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Mind you, vocalist Warren may be asking this of their guitarist who, due to the combination of a restricted playing space and a packed crowd, is almost sat on someone’s lap.
Far from being irked at this inconvenience, the band is revel in the level of intimacy. Their initially gentle beats wash out and seep across the floor; three minute fluffy pop is not what The Jannocks are about. Growing in intensity and density, each tune builds and sways on a tide of rhythm and percussion for as long as they feel it takes.
Young British Artists
With more urgency and passion than a FA Cup semi final, they bring each number to a rousing climax that has those witnessing them for the first time chanting for more.
Rightly tipped amongst the promising crop of talent emerging from Manchester, Young British Artists occupy the angry guitar end of the musical spectrum.
Their bull horn speakers’ hang from the mic stand almost like an extra member to the unit, as the distorted, disenfranchised vocals are matched to the distorted, squealing guitars. Frustration and aggression are on display as guitars are squeezed and throttled for all they are worth, before the calm then follows the storm.
Rook and the Ravens
Whilst Phil Spector may be taking a sabbatical from producing records for a bit, his ‘wall of sound’ ethos lives on within Rook and the Ravens. It’s not so much an ‘everything plus the kitchen sink’ type of drama, but they do like a ‘big’ sound, one that can fill every nook and cranny of a venue.
On a warm spring evening like tonight, they provide sunshine pop ideal for the occasion, but then to prove they are more than a one trick pony, they drop into an almost countrified, bluesy segment.
Swapping vocalists dependant upon the style and feel of the number, it’s always controlled and passionate, and never strained. Managing to avoid hitting each other with their instruments, they depart to an appreciative applause.