Scholars and Young Aviators at the Borderline

Originally hailing from Ireland but now settled in Glasgow, the male trio that make up the Young Aviators are clearly out to enjoy themselves. In London to promote their new album Self Help, released on the Electric Honey label, the threesome immediately have the audience on their side with their relaxed manner and catchy, foot-tapping songs. Part Arctic Monkeys, part Libertines, they have a penchant for upbeat rhythms with a punky edge and an eye on what it’s like to be young and under pressure in Britain today.

Their soon-to-be-released single, We’ve Got Names For Folk Like You, proves to be the set highlight, with singer Declan McKay packing a punch behind the mic. What sets the band apart though is their obvious friendship; in an age where infighting, rivalry and punch-ups seem to be all the rage, it is refreshing to see a group so clearly comfortable and happy with one another – a fact that only adds to the energy and enthusiasm poured into their music. 

When it comes to energy, tonight’s headliners Scholars cannot be outdone. For the entirety of their hour-long set they are going at it full pelt with no let up in sight. If at first they seem a little visually confusing (what with one member looking like he belongs in a metal band, another in a science lab and the final three in public school), their passion soon brings their disparate appearances together. 

Hitting the audience with a sheer wall of sound, their songs are an unapologetic blast of rock with a pinch of punk swagger. With a political edge that sees them cover issues from crooked MPs and bankers to problems with the tabloid press in their new single Damage, they aren’t afraid to pin their colours to the mast. With comparisons being made between them and Hundred Reasons due to guitarist Larry Hibbitt producing their album, Always Lead, Never Follow, it is clear that Scholars may be on the verge of the big time. While some of their songs may at times be a little repetitive, if they continue at such a frantic pace they are likely to burn themselves onto the collective retina of the British public.

Nichola Daunton
Photos: Alejo Garcia

For further information and future events visit Scholars’ website here.

For further information on Young Aviators visit their website here.

Watch the video for Scholars’ Damage here:

Watch the video for Young Aviators’ Forward Thinking here: