Live Music Review: MuddiBrooke Light Up The Sugar mill – Grit, Grunge, and Pure Electricity in Stoke-on-Trent

Review and Images By Paul McWilliams

There are some gigs where everything just clicks — the energy, the venue, the band — and you walk away knowing you’ve just witnessed something special. That was exactly the case on April 5th at The sugar mill in Stoke-on-Trent, where Derby-based trio MuddiBrooke took to the stage and delivered a set so electrifying, it shook the very rafters of the venue. From the moment they hit the first note to the final thunderous applause, this was a night that reaffirmed the raw power of live music.

The Venue – The Sawmill Stoke-on-Trent

Let’s start with the setting. The sugar mill is one of those intimate venues that instantly makes you feel part of something. Tucked away in Stoke-on-Trent, it has a gritty, no-nonsense vibe — the kind of space where the walls have stories and the floorboards have danced to decades of decibels. What struck me the most was how up-close and personal the experience felt. There’s no barrier between you and the band, no flashy effects — just honest, unapologetic music echoing off brick walls and into your bones. The acoustics were surprisingly sharp, and the crowd, buzzing from the get-go, only added to the electric atmosphere.

For fans of live music, this is exactly the sort of venue that turns a good gig into a memorable one. There’s something about the rawness of a place like The sugar mill that complements a band like MuddiBrooke perfectly — a synergy between sound and space that’s hard to fake.

MuddiBrooke – Grit, Grunge and Genuine Talent

Taking to the stage like they owned it, MuddiBrooke launched into their set with “Straight Jacket”, setting the tone for what was to come. Their music — a heady mix of grunge, alternative rock, and raw emotion — hits you like a tidal wave, but with enough control and finesse to carry you along for the ride.

Frontwoman Brooke is a powerhouse in every sense of the word. Armed with a guitar and a voice that could level cities, she effortlessly moved between smooth, emotive verses and ferocious choruses that had the crowd clinging onto every word. What makes Brooke stand out isn’t just her technical ability — though that’s unquestionable — but the passion and authenticity she brings to every lyric. Whether it was the dark, introspective tones of “Float” or the sheer defiance of “You Don’t Own Me,” she delivered each track with conviction and emotional weight.

On bass, Anna Melidone was rock-solid, her low-end rumble adding depth and groove to the set. She’s the kind of bassist who doesn’t just keep the rhythm — she owns it. Her chemistry with drummer Morgan Pettigrew is undeniable, and together they laid down a foundation that let the songs breathe and punch in all the right places.

Morgan, by the way, is a dynamo behind the kit. His drumming is both precise and unhinged in the best way — energetic, animated, and completely captivating to watch. His playing gave the set a fiery momentum that never let up, and the band fed off his energy with every song.

A Setlist Built to Thrill

The setlist was a balanced blend of crowd favourites, deep cuts, and even a few surprises. “ADHD” brought a wave of excitement from the crowd — a modern grunge anthem with punchy lyrics and a hook that refuses to leave your head. “Devil” and “Cocaine” channeled that dark, heavy-laden energy reminiscent of Soundgarden or early Hole, while “Turn to Dust” and “Float” gave the band space to explore more atmospheric tones.

A real standout moment came with the debut of their new track “Fool Heart.” It’s always a risk playing unreleased material to a live crowd, but the gamble paid off. The song hit hard, emotionally and sonically — filled with layers of grit, vulnerability, and some killer dynamic shifts that had the room hanging on every note.

Closing the set with “Inside,” the band left nothing behind. It was a blistering finish to an already explosive performance, and judging by the audience’s reaction — fists in the air, faces beaming, calls for an encore — it’s safe to say they nailed it.

Thoughts of the night

MuddiBrooke aren’t just another grunge-inspired rock band. They’re something more — a force of nature bubbling up from the underground with a sound that demands attention. Their ability to mix vulnerability with aggression, melody with muscle, is what makes them so compelling both on record and, even more so, on stage.

At The sugar mill, they gave us more than just a gig. They gave us an experience — full of sweat, sound, soul, and everything that makes live music worth fighting for. If they’re playing anywhere near you, do yourself a favour: go. You’ll walk away with ringing ears, a racing heart, and a renewed belief in the power of raw, honest rock ‘n’ roll.

MuddiBrooke are a band on the rise, and if this show was anything to go by, they’re heading straight for the top — and they’re bringing the noise with them.

Setlist:

1. Straight Jacket
2. ADHD
3. Devil
4. Fool Heart (New Song)
5. Turn to Dust
6. Float
7. Get Away
8. Cocaine
9. You Don’t Own Me
10. Money
11. Inside