Live – The Youth Play | The Slow Country | HIGHDRIVE | Batmilk at The Hope & Ruin

The Youth Play, The Slow Country, HIGHDRIVE & Batmilk at The Hope & Ruin, Brighton, 26th February 2026

Last week’s Hidden Herd event brought us music from Brighton and London (via Manchester) with an intricate blend of genres and influences. Openers for the evening were relatively new local outfit Batmilk; with the softest of vocals in play it was good to note the lack of chatter in an already pretty busy crowd. The music was complemented by audio of bat calls and night flights. With a smattering of shows already under their belts, it will be interesting to see how Batmilk progress when they inevitably spread their wings and head out to play on the wider circuit.

Another Brighton band followed – HIGHDRIVE clearly taking their lead from the grunge and shoegaze scene of the 90s, mixing fuzzy guitars with textural vocals and varying shades of light and dark. With a couple of singles in hand and making their mark on the live scene, it’s looking like 2026 may well be a busy year for the 5-piece.

As The Slow Country set up on stage there was only just room for all 7 members and their plethora of instruments. Whichever vintage shop they’d been to, there were some impressive wardrobe pieces on display – a throwback to the kitsch of the 70s mirrored in some of their setlist. However, things switched up throughout their catalogue of songs with forays into alt-folk edged with glam, multi-lead vocals and instrument switches keeping everyone on their toes.

Headliners for the night, The Youth Play managed to serve up a performance that felt raw and accomplished at the same time. Post-punk with hints of shoegaze probably covers it best, but it feels as though the band are evolving their sound as they go and will definitely be worth keeping an eye on as they push forward. A solid end to proceedings and good to see the venue so busy – pictures below.

Hosted by Hidden Herd

Batmilk