The network of small individual venues is vital for groups to gain their first experience of playing live, as evidenced by bands like Coldplay, Oasis, and the Kooks, who built their audiences through these performances.

Only eleven of the thirty-four grassroots music venues that hosted Oasis on their first tour are still open today – making the venues that are still in business more important than ever. Thankfully, The Parish in Huddersfield is one of the places that still provides a space for new bands to perfect their skills and gain an audience.

As part of Independent Venue Week – a seven-day celebration of live music and culture held in independently owned venues – Birmingham outfit The Clause proved why this small network of venues is so important in a performance that, although intimate, was expansive in approach, vitality, and strength.

The band that released their debut album last autumn has influences that range from Arctic Monkeys, Stone Roses, and even further back to groups such as INXS. Armed with a pack of songs that would do any band proud, The Clause is an act that is destined to play the bigger stages – if anyone was under the impression that Generation Z were not interested in guitar-led music, the young and enthusiastic following that The Clause has proves otherwise. That is not to suggest that the more mature fan is excluded, as the Midlands-based act has a wide appeal.

Nothing As It Seems set the tone for the evening – a fast-paced and anthemic number that comes fast and furious. The band have known each other from their schooldays, and it shows- The Clause is a tight and cohesive outfit with tunes that come with swagger and attitude. I Don’t Care is a good case in point: Tell Me What You Want has a great guitar riff, whilst White Lifelines came with a strong influence from Arctic Monkeys.

The close proximity that smaller venues afford made for an atmosphere that was electric besides being more personal. As Fever Tree and In My Element closed an uplifting set from a band who are carving their path in spectacular fashion – when The Clause do get to play the bigger venues; many who were present tonight in Huddersfield will proudly boast that they were here.