Dog Is Dead deliver at Stoke's Sugarmill

Courtesy of The Sugarmill, Dog Is Dead

Dog Is Dead raised the roof and spirits at The Sugarmill after a riveting set sent the audience into raptures.

The night provided an eclectic mix of Indie talent from across the country.

The Stoke-on-Trent club hosted local regulars Moral Panics, London-based Fiction and Nottingham headline act Dog Is Dead on Friday 24^th February.

Dog Is Dead comprises of Robert Milton, Joss Van Wilder, Lawrence Cole, Paul Roberts and Daniel Harvey.

Keyboard player Joss, 20, was pleased to see so much variety in the reactions to their music. He said: “It went really well, definitely the maddest crowd we've had this tour. We hadn't had a fight pit yet!”

Lead vocalist Robert, also 20, added: “I think live, it's more like a rock show, but in the studio, the beauty is more refined.”

The band are currently on a UK tour with upcoming performances in Leeds, Ireland and the highlands of Scotland.

Single 'Two Devils' will be available from Monday 5^th March. An album is set for release in the autumn.

Fiction's Mike Barrett, Nick Barrett, James Howard and David Miller were joined by passionate Danish percussionist, Jakob.

Mike, 24, said: “This is our first time playing in Stoke. This size venue is nice because it's not too big and it's not too small, it's perfect.

“Last night we played an academy and it's just too big, too cavernous. When the venue's too big, you're cut off from the crowd, and also the band.”

Fiction are supporting The Maccabees at Nottingham's Rock City on Thursday 8^th March, and the following night at Brighton Dome. They have previously supported Bombay Bicycle Club and Viva Brother.

Their debut album is due to be released in September under Cooperative Music's Moshi Moshi Records.

Moral Panics teenagers Eden Longson, Daniel Johnson and Charlie Maskrey opened the night with a selection of songs from their recent debut album entitled Ambush Reality.

Daniel, 19, said: “We've headlined here three times and supported numerous different bands. Chris, the promoter, is a good friend of ours and he asked us about Dog Is Dead and we were very pleased.”

Courtesy of The Sugarmill, Fiction

Promoter Chris Wilson, 26, said: “Both Dog Is Dead and Fiction are quality bands with growing reputations and we always aim to bring the best new music to the people of Stoke.

“Moral Panics are a quality local act with a big future so we were delighted to have the opportunity to add them to the bill.”

“I believe all of the bands were very well received. Moral Panics showed why they deserved to be on the bill, showcasing a brand new song. Fiction made plenty of new fans and Dog Is Dead went down a storm.”

Sugarmill regular Adam Rosario, 19, said: “I really enjoyed Dog Is Dead. Their stuff has cool influences from acts like Mumford & Sons and Two Door Cinema Club.

“The Sugarmill always does well in getting talent outside of Stoke, although tomorrow I'm seeing a really good Stoke band called Six Towns, can't wait.”

Below are the set lists for all of the acts:

Moral Panics

Chasing Metaphors
Move My Feet
Pan To Sky
Breath
Voids
Hurricane

Fiction

Day of Flying Ants
See Me Walk
Step Ahead/Step Behind
Big Things
Be Clear
Careful
The Apple

Dog Is Dead

River Jordan
Head in your Hands
Young
Talk through the night
Two devils
Burial ground
Hands Down
Teenage Daughter
Glockenspiel song