MUSIKBOX Ignites The Vic Inn: Four Bands, Big Energy and a Packed Thursday Night in Derby

On Thursday 19th March, The Vic Inn once again proved why it remains one of Derby’s most important grassroots venues, as MUSIKBOX delivered a four-band lineup that pulled in a strong crowd and transformed an ordinary Thursday into something far louder, sweatier and far more memorable. With a mix of indie rock, post punk, emo and groove-driven rock and roll, the night showcased the sheer diversity and quality bubbling within the local scene right now.

From the first note to the final encore, there was a sense that this was more than just another gig. It was a snapshot of Derby’s evolving sound, with each band bringing something distinct while still feeding into the same raw, live energy that makes nights at The Vic feel essential.

Wired Euphoria opened the night with zero hesitation, launching straight into a set that was as loud as it was relentless. Their opening track hit with such force that it quite literally broke the drummer’s pedal, forcing a brief pause before they snapped straight back into it without losing momentum. As a two-piece, they deliver a surprisingly full and aggressive sound, blending hard indie rock with gritty, almost trashy guitar tones and pounding drums that carry real weight. There are clear Royal Blood-style undertones, but with a more melodic vocal approach layered over the top, giving their set a soulful edge. A touch of post punk influence creeps in through their structure and delivery, but ultimately this is a band built on volume, feel and impact. It was a chaotic, high-energy start that immediately grabbed the room.

Blind Notion followed with a shift in texture but no drop in intensity. The five-piece, fronted by a standout female vocalist, leaned into a post punk and indie rock fusion with subtle ska influences threading through their sound. Their set felt fast-paced yet controlled, with twinkling guitar leads cutting through rhythmic basslines and tight drums. At times, there were clear echoes of late 80s post punk, particularly in the atmospheric passages, but then moments would open up into something more expansive, occasionally hinting at a Kings of Leon-style instrumental depth. The contrast worked well, giving their performance a dynamic feel. The vocals sat perfectly above it all, confident and expressive, adding both energy and emotion. Closing with “Shelter”, they left a strong impression as one of the night’s most musically layered acts.

Cherry Stone stepped up next and immediately brought a different kind of punch. As a four-piece with a female front, their sound sits firmly in the emo rock, pop rock and pop punk space, drawing clear comparisons to Paramore and Evanescence. Their set was heavy, energetic and built for engagement, with big choruses and driving instrumentation that connected instantly with the crowd. A Paramore cover slotted seamlessly into their set, reinforcing those influences while also showing how naturally they fit within that sound. Alongside this, they debuted a brand new single set for release at midnight, adding a sense of occasion to their performance. It was a confident, high-impact set that balanced familiarity with forward momentum, and it’s clear Cherry Stone are carving out their own space within the local scene.

Closing the night, Recoil delivered the most expansive and theatrical set of the evening. The six-piece lineup, complete with bass, two guitars, drums, vocals and keys, created a full-bodied sound that moved between distorted pop punk, heavy rock and groove-led indie. From the start, they had the crowd engaged, clapping along and feeding off the band’s energy. The addition of keyboards added a distinct theatrical layer, elevating their sound beyond standard guitar-driven rock. Sleazy guitar licks, touches of funk and moments of classic rock and roll swagger gave their set a varied but cohesive feel. Their originals, including “Co Dependency” and “Freefall”, showcased a more soulful and slower side, with “Freefall” standing out through its heavier tone, layered synths and a memorable behind-the-head guitar solo moment. Covers played a key role too, with Fall Out Boy and Paramore tracks woven into the set. Their performance of “Still Into You” leaned into an ongoing joke about being a Paramore cover band, but it landed perfectly with the crowd. A teaser of a new track, “Show”, hinted at an even more theatrical direction, built around piano and a slower, more emotional delivery. It was a strong, well-balanced closing set that tied the night together.

What stood out most across the entire evening was the turnout. For a Thursday night in Derby, The Vic Inn was buzzing, with a crowd that felt genuinely invested in every band on the bill. There’s something about MUSIKBOX nights that consistently brings people out, and this one was no exception. It wasn’t just about numbers either, it was about atmosphere. People were engaged, moving, clapping and properly listening, giving each act the platform they deserved.

Events like this are exactly why Derby’s grassroots music scene continues to thrive. With promoters like MUSIKBOX putting together diverse, well-curated lineups, and venues like The Vic providing the space for it to happen, nights like Thursday 19th March become more than just gigs. They become moments that build momentum, connect audiences and remind everyone why live music still matters.

If this lineup is anything to go by, Derby’s sound isn’t just alive, it’s evolving, getting louder and reaching further. And if you weren’t in the room, you missed one of those nights people will be talking about for a while.

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