With surnames like Jones, Thomas and Williams, you don’t get more Welsh than Trampolene. And it’s a heroes’ welcome for the Swansea band as they make their way through a packed, expectant crowd to the stage at Le Pub in Newport. The band are embarking on a quick, three-date Welsh sprint before a full deck of shows all around the UK and Europe in the summer.
Lead singer Jack Jones ticks all the boxes when it comes to your archetypal frontman of an indie-rock band. Great voice, a cocksure attitude and instant crowd rapport – especially with the group’s loyal fanbase, who are affectionately known as the Tramps. There’s a cheeky glint in his eye when he bravely remarks that Swansea City’s former owner went on to purchase Newport County – a bit like swapping Mayfair for Old Kent Road, Jones adds. Of course, he can get away with this by delivering all the goods on stage in bucketloads.
Trampolene have a canon of terrace singalongs befitting of any great guitar band, with a nod to the triumphant Britpop era – and including a rousing homage to Poundland which no doubt resonates all around Britain. However, a more sanguine, reflective moment comes when Jones proudly announces he’s five years sober – to loud cheers from the audience.
Soon enough, and unsurprisingly, the vocalist dons the Welsh flag which was previously draped over Kyle Williams’ drumkit. Arms aloft, he croons, “The girls are like Catherine Zeta Jones, the boys like Tom Jones in the 80s…” – not exactly Dylan Thomas, but a sort of genius nonetheless.
New songs are introduced, with their more beat-driven electro feel showing the band are developing musically and boding well for the future – and giving them more confidence, if indeed that was necessary. A triumphant show concludes as Trampolene make their way back through the audience, to sweaty hugs and high-fives all around.
Trampolene, Le Public Space, Newport, Tue 9 June
The band play the Bunkhouse, Swansea on Thurs 11 June (info: here) and Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff on Fri 12 (info: here).
words and photos PAUL WINDSOR
