Britney, Black Sabbath, and a Flute: The Vic’s Wild Thursday Night

Derby’s music scene was alive and kicking on Thursday 21^st August at The Vic, opposite the train station, as a packed crowd gathered for another stellar showcase of fresh talent. Curated by Hannah from Musik Box, the evening was a whirlwind of energy, experimentation, and pure musical joy, with headliners Jonk closing out a diverse lineup that proved once again why The Vic is a cornerstone for up-and-coming acts in the city.

Opening duties fell to Floodlines, an experimental rock act fusing influences from The Strokes, Radiohead and The Libertines. They set the tone early, launching into a bold cover of Muse that instantly captured the audience’s attention. Their tight musicianship and willingness to weave together familiar sounds with their own flair made them the perfect curtain-raiser, ensuring the room was buzzing from the start.

Next up, Canvas Tile brought a wave of dreamy shoegaze from Leicester. Their set shimmered with atmospheric textures and soaring guitar work, drawing inevitable but well-earned comparisons to Slowdive and My Bloody Valentine. The crowd was enthralled, swaying to the lush soundscapes the band conjured. Canvas Tile proved that shoegaze, when done right, is as captivating live as it is on record.

Third on the bill were The Redline, formerly known as Ember, now fronted by Jamie Kelly of Hot Fuzz. Kelly’s stage presence was undeniable-swaggering across the stage, commanding attention, and encouraging the crowd to join in. Their sound leaned heavily into gritty 90s indie rock, laced with thick guitars and a raw edge. A surprise highlight came in the form of a blistering cover of Black Sabbath’s Paranoid, performed as a tribute to the late, great Ozzy Osbourne. It was a bold move, but they absolutely nailed it, cementing their set as one of the night’s standout moments.

Finally, the headliners Jonk brought the evening to a euphoric close. Their infectious brand of feel-good indie pop, tinged with hints of 90s ska punk, had the entire venue dancing. The inclusion of a flute in their lineup was both unexpected and delightful, adding a unique texture to their songs. Their cover of Britney Spears’ Toxic was a gleeful, crowd-pleasing highlight that had everyone singing along. Jonk proved themselves not just as headliners, but as a band destined for bigger stages.

All in all, it was another unforgettable night at The Vic. Credit goes to Hannah and Musik Box for curating such a dynamic lineup. If Thursday was anything to go by, Derby’s live music scene has a very bright future indeed.

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