Verso’s Gig Reviews
Promoted by my mate Coxy under his DIRTY MANGOES banner, this latest night out was more than just a gig—it was a chance to support a friend and soak in some new sounds. So with Hammy and Neil in tow, we headed out in full support mode, eager to see what Coxy had curated this time.
The Main Act: Porij – Dancefloor Meets Indie Rock
Porij. A curious name for a band, but their sound was anything but bland. Blending the sonic urgency of indie rock with the pulsing heartbeat of electronic dance music, they came across as something like the love child of The Stone Roses and 808 State. Sort of.
Musically, Porij were on point—tight, polished, and technically spot-on. The band clearly knows what they’re doing, and they delivered their set with confidence and cohesion. However, for my taste, the scales tipped a little too far into dance territory. The electronic flourishes and club-style vibes overshadowed the raw grit I usually chase in live performances.
That said, there’s something here. Porij are a band still shaping their identity, and if they lean a touch more into the indie rock side of their hybrid style, I’d be more than happy to give them another go. They’ve got presence, talent, and just enough unpredictability to make them worth keeping an eye on.
The Support: French Nancy – Post-Punk Groove With Bite
Now let’s talk about the support act—French Nancy. A proper surprise. Their sound felt like a moody cocktail of The Cure and New Order—brooding, melodic, and atmospheric with a danceable rhythm section that gave their songs punch.
French Nancy managed to strike a balance between melancholy and momentum, with jangly guitar lines and electronic undertones that kept the crowd engaged. They had presence, they had style, and they definitely warrant a headline slot of their own sometime soon.
Final Thoughts
The venue was cracking—intimate but full of energy, with a crowd that was genuinely up for it. And hats off to Coxy: Dirty Mangoes continues to be a top-tier promoter. Great booking. Great vibe. Great night.
Would I go again? Absolutely. Even if Porij wasn’t 100% my cup of tea this time, there was more than enough going on to make it worthwhile.
