A Night of Local Talent at The Victoria Inn Derby – Thursday 18th September

On Thursday night, 18th September, Derby’s legendary live music venue The Victoria Inn, opposite the station, hosted another unforgettable evening of local talent courtesy of Musik Box. Known for championing rising acts and nurturing the grassroots scene, the Vic once again proved why it remains a cornerstone of Derby’s live music culture.

Slow Hand opened proceedings with a blistering set that shook the room to its core. Loud, aggressive, and unapologetically British, their heavy punk rock sound was laced with harmonies, shouts, and guitar-shredding solos. The sheer force of their performance had the floor trembling, and a lively mosh pit broke out early on. These louts knew how to bang out massive tunes, delivering a raw energy that left no one standing still.

Next up, stepping in at the last minute, was Graveyard Cop (aka Santino Martin). Filling the gap left by a dropped act, Martin delivered a set of stripped-back ambient folk that provided a striking contrast to the chaos before him. With heartfelt lyrics, soft yet commanding vocals, and intricate melodies, his performance was deeply moving. Covers of Teen Suicide and Radiohead gave the audience something familiar to hold onto, but his own material shone brightest. Despite the short notice, you would never have guessed – the crowd were captivated from start to finish.

The third act, Noisemakers’ Guild, brought the room back to life with their self-styled brand of “soulful alt-indie-rock”. Their music carried echoes of early ’80s post-punk with a modern twist, somewhere between soulful grooves and indie edge. The result was irresistibly danceable – at one point the entire room was moving together, even forming a spontaneous conga line. Fans of The 1975 would find much to love here, as the Guild blended fun, energy, and infectious rhythm into a set that was as memorable as it was original.

Closing the night, Hot Fuzz delivered a high-octane burst of youthful indie energy. With sharp, funky riffs and belting vocals reminiscent of the Arctic Monkeys, they had the crowd bouncing from the first note. Their performance proved them to be a band brimming with talent and charisma – one to keep an eye on as Derby’s music scene continues to thrive.

From punk chaos to heartfelt folk, danceable alt-indie to swaggering young rock, Thursday night at The Victoria Inn was a perfect showcase of Derby’s diverse musical talent. For anyone seeking the best in local live music, the Vic remains the place to be.

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