Three men. One plan. One completely predictable delay.
This was me, Jimmy and Coxy heading back to Norwich for Youth Killed It, a band Jimmy and I had already clocked when they supported Starsailor. That night they showed promise. This night they delivered properly.
Of course, the journey didn’t quite go to plan.
We were on a later train than intended. Not because of engineering works, cancellations or anything remotely dramatic. Just Jimmy doing Jimmy. If you know, you know. If you don’t, count yourself lucky.
Coxy came prepared, mind. Supplying what can only be described as alcoholic water. Technically refreshing. Spiritually questionable.
Pre-Gig Preparations
First stop was The Compleat Angler. A solid, dependable pub and the kind of place where you convince yourself the evening is still under control.
From there it was on to Wetherspoons for a cheap tea and a few more beers. The classic double act. You go in telling yourself it is sensible. You come out slightly heavier and definitely not saving as much money as you think.
Still, spirits were high. Hydration levels were… mixed.
The Venue
This was my first time at The Waterfront and it is one of those venues that just works.
Perfect size. Big enough to feel like an event but small enough that you are never miles away from the action. Proper gig room, no nonsense, good sound, and a crowd that actually wants to be there.
It also has that bit of history about it. The kind of place where you get the feeling plenty has happened over the years. Bands on the way up, bands on the way down, and bands clinging on somewhere in the middle.
And most importantly for three men already thinking ahead, it is ideally placed for the last train home. That alone puts it in the top tier.
Youth Killed It
Youth Killed It may fly the Norwich flag, but in a nice twist they are actually from Stradbroke in Suffolk. Make of that what you will.
Either way, this felt like a home crowd and they knew exactly how to work it.
They have built their reputation on energetic live shows and a proper connection with audiences, and nights like this show exactly why.
From the first song it was on. No easing into it, no feeling things out. Straight into it.
The moment of the night? The Delia Smith classic.
A perfectly timed, brilliantly executed “Let’s be having you!” chant that went down an absolute storm.
And yes, all three of us are Ipswich fans. Which made it even better.
There is something deeply satisfying about enjoying that chant in Norwich for entirely the wrong reasons.
Song 1
Song 2
Song 3
Enter Pierre
Now, every now and then a band throws something into the mix that could go either way.
In this case, it was Pierre. The French saxophonist.
Saxophone in indie rock can be risky territory. This was not risky. This was excellent.
Every time Pierre stepped forward the whole thing lifted. Not in a gimmicky way, more in a “why don’t more bands do this?” kind of way.
By the end, he was not a novelty. He was essential.
The Gig
No setlist acquired. Efforts were made. They failed.
But sometimes that is a good sign. It means you were too busy actually enjoying it.
This was a fantastic gig. Proper energy from start to finish. No drop off, no filler, just a band completely in control and clearly loving every minute of it.
Jimmy and I had seen them before and liked them.
This felt like a step up.
Financial Decisions Were Made
Merch stand visits are always dangerous.
This time it resulted in:
- Colour vinyl purchased
- A book on the history of The Waterfront purchased
- Any sense of restraint completely abandoned
Back to The Compleat Angler for one final beer before heading for the station. All very civilised.
And then came the moment that will live in infamy.
Six bottles of Peroni.
Over thirty quid.
Six.
I am still processing it.
Verdict
A night that had everything.
A slightly chaotic start. Questionable drink choices. A venue that absolutely delivers. A band hitting their stride. And just enough poor financial decisions to keep things grounded.
Youth Killed It feel like a band going somewhere. Not just because of the songs, but because they know how to work a room and bring people with them.
And on this night, in their almost-home city, it all clicked.
We made the last train.
Just.
