UNIVERSITY -
MCCARTNEY, IT’LL BE OK
WORDS BY LEE BARBER
Where do I even start with this one? Chaos, pure chaos teetering on the edge of control, but never leaping from that edge. Losing themselves within their music, within their moment, each moment shared with you, the listener, the viewer, the dedicated fan. I’m not going to sit here and write up a review of every song, they’re already getting 8/10 reviews from the likes of CLASH; University do not need any kind of validation from me. Instead where I will start is somewhere near the beginning, and offer that precious insight to this rising band’s humble foundations, and their journey to spearheading what is quickly becoming a local scene preparing to invade and seize control of the entire UK music scene.
Those early days of Cheap Vodka soon disappeared, their instruments quickly becoming an extension of their bodies as the process of metamorphosis saw them grow into the supercharged superpower they are right now. Leaping from the pandemic to somewhat aimlessly throw out Can’t Breathe under the University banner saw them grabbing industry attention immediately, and rightly so. The song overnight became the anthem for the new kids on the block, the foundations of a new scene firmly cemented down, the likes of Christian Music, Myria, Hytrin, Lobster not only keeping the momentum going but ramping it up, pushing those boundaries further.
The album itself is without doubt a thing of beauty, carefully crafted to a point of being unable to pick out a stand out song, for each one falls into that category without effort. The subtle hints of nostalgia from such youth, the musicianship is beyond comprehension, beyond comparison, and out of reach from all the travesties of todays broken society. McCartney, It’ll Be OK offers not a solution to all the problems we as a species have unleashed upon this world, it simply offers a gentle hand and suggests that perhaps while University are not the solution to all of the problems, they are there to navigate the problems with you.
Jack Pitchford of South Walk was at the Salty Dog on Friday 20th July:
I was already excited for McCartney’s It’ll Be OK release, and after their killer Underground set, I knew the Salty Dog show in Northwich was unmissable. Kicking off the night was Carnal Knowledge with their debut. Members from University and Lobster fusing Midwest emo and skramz one to watch. Sativa brought high energy and moshing, followed by a powerful set from Lobster. Hytrin slowed things down in the best way before Christo delivered a chaotic 20-minute set that fired up the crowd. University closed the night with a special performance tight setlist, electric audience, and a sense of something bigger happening in the scene. Five amazing bands, an unreal crowd, and a perfect venue. Massive thanks for an unforgettable night and best of luck to University on the rest of their tour.