Nantwich band The Lockdown make a return to live action this month

Mar 17 2010 by James A Oliver, Crewe Chronicle

WOW profiles the best of South Cheshire’s thriving music scene

WHATEVER happened to The Lockdown?

One of the finds of Crewe Live 08 and subsequent Volume Festival, the Nantwich indie outfit typified all that’s good about the local music scene.

Talented, skilled and armed with some seriously good tunes – the amiable quartet established their place in Box-lore over following months.

And then after a rousing July headline slot they were gone.

Dan Pickton (vocals, guitar), Matt Hobbs (bass), Rob West (keys) and Ben Large (drums) took different paths.

But it was never over and the boys reunite at Crewe’s alternative music venue this month.

Hobbs is a man with all the answers.

“We’ve just had our first practise after all this time and its sounding good,” he explained.

“We’re going to mix it up and I, for one can’t wait. With Danny going to university in Leeds and Ben going to York, we had to take a break. But we were always going to come back to it.

“I know a Facebook group said this one is going to be our last-ever gig but Westy’s made sure that was taken off quickly.”

The Lockdown deliver a danceable dose of hook-laden rock, indie and synth – spiked with high-octane chorus lines – that comes completely under the radar.

And they shift from scuzzed up squalls of sound to poignant heart-rending melody with an efficiency that most indie bands would sell their lead guitarist for.

Along with a knack for turning out winning anthems, they perfected a deceptively mainstream sound on tracks such as I Don’t Know How.

High-profile support slots followed with Chris Helme (Seahorses) and The Joy Formidable unreserved in their praise for the boys.

“Dan heard one of our first recordings the other day and couldn’t believe how embarrassing it was,” continued Hobbs.

“We’ve got some new ideas for this show although we’re bringing one really old song back.”

Malbank seem to have a knack of producing bands with Swim Into Scarlet continuing the tradition.

“I’m really glad they’re on the bill with us,” added Hobbs.

“I’ve been impressed with their sound and they’re good lads.

“I think Malbank is a very performing arts place. You can study A-level music, there’s a studio and you’re encouraged to play instruments. It certainly helped us.”

The Lockdown return to The Box on March 26. Doors are at 8pm, admission is £5.