Gemma Sharp

Photographer based in Scotland, living on cinema, music, and history.

First-of-its-kind Cowgate Block Party emerges through Edinburgh’s Old Town for a showcase of the best new bands

Cowgate Block Party’s inaugural event kicked off at 3pm on Saturday within the vital organs of Edinburgh’s underground music scene: Sneaky Pete’s, Legends, and Bongo Club. The multi-venue all-day event awakened the live music scene from winter dormancy, bringing a lineup of familiar faces and up-and-comers to the stages, in the spirit of supporting emerging artists and grassroots venues alike.

Sharing in the celebration of firsts, opening act Filmstar They were welcomed to the stage for their debut gig. Despite the mid-afternoon slot, an enthusiastic January crowd had gathered at the cherished hole-in-the-wall venue, Sneaky Pete’s. Featuring songs ‘Doubt’ and ‘See the Signs’they unveiled their musical texture through jagged alt-rock riffs and silky vocals, live for the very first time.

Next to take Sneaky’s stage was Alex Apolline, singer-songwriter with an effortless charm and radiating presence. Accompanied by guitarist Matthew Follis, she performs a stripped back but by no means austere acoustic set. Proclaiming herself a ‘hopeless romantic’, Apolline introduced ‘The Museum’ from her debut EP ‘Tales of an Eldest Daughter’meshing her ethereal lilt with poetic sensibility. She treads the delicate border between melancholy and optimism, through her introspective lyrical expression and powerful vocal range.

Stepping through the door to Legends, Leeds’ own Bathing Suits were already in the throes of their set, delivering a cacophony of electro-noise and unrelenting energy. Pulsating beats and strobes led us down a spiral of total captivation, their spectral figures appearing in flashes to the rhythm of their latest track ‘I Can Be a Freak’. A supercharged exhibition of chaos and catharsis, and as reinvigorating as it gets.

The quick succession of the lineup left a variably short time between each set, so each soundcheck unfolded before an audience and forged the intimate and communal atmosphere that contributed so much to the charm of CBP. At 18:15pm Vona Vella brought their vibrant melodies, flute intros, and indie-pop momentum to an audience brimming with smiles. We’re looking forward to hearing the tracks on their next album ‘Carnival’releasing at the end of February.

Back at Sneaky Pete’s we found another packed room and a hum of intrigue, as Girl Group graced the stage. These seasoned performers burst into a shimmering routine of choreography and harmonious electro bops, sharing their world of feminine joy and unapologetic radiance. Dance beats, dreamy vocals, and witty lyricism characterize this effervescent feminist project, and they absolutely emanate the boldness they write about. Girl Group are joining Black Honey on their February tour, and will be releasing their second EP ‘Little Sticky Pictures’ on March 20th.

The final band to close the night at Bongo Club was Edinburgh’s own Bikini Bodysuitdelivering a delicious hour of their signature ‘post-gutter-skunk-funk’. Welcomed to the stage by old pals, Bikini Bodysuit were pleased to be debuting new material to a home crowd, along with familiar favorites like ‘Chivas Dunhills Coke’ and ‘The News’. Boisterous and explosive, they inject synthy dance into post-punk, and administer a generous dose of cowbell. Their raucous intensity promises an incredibly funky time that leaves you reeling long after spilling out onto the streets of Edinburgh’s Old Town.

Spoiled for choice between the three venues and the overlapping sets of 15 different artists, Cowgate Block Party was the perfect way to cut through the January gloom and galvanize support for local venues. Their proximity allowed you to drift between sonic landscapes, discover new music, and push the limits of how many pints can be sunk in 7 hours. In the wake of its success, tickets went live on the 2nd February for the next edition of the festival, which will be returned in April.

Photography by Gemma Sharp

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