Words and Pictures: Adrian Hextall / (C) MindHex Media
Where would you rather be on Friday night? Sat at home watching the latest episode of some dull reality show (just because your friends do and you don’t to feel left out), down the pub for an obligatory darts night, working late or maybe… just maybe… in London for a one-off, life affirming gig where, like the lyrics to Cheers used to say, “Everyone knows your name!”?
I know which I’d opt for. Walking through the door to the Water Rats is like stepping into that famous bar in Boston. As you look around the room Sam and Dianne run over… sorry I mean Stu and Becky run over to say hello. My best friend Norm (sorry Krishan) is buying the beers and a host of other pass through the door making is feel like everyone is going to burst into the theme tune at any moment. They don’t of course but hey… it was a maybe right?
After some glorious Hobgoblin IPA (we’re open to sponsorship \ sampling \ competitions or more if the Hobgoblin team are reading this.. if they’re not please bombard them with links) and some delicious chips we headed into the back of the venue for a triple bill of indie infused rock and roll.
The Empty Page
First up – The Empty Page: an alternative punk band from Manchester. The group was formed in 2016 by vocalist/bassist Kel Page and guitarist Giz, who were previously members of the punk/hard rock band Obsessive Compulsive. The Empty Page became their primary focus after their former band broke up. They quickly gained attention when demos they recorded in a warehouse were heard by producer Garth Richardson (known for his work with Rage Against the Machine and Biffy Clyro). He invited them to Vancouver to record their debut album, Unfolding, which was completed in just over a week and released in 2016.
There was a lot of energy on stage, as there would be the following night when the cast of Cheers reconvened in Bristol for Cliff’s (Ben Pollard-Mathias) 50th birthday celebrations. The Empty Page have their own fanbase well and truly established and looking around the room a lot of smiling faces, which often sits at odds I find with some of the tough lyrical content and melancholic vibe the band exude, which suggests they pushed all of the right buttons to get the ball rolling.
For more info: https://theemptypageband.com/
Discography
- Unfolding (2016)
- Imploding (2024)
Billy Liar
Next up – Billy Liar is an acoustic punk/folk singer-songwriter from Edinburgh, Scotland, who has been active since 2005. While he frequently tours and performs solo, he also plays with a full band. His music combines the raw energy of punk with the storytelling of folk.
He has toured extensively across the UK, mainland Europe, and the United States, playing numerous festivals including The Fest in the US and Rebellion Festival in the UK. In 2019, he signed with the American label Red Scare Industries, which has likely strengthened his connections with US-based musicians.
Touring Band – Dagan Reid – drums, Little Dave Parker – lead guitar, Dave Janney – bass.
For me, this ticked every box imaginable. I mean… wow, just wow….. I’d heard of but never seen Billy Liar before and was expecting a solo set from main man himself as ‘that’s been the norm’… Not, continuing the theme, Norm from Cheers (he was stood next to me getting the next round in) , but the norm that sets expectations when one should really continue with an open mind.
Thankfully within minutes, it became very clear that Billy Liar, full electric, is a force to be reckoned with. Instant convert, instant lover of the tunes and the energy on stage… it felt like it was 1977 and I was watching The Clash for the first time. ‘Little’ Dave Parker may be little in name but he’s anything but in terms of stage presence and musicianship. Even taking on lead vocal duties during the set, his dapper ‘mod’ attire brought to mind tones of Quadrophenia as well.
The set, ticked the box for new favourite unknown band for me and one I should never assume will be something that it isn’t / wasn’t until actually experienced. How would Role Models follow this? More info: https://officialbillyliar.bandcamp.com/album/crisis-actor
Discography
- Lies Lied Live (2015)
- Some Legacy (2019)
- Crisis Actor (2023)
Role Models
The main event was of course Role Models. A London-based power-pop and rock and roll outfit fronted by the prolific Canadian-born songwriter, Rich Ragany. The band was (and thanks to this reunion ‘is’ ) known for its catchy, high-energy songs that blended elements of punk, glam, and classic rock. They were one of the hardest-working bands on the London circuit and released a series of well-regarded albums and EPs. Their music, particularly their run of three albums in three years, was praised in the underground music press, with their 2017 album Dance Moves even making it into Vive Le Rock magazine’s Top 25 albums of the year. With Nick having too leg it straight after the show to get back on the road with Terrorvision, it was all about timing and ensuring the foursome would be free for just enough time to pull this off.
And pull it off they did. Opening with the title track from ‘Dance Moves’, the last of the 3 albums in 3 years, it threw so much fuel onto the fire, the roof of The Water Rats threatened to lift off. When your crowd knows each other, every band and every song on offer, it was really no surprise to see (and feel) the floor bouncing as everyone got stuck into the final act of the night. Moments were paused, shots were delivered, shots were drunk, moments were unpaused and then songs like (I Broke My Back) Disappointing You, Manette Street, Cherry Dear and Radio ensured that everyone got a little slice from one of their favourite albums, especially with Rag’s Digressions colleague Kit Swing joined them on stage to sing alongside Nick.
For a short period of time, Role Models were one of the hottest names in town, that they never made it to the next level is criminal especially given the talent involved and more importantly the quality of those albums. If we are destined to remember them by that trio the least we can hope for is a reunion every now and again to remind us what greatness sounds like.
Whilst ‘ I Ain’t Lucky’ might have been played, I for one consider myself to have been very lucky to have been around at a time to hear this.
Band Members The core members of Role Models were:
- Rich Ragany (Rags): Vocals and Guitar
- Nick Hughes: Guitar and Vocals
- Daniel Husayn: Bass and Vocals
- Simon Maxwell: Drums and Vocals
Mor Info : https://rolemodelslondon.bandcamp.com/
Discography
- The Go-To Guy (2015)
- Forest Lawn (2016)
- Dance Moves (2017)
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