McLean's (The Pentre Club), Chemistry Lane, Pentre, Queensferry, CH5 2DA

Thursday 4th March 2010

Pictures by Shan Woodward & Dave Mounter

Review from Richard Hibbert of Academy Images - additional photographs on: http://www.academyimages.co.uk/Blog/Blog.html

Battle of the Bands 2010 - Heat 3

Originally four bands were scheduled to appear in this round of Battle of The Bands, unfortunately Hellacious! - http://www.myspace.com/hellaciousexclamation weren't able to play due to illness and Bagillt's Mental Block - had just that!  So local all-girl ensemble I.O.A. were up against Drederick Tatum to determine who would progress from this heat into the semi-finals.

In playing order

Inspite of Appearance - Heat Winner

First on stage was Inspite of Appearance - http://www.myspace.com/inspiteofappearance with the now familiar line-up of Stace Young - Lead Vocals, Holly Griffiths - Drums & Backing Vocals, Soph Williams on Keyboard/Synth/Backing Vocals, Nicole Jackson & Hayley Garrett - Guitar with Ally Ready on Bass/Backing Vocals.  I have seen this band several times before, and I was intrigued to find out how they would be different from their last performance I witnessed when it was rumoured that they would be working on new material.  Well, their set list was a mix of familiar favourites and some new tunes, featuring Trademark, Goodbye for now, We both know, Poker Face and What I think of you. The first thing one realises is how far their music has come since they burst onto the local scene.  A quick visit to their web site to listen to the demo tracks therein, will leave no-one in any doubt that their present live delivery bears little resemblance to these early recordings, their sound is now much, much more energetic, the music is noticeably more intricate, and Stace's vocals have progressively matured to a point where they verge on classic "rock chick", Holly's drumming has moved forward in great leaps, but perhaps the most noticeable on-stage difference that was seen yesterday evening was the 'blooming' of Hayley Garrett's stage presence, gone is the 'shrinking violet' persona of yester year,  long-live the new found confidence to take her place at stage-front and rock the house.  Lovely keyboard and synth. contribution, from Soph Williams, who's interjections added both depth and breadth to the band's sound.  Nice to see that the rumours of her imminent departure were unfounded.  Bass was well taken care off by Ally's ministrations, and Nicole's cool authoritative lead rounding off by far the best performance that I have witnessed from I.O.A.

Drederick Tatum

Chester/Wrexham based Drederick Tatum - http://www.myspace.com/dredericktatumband followed with their completely contrasting style which their website suggests does not fit neatly into any particular genre, but if you don't know the band, think of the very heavy end of the rock / screamo spectrum and you won't be a million miles away.  Whereas this act was in complete contrast to the first band, their on-stage persona also revealed very contrasting styles, between the animation of vocalist Gary and Guitarist Adam Omari with the very laid-back style of drummer Lewis and bassist Tom. Whilst the first two members used enough energy to both light and heat a small town, the latter pair were much more conservative with their expenditure of energy. Again, they delivered a five track set, Don't just stand there, throw me a spear - I'm the British Beyonce - I took her to Slam City, Nothing will change us concluding with In my neighbourhood, I don't think so.  So what of their performance, their website proclaims that ' There is a kind of passion about playing music especially in live situations, we deliver the best live shows around and you can't find a band that puts more of themselves into what we believe and what drives us to be' of this there can be little doubt, they do display a raw passion and energy within their music both instrumentally and vocally, that few bands I have seen can match, A very good set and if this particular style of music is to your taste, then these four lads are very definitely worth a listen.

In conclusion then, the disappointment of loosing two bands at short notice was largely compensated for by the excellent performances of the two remaining acts.  On the night, Inspite of Appearance came out on top, and it is this sextet that we will see again in the semi's. 

Also worthy of mention was the sound engineering of Mike and Jack, who deputised extremely well for Panic's regular sound supremo, Dan.  Well-done guys.  Heat 4 at Pentre in a fortnight - looking at the line up for this round, we should be in for a real musical treat.

Audience