The Clause at Papillon

The Clause are on tour promoting their first album release, ‘Victim Of A Casual Thing’ which has gone top 20 in the album charts and No.1 in the indie charts and it is well deserved.

I first saw The Clause at The Chalk in Brighton three years ago as the first support act before for The Reytons and they have steadily carved out their own place on the British music scene with an enviable bank of songs that can take almost take the roof off a venue. I’m glad I’ve seen the progression over that time as they just get better and better.

Last night was no different, Harvey Jay Dodgson kicked off the night with a great set, this was my first time seeing him and was seriously impressed. The Kairos carried on the party in their own immutable style, energy, energy, energy before The Clause took to the stage. More about the support in a later (scroll down).

The lads from Birmingham definitely know what works for them, what the audience wants. Opening up with ‘Tell Me What You Want’ and finishing off with ‘Weekend Millionaire’ then the crowd favourite ’In My Element’. No encore just start to finish and relentless, in a good way. We were there as we know how good these lads are live, anyone there on there first time will be waking up knowing they’ve seen a rising British band with only great things ahead, and will be wanting to see them again. 

For a debut album it’s a must have for your record collection, or at least a green tick and add to your playlists. As you would expect, played live is the album on steroids but the album itself is a serious statement of them now and what’s to come when the dust settles from its release. Start to finish it’s great track after great track that you just hit play and let it run. If you know what I mean, no skips which for me is the sign of a great album.

For a debut album it’s a must have for your record collection, or at least a green tick and add to your playlists. As you would expect, played live is the album on steroids but the album itself is a serious statement of them now and what’s to come when the dust settles from its release. Start to finish it’s great track after great track that you just hit play and let it run. If you know what I mean, no skips which for me is the sign of a great album.

It’s full of songs I’ve seen played over the past three years so I know what I’m getting, not going to the record store and getting home to listen for the first time, no surprises, buying in reverse but very happy now to have it all in a signed gatefold record. I did apologise to them last night for waiting until the gig to buy it as hoping for a signed copy which means I did not contribute to there chart stats. 

Setlist (not verified)

• Nothing’s As It Seems
• Tell Me What You Want
• Fake It
• White Lifelines
• Electric
• Pop Culture
• Never Ending Affair
• I Don’t Care
• Exception
• Elisha
• Fever Dream
• Where Are You Now?
• Don’t Blink
• Weekend Millionaire
• In My Element

It was an awesome night, there was a mosh pit of sorts so my legs have a healthy ache from bouncing incessantly but all part of the fun. Until the next time.

The Kairos – Second Support

As I stated earlier, energy, energy, energy, they just put it all across, big smiles, great songs, great melodies and a hit of that Scouse cockiness. They are great musicians making it all look effortless. From the opening track ‘Suspend’ they just attack the set like it all matters more than anything, and it does. 

I first saw The Kairos supporting The Clause a while back so when this gig was announced it was as they say a ‘double bubble’ the only thing missing was more songs. I’m looking forward to the day I go to a Kairos headline gig  as it’s going to be something to behold and I don’t think it will be long. Whenever I mention the band they engages an excitement in the comeback of opinion, there’s nothing not to like and tonight was no different, a great support set.

Harvey Jay Dodgson – First Support

First time seeing him live and I’m sure it won’t be the last, you can see the intensity and passion for music on his face the moment he plays that first note or sings that first word. Well crafted songs that are attacked by the three guitars and drums and he’s surrounded himself with great musicians who can obviously play well but suit the overall look, it’s a great package. I need to listen more and listen I will. A local-ish lad from down the road on in Portsmouth so I’m sure he’ll be playing somewhere nearby in the new year as he did state this is his last of 2025. Keep an eye out for Harvey Jay Dodgson.