The Setlist & The Script

It’s safe to say it’s been a wild ride following The Clause sweaty corner to sweaty corner of intimate venues right across the country. Having seen them from as far north as Middlesborough down to as far south as Oxford I’ve certainly had some fun following these lads round over the past few years.

This time, the journey brought me to The Ferret in Preston, where the Birmingham-based band were set to unleash their new sound, following them dropping their first official EP, “Pop Culture.” Having caught them in over ten places across the UK in the last 24 months, I was ready to see how their shift in sound from the EP, translated on this latest stage.

From the get-go, The Ferret was buzzing with an energy you only get in sweat boxes like it. The setlist, a collection of classic Clause tunes and fresh tracks, echoed the band’s growth from their guitar-driven beginnings with “Sixteen” to a more measured “pop-rock” sound with “I Don’t Care”.

Launching into the set with the punchy “Time of Our Lives,” the room instantly became a melting pot of sound and sweat, setting the tone for a fast-paced hour that showcased The Clause’s refined stage presence. “Forever Young” was without doubt the night’s anthem, captivating the entire crowd who belted back every lyric. “Hate The Player” and “Fake It” showcased The Clause’s evolution, introducing a contemporary sound that resonated with the audience. Yet, it was the title track, “Pop Culture,” and the killer “I Don’t Care” that unveiled a new sound to The Clause, with echoes of a “Foals/Two Door Cinema Club” vibe.

The entire performance was a whirlwind, over in just under an hour, yet The Clause left their mark on The Ferret and The Ferret leaving a mark on them, with frontman Pearce Macca, proclaiming “we’ll be back in Preston, I can tell you that for free.” Their growth from the release of “Sixteen” to the more polished sound of “Pop Culture” really is a testament to their commitment to evolution. Having shared stages with the likes of The Reytons and DMAs, The Clause’s trajectory is on a constant up, and the future promises even more.

In a scene where bands come and go, The Clause have firmly planted their flag. The night at The Ferret was a testament to their journey, and we can’t help but be excited about what comes next.