McLean's (The Pentre Club), Chemistry Lane, Pentre, Queensferry, CH5 2DA
Thursday 25th March 2010
Pictures by Holly Griffiths, Shan Woodward, Chantelle Rowley & Dave Mounter
Review and additional pics from Richard Hibbert of Academy Images - http://www.academyimages.co.uk/Blog/Blog.html
Rock Funk Grunge!
Before getting into the review, I feel it only fair to compliment the efforts of Panic staff for the amazing transformation to the stage area and the lighting setup at Pentre for this evenings gig. Excellent - a really nice visual effect that certainly gave this evening a real sense of occasion.
A bonus this evening was witnessing Channel 4 filming I Am Austin for their reality TV show Evo Music Rooms. Their music, and audience interviews were filmed, and footage of the gig will be aired on Channel 4! (If anyone finds out when this is scheduled to happen, and lets me know I'll make sure that I publicise it on the website(s).
I Am Austin
I Am Austin http://www.myspace.com/iamaustinmusic are an alternative / Drum & Bass / Electro duo, featuring David Mitchell - Drums/Vocals and Adam Hughes on Bass/Synth. Despite having to do several takes of their "Stripper" for C4's film, when it came time for the audience participation scenes, the larger than recent crowd did them proud, so there is more than a grain of truth in the rumour of 'film it and they will come', with Pentre getting its 'Songs of Praise' moment on Thursday. In fairness though the audience maintained their enthusiasm into their set, when they played for real. A mix of old favourites, including Zombie Town and some new material with Cruel Mistress and Suicide in May featured in an epic set. This duo may be somewhat diminutive in stature, but they are rapidly becoming giants in their genre, with a string of career making successes to their credit, I Am Austin continue their upward journey, with the national exposure that C4 will give them not hurting one little bit. More power to their elbow, an excellent set drawing an adulatory response from their audience.
Cal Roberts
Bagillt's Cal Roberts http://www.myspace.com/calroberts then played the first of his two acoustic sets, as the stage crew set up for the next act. 'Fresh off his last show alongside Pete Doherty' and sporting a 'new' guitar Callum regaled us with a selection of his somewhat cynical observations of life set to music and delivered in his inimitable fashion. Still Young, Another Notch, Saturday Rape amongst others made up his sets. Always entertaining, this social commentary genre will never be a 'barrel of laughs' but does accurately reflect many of the issues faced by the present young generation - always worth a listen - nice one Callum.
Revurb
Wrexham based Revurb http://www.myspace.com/revurbuk with Nick Edwards - Lead vox and guitar, Daniel Edwards - Lead guitar and backing vox, Scott Pugh - Bass and Jason Williams - Drums brought their Rock/Funk/Classic Rock style to Pentre for the middle slot of the evening. This is the first time I've heard this quartet, but it certainly will not be the last, vocally and instrumentally outstanding, with good stage presence, this was for me, the 'act of the evening' - probably as this A.O.R. is more to my own personal preference. Some bands have to be experienced live to experience their talents, whilst others seem happier letting a studio recording speak for them. Revurb also gave out free C.D.'s on the night, and after numerous plays, I can state with alacrity that their appeal transfers effortlessly to the recorded medium. Several of the tracks they played this evening are on their website, Drifting, Alcoholic and Take The Pain - there is also a comprehensive list of their live gigs over the next two months, so if you missed them this evening, or fancy a repeat performance .......
Cal Roberts (2nd set)
Thyrd Eye
Bringing their alternate/progressive/grunge genre to Pentre for the third time, closing act for the evening were Chepstow based Thyrd Eye - http://www.myspace.com/thyrdeye featuring Matthew, Hannah and Gareth. Opening with a very brave statement, in that they hail from the wrong end of the Principality, these Gogs played a very animated, loud brash set, with Killer and Escape, for me, the pick of their set list. Once again, very accomplished both vocally and instrumentally - if this genre 'floats your boat', then these guys deliver in spades. Really good set, rounding off yet another excellent Thursday evening at Pentre.
Audience
