A whimsical night with Hutch in Edinburgh
The Brighton-based band made a return to the Scottish Capital for the show.
Photo: Ele Marchant (@elemarchant)
Brighton-based band Hutch made a stop in Edinburgh, taking the stage at Sneaky Pete’s for their second-ever gig in the Scottish capital.
The self-proclaimed ‘twang pop post-yacht-rock soft-psych’ ensemble started as a lockdown project, but it didn’t take long for their unique sound to attract a loyal following. With their playful lyrics, captivating performances and unmistakable style, they’ve firmly established themselves in Brighton’s vibrant music scene, now headlining sold-out shows in the city.
The night opened with a performance by local Edinburgh-born indie band North Orbital. The crowd buzzed with anticipation, ready for the performance to come.
From the very first song, Hutch’s signature twangy guitars and dreamy melodies had the crowd in a trance, setting the stage for the night ahead. Each song flowed seamlessly into the next, and the crowd swayed in almost perfect unison as if entranced by their magical chords.
Formed by Jack Pritchard, Dan Shepherd, Charlie Bogg and Owen Bullock, the quartet have an endearing, almost hypnotic stage presence. Characterised by their whimsical, psychedelic-inspired sound and captivating stage presence, Hutch has received high praise for their engaging live performances — and, believe me, they did not disappoint.
Drawing inspiration from the psychedelic pop and rock sounds of the 1960s and 70s, Hutch has crafted a style reminiscent of iconic bands like Fleetwood Mac, The Beach Boys and The Beatles.
Yet, their unique edge is unmistakable: nostalgic, yet refreshingly modern. Their music is upbeat, adventurous and whimsical, with dreamy, psychedelic undertones that create an enchanting, daydream-like feel. Each song is a journey in storytelling, oozing with personality and infused with fun, surreal imagery.
As the evening drew to a close, the band returned for ‘one more tune’, with a rendition of their newest release, a lovely little song called Rustle. The title is a playful nod to American artist Arthur Russell, with the band choosing the verb form to encapsulate the song’s themes of nature and adventure. Indeed, despite never having visited before, this song transports me to a warm summer days on Brighton beach.
It was impossible not to be swept up in the contagious joy Hutch brought to the stage. Filled with swaying, singing, whimsical fun, and a dreamy setlist, it was an experience unlike any other. Not to mention, they also had some very funky, one-of-a-kind, upcycled and eco-conscious band merch t-shirts on sale at the end of the show. Very Hutch.
For anyone seeking an escape from the mundane, I urge you to give them a listen.
Hutch, you’re welcome back to Edinburgh anytime.