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

Thursday 25th March 2010

Pictures by Dave Mounter

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

Rock Night

Panic Promotions really pulled out all the stops this evening, with an extended P.A. system and even more lights, to add dramatic effects to Pentre's stage for this showcase evening.

Cerberrus

First band were Mathew Vickers on Bass, Robert Kinear - Lead Guitar, Jamie Godfrey - Rhythm Guitar and Mark Hooper - drums - Cerberrus - www.myspace.com/cerberrusmusic making the short journey from Chester for their first visit to Pentre. (On a personal note, I really hope that this will not be their last).  Their website puts them in the Blues / Rock / Metal category, and all three genres were reflected in their nine track set, with Moth To A Flame(*), Pull(*), Hangman(*), Heaven's Basement(*), Get Some(*), and a second live performance of S.O.S.
Vocally they were superb, every syllable clearly audible, power without effort or distortion, clearly helped by the aforementioned P.A. system. Lead guitar was probably the best I've heard at Pentre, and while this debate could rage evermore, despite individual preferences and prejudices, there is absolutely no question that Rob's overall style and exquisite use of effects pedals, particularly the often forgotten cry baby, put him right at the top of the tree. This was an absolute master class, and many young musicians could have learned a lot from this performance, especially the art of bringing the 'power riffs' to a more prominent level at the right moment.  Bass and drums were excellent throughout, powerful and expressive, and when all that was combined with Jamie's vocals, into a well synchronized, impeccably timed set, this was a real treat for the discerning audiophile.

Mechanical Owl

By way of a complete contrast - Mike Payne, Matt Stenning, Ian Davies and David Parr - Mechanical Owl - http://www.myspace.com/mechanicalowl from Mold / Wrexham brought a more Eno / Byrne sound to Pentre's stage for their six tracks - R.A.F. , Night Sapes, Better of sober(*), The Mice, Beagle, and R.S.P.C.A.(*).  The first thing that strikes you about this band is how multi-skilled they are, as they effortlessly swapped instruments, to take account of their present lack of a drummer, as they each took a turn to cover this shortfall. Keyboards, Synths, Bass, Guitar and Drums may be standard fair for bands these days, but how many bring a xylophone and a mini-accordion with them?  Mix all these elements into a sound that defies any specific pigeon holing, but would fit beautifully into the European city with the aromatic coffee shops, particularly the one named after Santana's best known album, and you would perhaps be thinking along the right lines. Superb individual talents, both vocally and instrumentally, combined to produce a rather unique sound. Their timing and changes were very well executed, particularly in the last tack when just as you got into the rhythm, they would change tempo, but not to the extent that ruined the 'head pictures', who was it that used to play with Laughing Sam's Dice?  They do have a E.P. out (details on their website), and if anyone does appreciate the sentiments expressed in the last sentence, then this could be for you.

Holy Coves

An ex-head of Mynydd Isa C.P. school used to describe Anglesey as "the little island in the sun" - I don't know about that - it seems to rain every time I go there, but weather apart, it is the home of four superb musicians, Scott Marsden, Jimi Eggleton, Dave Jones and Steve Shane Roberts who are the Holy Coves - www.myspace.com/holycoves who  brought their considerable talents to Pentre's stage to headline this evening.  Seven tracks - You Take my Sole, All around you, Whatever you choose, What;s happened to you has happened to me, Everything you wanted, Let's go(*) and Droner, gave Pentre an intriguing glimpse into this hypnotic 'stoner rock' genre.  Undoubtedly it is this hypnotic rhythm that draws one into the music, and then messes with your head - excellent!!  Again, vocally and instrumentally very accomplished, good stagecraft and a very endearing blend of these talents to deliver a superb set, that really did put the top hat on an excellent evening's music.  They are around this way again several times over the next few months, and if the opportunity presents itself, go and see them - you will not be disappointed.

Well done Panic Promotions - another excellent evening - love the new P.A. and the additional lighting

Audience