The promise of this evening is one we’ve been excited about since the last time Eagulls rolled into town in March, though since then they’ve toured the world and played a multitude of festivals. To begin with there is the small matter of a couple of support bands to attend to.

First up local lads High Tide 15:47. However, by the time we arrive we only have the opportunity to catch the tail end of their set, we’re pleasantly surprised and we shall endeavour to catch them in full in the not so distant future.

Next up though are fellow Leeds natives, Autobahn who were in support last time as well. Tonight, as last time, they don't disappoint. On the face of it, with a name like Autobahn our minds immediately jump to Kraftwerk, but the German name is where the similarities end.

Straight out of the blocks they stamp their authority all over the proceedings, lead singer Craig Johnson bouncing around the stage baiting the crowd. They are a true powerhouse of a punk band, reminiscent of early Wire there’s a real ferocity to the band's delivery, a real angst. To be wholly honest they’re the perfect support band for Eagulls and by the time they leave the stage the crowd is buzzing.

As the lights are dimmed and the projector is started, the crowd chant and the band's opening music plays. Through the darkness they emerge. Wasting no time in lifting the roof, George Mitchell’s ever-passionate vocals echo out through the venue. It's immediate, it's mind blowing, these guys are the perfect live band, blasting through the openers as the over-excited crowd throw themselves in to each other.

Eagull's frequent touring and playing live undoubtedly shows, they’re tighter than any other band around at the moment. By the time ‘Nerve Endings’ gets an airing, the whole venue is awash with flying bodies; the sold out crowd enjoying every second of the set. Mitchell’s visceral delivery intimidates as he moves ever closer to the crowd.

We’re consumed by the intensity of the band like overly excited teenagers, as they work through tracks off their self-titled debut. What we really notice though, is how far these guys have come from first seeing them over three years ago, they’ve honed this huge sound and these awesome walls of noise. Tracks like ‘Fester / Blister’ stand out above others, the eviscerating guitar that hits you is nothing short of face melting. It also has a slightly different element to it, whilst maintaining the intensity.

The most striking thing about Eagulls though is the heart and the honesty of their work. Often described as a band for the realists they’re not afraid to tell it like it is. There are far too many bands that are willing to sugar coat life and create music for the sake of being cool, Eagulls shun ideology in favour of unabashed, no-holds barred honesty.

This evening goes some way in restoring our belief in real British music as Eagulls close out what has been an emphatic set, ending with the utterly awesome ‘Possessed’. We cannot hold them in any higher regard, so few bands around right now are this good and those that are all seem to be emerging from the same area.

Are these five guys going to inspire a generation? Only time will tell but we certainly think they have the potential to.

Arriving at a packed Times Square in Newcastle, we worm our way through the hustle and bustle of middle-aged women and hen parties on their way to see the ever-popular Lady Boys of Bangkok. We arrive at Think Tank shortly after local lads Them Things had taken to the stage with their quintessential North East sound.

With their jangly indie pop, much like the now defunct Vinyl Jacket and the all- conquering Little Comets, Them Things add their own twist to it; the overall sound slightly heavier than the former yet its composition still feels relatively similar. We’re left feeling slightly short changed though as in our opinion there is nothing original with Them Things and the lead singer's antics and quips throughout the set also leave a lot to be desired, seeming somewhat childish.

That aside, following a short break we’re waiting eagerly in anticipation of Woods and one thing instantly hits us as they take to the stage is that the band are a member down. Despite this the guys soldier on, their beautiful brand of American folk rock fills the early part of the set. The whole crowd swooning in awe as they burst into ‘Cali in a Cup,’ one of the softer moments of the set that sees the crowd singing back every word.

Jeremy’s beautiful delivery of the sweet words transport us to a place much more exciting than a dark and miserable Friday evening in Newcastle. Continuing in this rich vein of form a couple more folk tracks follow before ‘Size Meets The Sound’ is belted out in something of an uncharacteristically visceral fashion. Guitars swirl and the band perform a brilliantly spaced out version of this awesome track, their ability to shock and surprise is second to none.

However, despite having our interest piqued and our excitement levels soaring, soon after there seems to problems with the set as the band are informed they’ve only one song left. To their shock and surprise they continue and manage to squeeze in two more. Their set was truly brilliant and we’re not angry about the set being cut short, more upset and annoyed.

At present there is many unanswered questions as to why this happened was there some miscommunication between the promoter and the venue? Who knows, but we cannot take away from Woods how great tonight was and despite being a man down. we couldn’t have asked for more.

From a personal point of view we hope Woods grace us with their presence again in Newcastle, as the crowd were just as annoyed and bemused as they seemed to be.