Cast A Spell, personal favourite Pink n Leopard and a groovy swing version of Harder Faster (see above for content info kick started everything with some serious kudos going to Indya’s lead guitarist Aaron King who channels his inner Hendrix with ease and resulting sound is soaked up by the eager crowd, already few pints in and eager to be entertained.
The newer material like ‘I Wish’ showed a side to Noora’s voice that we never knew existed. Sure, we know that her special power is to lay waste to armies with her voice but when you take away the screams and roars, the most heavenly voice is uncovered.
You wait 30 years for a classic album to be played in full and then 3 turn up at once. I’m sure I’ve heard that somewhere before but I digress… this gig, for me, was a big deal. It’s not called The Big 3-0 for nothing.
The band explores several rock sub-genres (blues, hard rock, punk, psychedelic, classic rock) without necessarily being defined by one in particular. Their songwriting reflects the lifestyle they lead as young musicians living in the big city: nightlife, relationships and personal experiences.
The phrase ‘lose yourself in the music’ would also be appropriate as there were several moments when I found myself, eyes closed, listening to the music feeling like I was the only person present in the audience.
A residency in a small underground club, 2 guitars, bar stools and a glass of whiskey at the side is what is needed for music like this. Cormac’s Northern Irish lilt gives each story that additional layer of warmth and the songs themselves just ooze emotion.
Monroe’s stage presence is that of a man who permanently has his bits wired to a 12 volt car battery. He jumps, twirls, shouts, yelps, screams and sings in equal measure. He could recite the Encyclopedia Britannica from A through to Z on stage and the fans would still lap up every single word uttered.
The screening was follow by a wonderfully open and honest Q&A with Comic Strip Presents creator, actor and Producer of Bad News, Peter Richardson and Nigel Planer. Who could ask for more Alan…Sorry I mean Vim?
Something You Love, an album highlight also ticks the boxes that make the blue collar men nob and sob into their beers as he sings about running into an old friend, swapping stories, having a few drinks etc… The company has closed he finds out, budget cuts and setbacks so it’s time to get out there and do… something you love! Springsteen would be proud!