Bath band returns to the venue where it all began for goodbye gig

By dbiggane

Recognised as one of the hardest-working bands in the region, Bradford on Avon-based four-piece The Volt have for a long time been heralded as one of the region's brightest hopes.

Featuring Sam Brookes, Domenico Bartolo, Phoebe Phillips and Jack Kendrew, The Volt won MTV's Get Seen Get Heard talent search and were runners-up in the Live And Unsigned Award at the prestigious Vodafone Live Music Awards.

However, despite such promise and success, a surprise statement was recently issued from the band stating that "The Volt, will be no longer carrying on. We have unanimously decided that it's what we want and that we feel it is the right time for us to move on".

To band also announced details of its final gig ever, at Moles Club in Bath, tomorrow.

"As a band we are really proud of our achievements over the past five years and we believe we went places and saw things a lot of unsigned acts could only dream of," said Sam.

" But we have come to the agreement that some things are not meant to last and we have decided to go our separate ways ... musically that is.

"We are all still close friends and we are sad about breaking up, but I'd say more nostalgic about the good times and optimistic about what the future holds."

It's a musical future that still looks bright for all four members of The Volt, whose time and experiences in the band will no doubt prepare them well for their individual careers.

Sam said: "Dom is at Westminster Uni studying music and he has other projects underway as part of his course.

"Jack will also look to get a place at university studying music and he will definitely continue to play guitar.

"Phoebe plans to work as a session musician and is applying to study graphics at university.

"I have moved to London and am launching my solo career which will mean recording an album this year which I am very excited about.

"Our highlights have been winning Get Seen Get Heard and seeing all the footage on MTV was brilliant – the initial public vote was from a video shot at a gig in Bath Spa Uni and that meant so much – then going to Brixton Academy as nominees for the Vodafone Best Live Unsigned Band award.

"We gigged pretty hard, an average of two gigs per week that year, and enjoyed all our live shows and radio sessions.

"But playing at Glastonbury on the Late and Live stage was a fantastic experience because we saw fans sing our own songs back to us for the first time.

"Camden's Koko with The Subways was definitely memorable, as was being chosen by Radio 1's Huw Stephens to play at the Big Weekend Fringe Festival, as part of 27 festival shows that season.

"We enjoyed making music together as four friends, and watching a fan base grow around our music, recording in the studio and gaining a better understanding of the music industry was very valuable.

"We have met great people and made some really good relationships along the way."

So, is it really the end of The Volt and what can we expect at their final show in the venue where it all began?

"Unfortunately, this is the end of The Volt but for us we would like to think it's just the beginning of our music careers.

"At Moles you can expect us to be on form and we will be pulling out some old songs from the early Volt days as well as the more recent material."

"Thanks to everyone who has supported us over the years coming to gigs, buying CDs, following our blogs and just being part of the journey – we are forever thankful."

Support comes from The Locarnos and Farthing Wood with Asian Hawk and DJ Kim playing until the early hours.

Tickets cost £6 with concessions available.

The Volt will do a live interview and session on BBC Wiltshire Introducing around 7pm tonight.

People are advised to book tickets in advance or get there very early tomorrow as the show is sure to sell out.