Indie, Emo, Groove & Soul: An Unforgettable Friday at The Vic

On Friday 26th, The Victoria Inn in Derby once again proved why it’s one of the city’s most beloved grassroots venues, as Third Eye Events delivered another fantastic night of live local music. The lineup – Valley One, Ada Blue, Porcelain Girl, and Skattabox – showcased the vibrancy and diversity of Derby’s scene, and the packed crowd lapped up every moment.

Valley One kicked off proceedings, and despite performing with a stand-in vocalist, they didn’t miss a beat. Their indie sound was the perfect opener, with sharp covers and infectious melodies that had the crowd singing along from the first chord. The stand-in’s vocals were nothing short of fantastic, setting the bar high for the rest of the night.

Next came Ada Blue, whose set proved both moving and mesmerising. A gifted singer-songwriter with an unmistakable voice, Ada delivered heartfelt pop ballads tinged with folk and indie sensibilities. Backed by a supremely talented band, she held the room with original material that showcased both her artistry and emotional depth. By the end of her set, Ada had well and truly charmed the audience.

Then came the much-anticipated debut of Porcelain Girl, and they didn’t just impress – they ignited the room. Blending Midwest emo with hardcore and grunge influences, their sound was both intricate and explosive. Vocals shifted seamlessly from fragile emotion to full-throttle rage, while the guitars wove hooks that stuck in your head instantly. For a debut, the reception was nothing short of electric: the mosh pit came alive, fans screamed back lyrics from their already-released singles, and their tongue-in-cheek “emo bang” version of I Want It That Way turned the Backstreet Boys classic into a chaotic anthem. A first gig that felt like a triumph.

Closing out the night were Skattabox, a self-described lore-driven groove-punk band from Derby who lived up to every word of their reputation. Their gritty distortion and funk-infused rhythms had the entire room moving, a high-energy performance that never let up. The musicianship on display was undeniable, and their sheer joy in playing radiated throughout the venue. A perfect finale to a stacked lineup.

Once again, Third Eye Events proved they know exactly how to put on a show. From start to finish, the night was a celebration of talent, energy, and the thriving local scene. With Halloween Night on the 31st of October already on the horizon, it’s safe to say Derby music fans are in for another unmissable event.

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