound, but the band already feel polished and confident in their delivery. Their songs carry plenty of emotion without losing their weight, driven by strong instrumentation and particularly impressive lead vocals. After a bill that had travelled through folk, glam and psychedelia, StBlush’s grungier alternative rock was an ideal way to finish things.

It was another strong night of live music at The Victoria Inn in Derby, and one that highlighted exactly why mixed grassroots bills can be so enjoyable. Third Eye Live Events managed to bring together four acts with very different approaches without the evening ever feeling disjointed. From Wandering Nomad’s delicate folk opening through to the emotional alternative rock of StBlush, every artist had their own identity and their own moment.

For anyone keeping an eye on Derby’s alternative and grassroots music scene, nights like this remain one of the best ways to discover what is happening locally. Small venues, independent promoters and local artists continue to provide some of the city’s most interesting live music, and Third Eye Live Events’ night at The Victoria Inn was another fine example.

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