Single Review - Lord Swans / The Plan

Written by Adam Gallagher

'The Plan' is the newest single to come from Whitburn's own Lord Swans.

The four piece have created a more mature sound compared to their past material, not that there is anything wrong with that, far from it in fact. It seems as if they have decided a slight change is what they needed when it came to releasing new music and I for one am not going to object to that if the band keep putting out tracks like the 'The Plan'.

It is the type of music that will appeal to fans of any age. With a more chilled vibe and echoes of Biffy Clyro throughout the track, you can tell the boys have certainly taken their time producing this song, making sure that every second of it is how they want it to sound.

Vocals of Matthew are chilled through out the song but it goes perfectly hand in hand with the sound that Matt himself along with the other members; Adam Dixon, Sam Thompson and Joe Condon have been able to create.

The boys should be very proud of what they have released, because I am and I certainly I aren't the only one who has found themselves whacking this single on repeat.

If you are wanting to get your hands on the track follow the link below -

The Plan - Single Lord Swans

Single Review - Mouses / Poison

Written by Nathan Douthwaite

Pumped up distorted vocals swagger freely on Billingham duo’s newest single “Poison”.

The tracks sound resembles bands such as Yuck and Menace Beach. Swimming in fuzz and distortion but still incredibly clear. It has a sing-a-long element to it, making it incredibly catchy despite its aggressive feel in the first few seconds. You can instantly fall in love with this song.

The production of the track has captured the roughness and full-on vibe that Mouses produce in their live shows, which is of course one of their many appeals.

The songs underlying meaning is deeper the more you read into it, social anxiety and the need for “a little bit of poison to get me out of bed”.
After the success of Mouses other releases, this single has paved the way for the band to release their long anticipated debut album and if “Poison” is anything to go by, we’re in for a treat.

To purchase the single, click the link below

http://shop.sister9.com/album/poison-single

Single Review - Social Room / One More Round

Written by Sal Wilcox

'One more round' is the latest track from Sunderland band Social Room. Having seen the group perform around the North-East; and being wowed by their big powerful sound; I had high expectations for this track.

Unfortunately however, the song was a little underwhelming and rather mediocre. Considering the band is made up of six members, I was expecting a much bigger and interesting sound than what was delivered. Although the song is not 'bad', it's just a bit dull.

The intro is orientated around delicate piano, and although more sounds are added, it doesn't really enhance the song in any way. The guitar is too reserved and the vocals aren't catchy or engaging -  it's very much a filler track. The song could possibly survive in a decent length album or as part of a live set, but it definitely wouldn't be my first choice to release as a single.  

EP Review - Ben James Miller / Until We Are Bones

Written by Adam Gallagher

Ben James Miller, has produced a soothing yet meaningful summery EP 'Until We Are Bones', the cleverly titled EP has three songs based around love, before you turn your nose up at it, we highly recommend you give all three a listen.

The EP is opened with the track 'Honeymoons'. With the upbeat rhythm proved by the drums, instantly I knew I could be sat in the back garden, sunbathing like we all do in Middlesbrough every summer and blasting this outloud, it would be very fitting, but as the song goes on you instantly see that it is a upbeat love song where Ben is pouring his heart out and singing about how grateful he is of the things he has in life.

Ben has slowed the pace down on the second song, 'When We Marry'. I normally aren't a big fan of slow songs, but I've listened to this song a few times now and I've already found myself singing along to parts of the song. It is a fantastically well written song, which when played live I can imagine the crowd getting the chance to sing along with Ben.

The final track of the EP, is 'Little Deaths'. Ben has turned up tempo on this to end with a bang. Showcasing what he is capable of producing with the help of his band, Simon Shaw and Andrew Jones.  His vocals are solid not only in this song but throughout all three songs.

Overall, it is a very solid three tracked EP, which anyone can enjoy listening to. Ben and the guys should be very proud of what they have managed to produced.
 

Single Review - Coquin Migale / GRINDIE

Written by Nathan Douthwaite

Coquin Migale released their latest single on March 1st. The Newcastle band have gone in heavy on this new song. “GRINDIE” mixes in heavy guitar riffs, with massive drum beats and catchy lyrics, to produce the ultimate rock n’ roll dance track.

The lyrical repetition of “I feel so ashamed” matches the repetition of the guitar riff and creates this effect that you have to sing along too.

The music video, which can be found below, sees the band thrashing their instruments in a dark setting. The only light coming from occasional white illuminations. The close up shots of lead singer and guitarist - Alex Soper add an intimacy to the video, getting you up close and personal with the band.

The reverb and echo used on the vocals adds a spacy effect to the song and makes the vocals sound so distant. It adds a nice contrast between the music and vocals.

The breakdown in the song sounds a little like something you would hear in a Royal Blood track and it helps to build the track up to it’s final stages.

The song ends abruptly after a massive return of the underlying riff that has ran throughout the song.  “GRINDIE” is a three minute guitar fuelled - fast paced delight and a must listen for any fan of rock music. 

Single Review - Esther Turner / Close

Written by Anna McMillan

Halesowen’s very own Esther Turner released her new single ‘Close’ this week and I am yet to get it out of my head.

The indie rock sound of the young singer songwriter creates for a melodic piece.

The track contains strong, prominent vocals expressing the feelings of striving to live the life you want and the lessons you learn along the way. The added keyboard near the end of the track emphasises the serenity of the song.

It is definitely a soulful track which you would find me blasting in the car during drives down country lanes in the summery weather.

With the beautiful vocals from Esther and the repetitive catchy chorus, I can see this track being a huge hit for the young busker from Birmingham.

It’s like Ellie Goulding meets a mix between folk and indie rock.

Single Review - Dalaro / Youth

Written by Sal Wilcox

'Youth' is the latest track from "tequilia and steak" loving Newcastle indie five-piece Dalaro.

The signature hyper active catchiness of the five-piece, has been switched for a more chilled but still very catchy vibe. The track is fuelled by a simple high pitched synth loop, elevated by a blanket of steady percussion, whirring synth textures and a more reserved guitar and bass. The repetitive chorus of "can you give me an ocean" makes the song very upbeat and incredibly easy to sing along to.

The overall sound is more akin to electro-pop than indie, but I'm sure the group have enough edgy t-shirts and denim articles to maintain their indie-rep and fan base.

The song is a solid pop tune and will undoubtedly get crowds dancing and singing along. After seeing the group perform at the 'O2 Academy is 10' gig last October I'm sure the band will continue to excite audiences and perhaps this slight change in sound will assist them in maintaining vitality and variety in their set.

Review - Whirling Dervish / Figmennt, Flowermouth + GURFA / 25.2.2016

Written by Jessica Davies

TSone is known for its cheap drinks and parmos, I certainly wasn’t aware they had live music now? However, Whirling Dervish is an event that bands play on Thursday nights at TSone and I was kinda impressed.

First up was a band called GURFA, a group of young lads who opened with a lively number which caught the audiences attention immediately. Although they lacked confidence at the beginning of the set, they began to relax a bit more towards the end and really gave it their all which showed in their performance. They had a sound similar to bands like peace and a feel of foals, however they added a touch to it to make it their own which I feel makes them appealing to an audience who love this sort of music. At a young age, they still have plenty of time to work on their own sound but they give off good vibes for the future.


Next up was Flowermouth, who were the undeniable triumph of the night. They came out making themselves known by creating lots of noise which the crowd enjoyed. The set had a little something for everyone, and I feel like the whole place left knowing who Flowermouth was. The band performed well giving the audience a great show, and they have a great sound for live music which some modern bands lack. Although this was not the tightest of performances it had a certain special feel that meant it didn’t need to be supremely polished. The set seemed to be over rather fast which suggests I enjoyed it loads and I would definitely go to another gig in the future.


Last up was Figmennt, who have been spreading their sound around the area making themselves known, and its working. The place filled up before their set and they received much appreciation from the supportive audience; The crowd hung on their every note as the ambient noise filled TSone. Already they can boast a loyal fan base and songs that really sound like their own, if things continue the way they are going I expect an even bigger 2016. Set a few minutes aside to give them a listen and they won’t disappoint.

Single Review - Samantha Durnan / I Was Wrong

Written by Anna McMillan

The North East’s very own Samantha Durnan has released her latest single ‘I Was Wrong,’ and I can confirm there is definitely nothing wrong with this track.

The young singer songwriter is talented beyond her years, with her newest release expressing her old school styling. The countryesque piece is about falling in love and the twists and turns life takes when being in love, having to admit true feelings.

The melodic chorus makes for a catchy sound which I know I won’t be able to get out of my head for a while. It looks like the future is only going to get brighter for the young star and with her sweet, soulful vocals it is no wonder she has already played alongside the likes of Ed Sheeran.

To buy on Itunes go to: https://itun.es/gb/et8xab

Single Review - The Hunna / We Could Be

Written by Sal Wilcox

Dressed in an uniform of skinny jeans tight enough to cut off circulation, combined with happy-go-lucky vibes, it won't be long until The Hunna have an army of fourteen year old proto-indie girls worshipping them on Instagram. I can envisage them taking over The 1975's role of bridging the next generation to alternative music, breaking free from the restrictive currents of the mainstream.

Their latest track 'We Could Be' is the stereotypical indie rock-pop song. Is it revolutionary? Not in the slightest. Is it catchy? Very much so.

The song is mainly driven by the sing-along vocals that conform to the indie trope (and arguably cop out) of reciting "ohhh ho ohhhh ho" in the chorus and pre-chorus, making the song very light-hearted and guaranteed to be stuck in your head for days. The looped, almost synth-esque, guitar loops is very delicate and reserved, whilst the percussion is incredibly cymbal orientated, heightening the easy going vibe of the song. All the musical components blend well together, but even in the big guitar solo, the sound is a little lacklustre. The lyric 'if it weren't for shit like you' gives the impression that the band are desperately trying to give the song a market-widening edge. Unfortunately it doesn't really work and just comes across a little clumsy and immature. It's like the musical equivalent of wearing navy blue trainers to school when you're only aloud plain black.

The track itself is a decent pop track, just lacks the wow factor. That being said, I'm sure it'll be adored by a slightly younger audience.

Single Review - The Sherlocks / Last Night

Written by Nathan Douthwaite
The Sherlocks’s have just released their track “Last Night”– now they’re kicking off a massive UK tour and it is the perfect excuse to review this song.

The band receive mixed reviews all over the place, with some people hating on them and some claiming their the UK’s next best thing, it’s hard to form your own opinion when everyone else overshares theirs.

However “Last Night” is an interesting track, it opens with this massive drum beat that helps to create the massive dance-floor-filler this song aims to create.

The vocals, which have a certain tone that is now associated with the group, are a massive focus point of the song as they overlay the thrashy guitars in the background.

The song talks about “Last night, can you remember?” symbolising a drunk night out and the problems that arise when you’ve drank too much.

It’s a song that you expect The Sherlock’s to produce and that’s not necessarily a bad thing, as you can tell the band are trying to set their sound in stone before moving onto releasing an album.

Even if you aren’t a fan of the band it is hard not to admit that this song is well wrote, well performed and well produced.

Of course if you do love The Sherlocks then it’s the perfect release! The band are now on a UK tour, you can catch them here: http://thesherlocksmusic.co.uk/our-gigs/

'Last Night'

Single Review - Lisbon / Vice

Written by Sal Wilcox

I first heard Lisbon during my middle school end of term music concert. Even back in the day of strict school uniforms, they were still the headliners (our Head of Music insisted). I've seen them progress as a band from playing the North Shields YMCA (free or £1 entry lads) to supporting Eliza and the Bear to having their own UK Tour. It's weird seeing your mum's friend's nephew become "THE So-and-So from Lisbon". Unfortunately, their sound hasn't really matured or changed since 2013, when they decided to rip off Foals' album 'Holy Fire' within an inch of its life. I've called Lisbon "lyrically limited" and "predictable" more times than I will ever admit. I lost all interest in the band as they'd become repetitive and a bit boring.

However, their latest single 'Vice', is bloody good. As much as it pains me to say so - hats off to you lads.

The track opens with a quirky percussion sound, it is similar to glass bottles, resembling a makeshift version of the intro to 'Walk this way'. It's then elevated by beefy bass and an infectiously catchy guitar hook. Front man and vocalist Varty shows a new tone to his usually unpolished vocals, channeling a more soulful and higher pitched side to his voice. He's much more controlled, allowing the track to adopt a really suave funk-pop vibe. Throughout the verses snippets of synth and guitar riffs are subtly woven in, giving the song a contrapuntal texture that is really pleasing and interesting to listen to. The track has this really full and rich sound and it's clear that it's been well produced.

In brief: it's just a really solid pop song and without a doubt, Lisbon's best work so far.

To listen to the full track, click the link below -

https://soundcloud.com/wearelisbon/vice-2

EP Review - Shoot The Poet / Debut EP

Written by Adam Gallagher

Come the 1st of April, the five piece from Hartlepool that go by the name of 'Shoot The Poet' will have released their debut EP. I have to say, it's possibly the best four tracks I've heard from a local band in quiet a while.

The first track to be played is 'Feel For You'. The opening of the song has some very catchy guitar chords, a high tempo and with the introduction of a steady drum beat, they certainly have created the sounds of a fantastic single. Overall it is a well structured song, with a solid chorus that anyone can sing along to.

'Little By Little' is the second song on the EP, following on from 'Feel For You', the tempo is carried on through to this song. The repetitiveness of the lyrics "little by little" are the main talking point of this song. Many bands and singers sometimes get it wrong with over use of the word, but Shoot The Poet have managed to keep that balance just right,  to the point where you end up loving the song as a whole.

Shoot The Poet certainly have created a four track EP that showcases how talented these indie rockers from Hartlepool are and I don't think that is highlighted any brighter than in the song 'Hold'. With the opening woooo's, the beginning the song has a summery feel to it. It is slightly slower than the previous two songs but never the less, it's a different angle of music from the band. As the song develops further, it produces a section that without a doubt when performed live, allows the crowd to sing along with the boys.

The final song on this epic four track EP is 'The Mythical Sea'. It is without a doubt rockier than the other songs and it has a heavier bass feel throughout. There is a part of the song where the tempo is slowed down and allows the power and talent to be shown in lead singer Dom's voice. It is a very different sound that the band have produced but it shows that they can certainly change their style of sound and still come out with a song that undoubtably their fan base will still love.

Overall, the EP is a success in my eyes. You can tell throughout the band have worked hard at producing this and have taken their time when it comes to actually fine tuning each song. The boys will be proud of what they have produced and so they should be, it's an EP that I am certainly excited to get my hands on.

If you want to get your hands on Shoot the Poet's debut EP, head to the Studio in Hartlepool on April the 1st, where the boys will be putting on a gig with support, to celebrate their release date.

Facebook - www.facebook.com/shootthepoet
Twitter - @ShootThePoetUk

Video Review: Fatherson - Lost Little Boys

Written by Hannah Pebbles

2 years after Fatherson released an album, they are back with their second single 'Lost Little Boys', joining their previously released track 'Always' upon their upcoming album 'Open Book' - due for release June 3rd via Easy Life/Sony RED. 

The Kilmarnock (Scotland) boys have been busy since signing to Sony last year with work on their new studio album and supporting Prides on their European tour. 

'Lost Little Boys' bangs into life on the drums, bass and guitar come in all guns blazing before lead singer Ross Leighton calms everything down, sets the mood and then blasts into the catchy hook.

Leighton is a brave rock singer when his voice is fully exposed in the middle-eight, only accompanied by a muted guitar. It's his voice that I feel brings power to the songs and is one of the band's biggest strengths when combined with the musicianship, lyrical content and toe-tapping rhythms. 

The video for this single is one word. Emotional. Let me explain...

The opening scene shows beautiful Scottish landscapes, what I can imagine to be filmed on a drone around the hillside, moving on to a man and female frolicking in the cold Scottish sea. This scene is the first indication of a relationship between them, they look like they are in love and happy and then BOOM. It moves to the same man once kissing his girlfriend to him in his car, pulling up to the side of the road where flowers are left on the ground to mark respects for a girl who had previously been killed there. Yes, you guessed it. His girlfriend. His best friend, looking ... puts his arm around him for comfort as they look down at her picture ... And so it begins...
Continuously changing from flashbacks to present time to paint the scene for the watcher, it quickly hits us how emotional this video is. But things turn sour quickly and we begin to feel a different emotion. We start to see that same man who once put his arm around his best friend in a time of grief looking suspiciously attracted to his best friend's girlfriend in flashback scenes. The plot thickens...

Whilst looking through a box of his girlfriends belongings that she had left behind, he finds her phone. And on her phone he finds messages from his best friend to his girlfriend and it all kicks off. Angrily, he grabs and punches his best friend in the face (rightly so.) He then abandons him and drives off, leaving his best friend to find his own way home through the countryside. Knuckles bleeding and screaming in pain he drives to the hillside and pulls over, stepping out with his urn. Just as he goes to scatter the ashes off the
edge, he stops to remember his girlfriend. Regardless of what he just found out, he still loves her. A powerful moment.

The last scene shows his best friend catching up with him and finding him standing at the edge. He runs up to him, apologises and puts his arm around him. Then, together, now complete in their trio once again, he scatters her ashes over the edge. The symbolism here is stunning; letting go. This scene is arguably the most stunning throughout the video. Shot on a drone overlooking the scattering and passing by, it is nothing short of beautiful. 

The video as a whole is a great accompaniment to the song. It's powerful when it needs to be and slows down when the time is right. Watch it here and see for yourself: 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R39qJpRJz-w

Gig Review - The Ben Miller band, Heather Story + Michael Gallagher / Whirling Dervish (TSOne)

Written by Adam Gallagher

It was the first gig of 2016 for Whirling Dervish at TSone where they had three acts who were performing for the first time at this venue.

First up was Michael Gallagher, one man and his guitar. This man can create sounds that many guitarists can only dream of, his vocals mixed with the slight country rock sound that was echoing throughout his set was certainly something different from what we normally see at Whirling Dervish. At the start of the evening, it seemed as if Michael had slight nerves but as the set went on, he grew in confidence, blasting out his own material mixed with a couple of covers, two tracks that really stood out from his set were his cover of Rolling Stones single 'Get off of my cloud' and his final song, his own track 'Love To Lose'. Michael reminded me of Jake Bugg with the material which would have made Jake's second album an actual success.

Michael's Setlist

YesterdaySomeday / The Strokes cover
Loose Touch
Hopeless Love
Get off my Cloud / Rolling Stones cover
God Knows
Cocoon / Catfish and the Bottlemen cover
Love to Lose

To listen to Michael's tracks click the link below -

https://soundcloud.com/michaelstephengallagher

Up next on the stage was a young lady who goes by the name of Heather Story. She echoed the same format as Michael, with a guitar in her hands, but created a different sound all together. A solid performance throughout her set. She has soothing vocals yet at the same time so powerful. The stand out song was 'Call Me Blue', I found myself getting really into her music, to the point where I was really amazed that her set was over in a matter of songs.

Heather's Setlist

Give it Soul
Call Me Blue
Street walker 
I Don't Mind
Forever and a Year
Too Late
Goin to Hell

To listen to Heather's material and keep up to date with what 2016 has in store for her, head over to her Facebook -

https://www.facebook.com/heatherstorymusic/

After two great supports, up stepped The Ben Miller band, or as the crowd knew them for the night 'Ben Miller and the Ladz'. Ben opened with the very catchy 'Christmas Jumper'. It was an upbeat track that was about love, something you don't normally get nowadays. Ben had certainly put together a strong setlist, one song that certainly did the crowd excited was 'Your Love'. When Ben announced he was about to perform the song, the crowd certainly did get excitement. Personally, I really enjoyed watching him perform 'Wrecking Ball', no not the Miley Cyrus track, the Ben Miller band's track.

Bass, drums, acoustic guitar and even an egg shaker. It all worked well and it was a perfect act to round off a very good evening, showcasing three acts that I had not seen live before.

The Ben Miller band's setlist

Christmas Jumper Honeymoons When we Marry Wrecking Ball Bring it on home to me (Sam Cooke cover) Your Love Little Deaths

Single Review - The Hunna / She's Casual

Written by Adam Gallagher

The Hunna, from the big city of London have recently being on tour with Coasts, they performed this song on that tour, that was when I began to fall in love with this song. 'She's Casual' is a catchy track, that gets you drawn in from the off. It opens with a softly sung opening few lines from lead singer Ryan Potter.


The drum beat and the guitar mix so well to produce a track that will no doubt get stuck in your head for days. It is refreshing to hear a different sound nowadays, something that goes against the grain of other artists trying to make it in the big leagues.


The range of Ryan's vocals have been shown within this track and I think that is one of the key points as to why I rate this song. Soft and quiet to this raw and loud vocal accompanied by the great sound that is produced by Daniel, Jack and Jermaine.


The Hunna are on to a winner with this single. I expect them to go to the next level in 2016. I am excited by what music they've already produced and also very much looking forward to what sounds they can bring into the new year.

Single Review - Serinette / Routine of the Week

Written by Adam Gallagher

Serinette, a 5 piece pop band from Middlesbrough have hit the nail right on the head with this song, 'Routine of the Week'.

Not only does it start with opening bars that are truly unique, so unique in fact, you're able to identify it within the first few seconds of playing. Serinette have made sure that it is also layered with a sound that you'll find yourself tapping your foot with a certain swagger.

It only gets better from there. You've got a sound that will wet anyones appetite, throw in the additional vocals, which are provided by lead singer Louise Radford, you've certainly got a song that not only is music to your ears but it also dips into both genres of Pop and Indie. They've been able to find a tempo that is high through the entirety of the song. What doesn't go a miss either, is from start to finish, you can sense the effort that Serinette have put into this single. The hard work that the band have put into this track, is the main reason as to why we love this track so much. It is a track that establishes Serinette not only as one of the best bands to be produced from Middlesbrough, but also the pop masters of the mighty town. Who knows if they keep producing material such as 'Routine of the Week', then there is no doubt in my mind that Serinette can go on to bigger and better things.

'Routine of the Week'

Single Review - Idle Violets / Gunslinger

Written by Hannah Pebbles

I pressed play and as soon as that guitar kicked in, who did I think of? The Black Keys. Brilliant. That’s a pretty good start, right? And the vocals by lead singer Joel Clayton contributed to also sounding like Queens of the Stone Age. Another good (great) place to be! When I checked their Facebook page
(https://www.facebook.com/idleviolets.band?fref=ts) it seems that I am not the only one who likened them to these bands.

The trio based in Middlesbrough have made a lot of noise over the internet, and enough to hold my interest in the band. Clayton’s gritty and rough vocals throughout Gunslinger soars over the electrifying riffs from his guitar, whilst Richard Federkiel’s bass accompanies it beautifully, holding the rhythm throughout the song.

The song is split into 3 distinct sections making for a dramatic and emotional song, to which each section is sublime, taking you on a musical journey.

The song that the trio have produced is a song which requires your loudest volume and will sound great as you are driving (which is exactly where I will be playing it). A song of this caliber would hold up to the standards of a large arena – filling the room in its entirety. ‘Gunslinger’ had my foot tapping the whole time and the guitar riffs with grunginess makes the whole song a winner.
The single was released on the 19th of September, which is a release from their new EP due out October 29th.

Watch the video for their track Gunslinger here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pvj-Vk-4fs8&feature=youtu.be

Single Review - Lord Swans / Tracks

Written by Nathan Douthwaite

Lord Swans, a solo artist who has had recognition from BBC Introducing and BBC Radio 6.

His real name, Matthew Bulmer, has a backing band of three other members. The group have been compared to bands such as Biffy Clyro and Pulled Apart by Horses.

However on his newest track taken from their debut EP “Tracks” and titled the same, Lord Swans brings a fresher sound.
The indie pop ballad is a build-up of synths and instruments that burst into a massive pop chorus.
There is an underlying rock guitar that sits playing its powerful riff throughout the song.

Bulmer’s vocals resonate that of Bastille, sitting well over the backing music to the track.
Towards the end, the song explodes into its final chorus with Bulmer chanting his well worked lyrics.

The sparkly synths and big riff come to a climatic close with a simple cut off.
“Tracks” sets any Lord Swans fan up in excitement for the release of his debut EP.

Gig Review - The Sherlocks, First Family & Davey Bandman / Shine Like A Star 12th Birthday (KU Bar)

Written by Adam Gallagher

Photo by Phil Harrison

Friday 2nd October, Stockton a peaceful town, that is until the street lights begin to beam down on to the concrete. That's when the mayhem began, KU Bar opened it doors, for officially twelve years of the weekly event 'Shine Like A Star'.

Twelve years and still been able to bring the crowd through the door for some amazing bands. This time round it was Middlesbrough very own, Davey Bandman to open the show. They brought the  northern swagger, charm and humbleness, that they have produced several times before, but this time it seemed like the boys had stepped it up even further on this momentous occasion. They were fantastic through the set, it's not very often that you go see a band so many times and their performance is fantastic every single time, but Davey Bandman are that band that truly do that.

It's not very often that a band first on can cause the crowd to start dancing and singing along with them. Davey Bandman ticked both of them boxes. Opening with Tall Trees was always going to be a crowd pleaser, throw in 'Leave Me Lie', 'Every River' and the ever favourite cover of 'Addicted to Bass' and the crowd were certainly treated to Davey Bandman at their finest.

Davey Bandman setlist
- Tall Trees
- Leave Me Lie
- Paper Planes
- Come Home
- Every River
- Jenny
- Addicted To Bass


Next upon the stage that truly has had the presence of legendary bands were First Family, looking like they had just came from helping Sean Meadows film the newest series of This Is England, the four piece indie-pop band had travelled all the way from London, virtually unknown to the North East crowd, but it all changed once they blasted out their opening song 'In The Red'. The opening vocals from lead singer Aaron Dollimore set the tone of the evening, surprisingly shocking the crowd, the crowd in return responsed in a positive manner and carried on where Davey Bandman left them all, dancing and enjoying the evening.

The band played their full first EP 'All Is Fair' in the set, which was made up of four tracks 'Next X', 'When The Night Comes', 'Hope & Love' and 'No Surprise'. Add the tasty treats of 'Set Sail' and 'Young Foolish' and you can understand why KU wanted the boys to perform on such a big evening.

First Family setlist

- In The Red
- Next X
- When The Night Comes / Afterglow
- Young Foolish
- Set Sail
- Hope And Love
- No Surprise

Photo by Phil Harrison

The crowd were certainly in full voice by the time Simon Shaw stepped onto the stage and introduced The Sherlocks on to the stage. The response was phenomenal, for a band that is still unsigned, yet able to create so much hype over the past year is remarkable and to have them celebrate KU's 12th birthday was the cherry on top of what truly was a fantastic night.

They opened their set with the single 'Escapade', with the crowd jumping up and down from the off, it wasn't long for everyone involved to understand how this night was going to end, with everyone wanting more. With arms raised, some accompanied with the beautiful sight of reds stripes and a few even with the very dodgey decision to go wild on the VK's, never the less, everyone was in full music mood and they certainly helped lead singer Kiaran by singing/shouting along with him.

The one track that stood out for me was the newest single 'Heart of Gold'. This is the track the boys themselves hope can get them in to the top 40, we can understand why they believe this. It is a track that somehow wets everyone's whistles.

The perfect decision was made by The Sherlocks, to end the evening with the ever so famous track 'Chasing Shadows', it was certainly one evening the crowd, KU and the bands involved will forget in a hurry.

The Sherlocks setlist
- Escapade
- Last Night
- Was It Really Worth It?
- You've Made A Mistake
- Step Inside
- Motions
- Live For The Moment
- Blue
- Heart Of Gold
- Chasing Shadows

Overall, the evening was a massive success, massive credit to KU Bar for yet again proving to everyone, that Shine Like A Star is were it is at on a Friday evening in regards to live music.

Happy 12th Birthday Shine Like A Star, here's to many more!