English Teacher Boiler Shop 19/11/24
Invited| Review by Michael Dunwell
Winning a Mercury Prize is a powerful testament to a band’s excellence, both lyrically and musically. From the sharp wordplay in Little Simz’s Sometimes I Might Be Introvert to the soaring choruses of Wolf Alice’s Beautifully Unconventional, it’s a tough crowd to join for any upcoming band. Yet, with impressive musicianship and raw lyrical talent, English Teacher has more than earned their place. This week, Newcastle was fortunate enough to witness their captivating performance.
The gig was held at The Boiler Shop, a stunning 1,000-capacity venue just a stone’s throw from Newcastle’s Central Station. Rich in history, the building was built in the 1820s for Robert Stephenson & Co., the world’s first commercial locomotive factory, founded by father and son George and Robert Stephenson in 1823. Today, as a live music venue, it offers excellent acoustics, unobstructed views of the stage from anywhere in the room, and an impressive beer selection, ranging from classic favourites to local brews. A personal favourite of mine is Repeater from Byker Brewery Full Circle Brew.
First on stage was Manchester’s shoegaze/atmospheric band, TTSSFU. Lead singer Tasmin Stephens writes and records her music on GarageBand in her bedroom, and the talent required to create such intricate tracks in isolation, only to bring them to life in a venue with sweeping atmospherics and intense instrumental breakdowns, is nothing short of amazing. Their set was ephemeral—brief but unforgettable. Tasmin’s ability to shift effortlessly from delicate, beautiful vocals to raw, explosive screams, seamlessly weaving through heavy instrumentals, made for a performance I didn’t want to end. I’d highly recommend checking out their new single Studio 54, a track that bursts with energy live and that Tasmin has somehow managed to capture perfectly through her GarageBand recordings. Their sound blends the delicate vocal melodies reminiscent of Wolf Alice or Just Mustard with the explosive instrumentation of bands such as DIIV. Definitely one to watch.
English Teacher consists of Lily Fontaine (vocals, rhythm guitar, piano, synthesiser), Douglas Frost (drums, piano, synthesiser, backing vocals), Nicholas Eden (bass guitar), and Lewis Whiting (lead guitar, synthesiser), with session musician Blossom Caldarone (cello, piano) lending her support. Together, they craft a distinctive and captivating sound, from the unpredictable time signature shifts in Mental Maths to the sweeping, emotive ballads of Mastermind Specialism (a personal favourite of mine). A special mention goes to drummer Douglas Frost, whose creativity and skill are truly exceptional. As a fellow drummer, I feel like I’ve barely scratched the surface of what the instrument can do — at one point, he even played (unintentionally) without a seat. Their sound calls to mind artists such as Lime Garden, Yard Act, Dry Cleaning and Everything Everything.
Formed in 2020 at Leeds Conservatoire, the band quickly garnered attention with their art rock style — a dynamic fusion of funk, post-punk, and indie. In 2024, English Teacher won the Mercury Prize for their debut album, This Could Be Texas, making them the first band outside of London to win the prestigious award in a decade.
English Teacher opened their set with the single “R&B,” a powerful, thumping track that tackles the misconceptions people have about Fontaine based solely on her appearance. The song is delivered mostly in a spoken word style, layered over a heavy bassline and punchy drums, building to an intense breakdown both musically and lyrically. Fontaine repeatedly sings:
The shivering truth of the matter is so easy to see
If I have stuff to write, then why don’t I just write it for me?
Despite appearances, I haven’t got the voice for R&B
Even though I’ve seen more COLORS shows than KEXPs
My favourite song of the night was Mastermind Specialism, a song based around choosing a specialised subject for the TV show Mastermind. Like much of English Teacher’s catalogue, the song’s witty, culturally astute lyrics are paired with a quiet beauty that conveys the paralysis of indecision and uncertainty. This blend, along with an acoustic guitar and bass intro that builds into a soaring, atmospheric outro, makes it a track you really have to experience live.
Another highlight was Song About Love, where Fontaine experiments with vocal delay, repeating the word “love” at the end of the track. Once she had the delay pattern locked in, she then began singing off-beat, creating a mesmerising effect. Watching her execute this live was mind-bending, leaving the entire crowd in awe of how effortlessly she pulled it off.
I can’t finish this review without mentioning the instant classic that is The World’s Biggest Paving Slab. This song is more traditional in structure, it brings to mind bands like Fontaines D.C., IDLES, and Bloc Party. The song has a massive, infectious sound and has been on my On Repeat on my Spotify for weeks. It’s definitely one I’d recommend to first-time listeners.
In conclusion, English Teacher and TTSSFU delivered a performance that was as unpredictable as it was thrilling, showcasing their undeniable talent and creativity. The night was a reminder of how live music has the power to surprise and captivate, leaving you eagerly anticipating what these bands will do next. If you get the chance, don’t miss out on seeing them live — it’s an experience you will not forget.
Song Recommendations:
English Teacher: The World’s Biggest Paving Slab, Mastermind Specialism, R&B, Polyawkward
TTSSFU: Baggage, Studio 54, I Hope You Die