Lancaster Music Co-op aims to spring forward reopening bid with rock show

A night of shameless rock riffs is in the offing as Lancaster Music Co-op gets ready to usher in the longer days of spring.

The free show at The Pub in Lancaster runs from 7.30pm on Friday, (MAR 27th) as the co-op, homeless since 2018, fundraises towards the re-opening of its rehearsal facility, recording studio and music space on Lodge St.

Headlining upstairs at the China Street venue are XOX, an exciting local alt rock band who take influences from Queens of the Stone Age, Royal Blood and Deftones to name a few.

With a driving heavy bass tone, loud guitar riffs, instantly recognisable vocals, and finished off with drums to rival anyone, there’s a reason why they are dubbed a one-of-a-kind, must-see rock band.

Having recently donated a track to the co-op’s community fundraiser mixtape, ‘Co-opilation Vol # 1’, the band are getting back on the live scene with a new vocalist.

Next up are Blackpool-based thrash-metal youngsters, Parrilla. The five-piece metal outfit are known for their high-energy performances and are a rapidly growing presence on the north west music scene.

They have been performing together for around four years and have played numerous gigs across the north of England, building a strong local following.

Parrilla have continued to expand their reputation, headlining a single launch gig following their new release Construction of Mistrust. With a growing fanbase and a distinctive thrash-driven sound, Parrilla represent one of Blackpool’s most exciting young metal acts.

Kicking things off on the evening are the fantastic Enfield - an original, young band with a setlist full of rock-influenced, riff-heavy music.

They have a hand-crafted repertoire of dirt you can make a face to, rock ballads you can soar with, and even upbeat, off-beat and club-worthy, yet crunchy tunes to dance your legs away for.

Enfield are a group who love loud guitars and thumping drums and pour that love into any ideas they have. Regular punters at co-op shows for a while, they now have the exciting opportunity to take the stage.

Co-op director, Derek Meins, said: “We have a terrific trio of bands this week and a raucous, exhilarating night is in store.

“It’s a chance for music lovers to enjoy some fabulous up and coming talent in good company.

“The community’s support as we continue to fundraise for a return to our spiritual home is hugely appreciated, and as ever, there will be some stylish co-op merch available as well as donation points.”

Lancaster City Council, owner of the co-op’s Lodge St premises, issued it with an eviction notice in 2018 citing safety concerns, but it was eventually granted a long-term lease following a community campaign and support from city councillors.

Extensive structural repairs have been taking place, funded by £1.2m from the government’s Community Ownership Fund, the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, Lancaster’s High Street Heritage Action Zone and the city council.

More funding is now needed to fit out the facility,

Co-opilation Vol #1, a compilation of tracks donated by artists who have used and supported the co-op over the years is available to download at https://lancastermusiccoop.bandcamp.com/ on a ‘pay what you feel’ basis with a suggested donation of £5.