Club Shipwrecked: 8th February 2025: You can (or cannot) organise other things in a brewery, but The Shipbuilders certainly know how to sort a boss gig in one.
Their latest Club Shipwrecked event saw them take over Azvex Brewery in Liverpool. They invited label-mates and fellow troubadours Ellis Murphy, William William Rodgers, and Astles. As well as a headline slot from The Shipbuilders themselves.
They also invited Lathe to the Grave to be part of the day – a boon for vinyl lovers in the vicinity for sure.
Ellis Murphy, playing his first gig of the night (his second was 4 miles away right afterwards), opened proceedings.
The Bob Dylan comparisons are obvious: brilliant grassroots folk music, complete with harmonica. And immense talent, too.
But this set, the first time I’ve seen Ellis live, also showcased different influences. There’s a touch of Leonard Cohen here and Frank Zappa there. Definitely excited to see how he progresses!
William William Rodgers was next, all the way from Birmingham.
WWR, an earnest songwriter and performer, played tracks from his latest LP “Pond Life“. Lovely stuff.
In between sets, fans had the chance to visit Lathe to the Grave. The Welsh duo provide a unique service. You choose your preferred song(s), and in real time they put the music on to your vinyl of choice.
Despite them kindly explaining it to me several times, vinyl still remains a source of misunderstood magic to me. It looks boss though!
Fans could choose music from any of the performers today- including previously unreleased tracks. For vinyl enthusiasts this must be heaven.
Rising star of the Liverpool music scene Astles was next up.
Melodic, very likeable, and with an exposed nerve of sensitivity running through everything: excited to see Astles live again when given the chance.
The final set of the evening was The Shipbuilders themselves. It was the first gig with their new permanent trumpet player, Pete – an excellent addition bringing depth and levity to the songs.
The band plyed songs from their exellent first album Spring Tide, as well as upcoming tracks from their as-yet-unreleased 2nd album This Blue Earth.
Not to be content with that they also played music earmarked for their third album too!
It was my first time seeing The Shipbuilders live and I was genuinely impressed. Their songwriting chops were never in question, but they’re a powerful live animal too. Tight and energetic – definitely ones worth seeking out.
See you at the next Club Shipwrecked?!