It’s great that organisations such as The Warren in Hull exist.

Review and photo by Stuart Duthie

They’re brilliant for supporting the next generation, and through elements such as Warren Records, fantastic for young artists and audiences alike. And so, tonight’s gig came to be. Brought about by Warren Records, two bands from Hull: Culture Clash and The Sovereigns played with up-and-coming York band Vagabond headlining as part of their aim to provide a broader audience for emerging Hull talent, by teaming up with bands outside of their city.

Culture Clash opened the evening with a high energy 30-minute set that included a mellow interlude about half-way through where they had the audience sit down before launching back into full post-punk energy.

Next up were The Sovereigns. It’s a great name, surely someone must already use it (fun fact: there was a band in the early sixties with the same name who signature look involved shiny gold outfits designed by the drummer’s mum).

Scott from Warren Records introduced them, remarking that, although the songs have a familiar ring to them, they are all original and a credit to their songwriting. While they weren’t genre-defining, they had some nice songs and got the audience behind them, particularly as they played their first single Do You Wanna, setting up some call and response with the crowd.

Then finally were Vagabond. Winners of Jorvik Radio’s Battle of the Bands 2025 and featured by BBC Introducing. They had several of their followers with them, bedecked in Vagabond t-shirts.

Although the audience fully supported the first two acts, it was clear that a hardcore were here for Vagabond. They were rewarded with an entertaining, solid set. Vagabond displayed a confidence and some great showmanship – particularly given their young age – with a sound that seemed more assured, perhaps more coherent, and more consistent with the highlights of their recent EP.

They feel like a band to watch out for particularly if you enjoy the likes of Green Day and Limp Bizkit (who they covered). It would be great to see another York band achieve what Shed Seven have. Could Vagabond grow to do this? A young band on the up, I am interested to see how they develop and where this takes them.

Culture Clash, The Sovereigns and Vagabond played at Fulford Arms on Wednesday 8 October 2025.