First on (unless I missed a band) were Pretty Bricks, which consisted of the lead singer/guitarist Jake Wheeler and enthusiastic shot-drinking drummer Russell Joslin. Considering there's only the two of them, they manage to stir up a quite impressive rock and roll racket that actually sounds rather accessible. Unshaven, with straggly blonde hair and a somewhat thrown together Americana look, you can quite easily imagine Jake busking the tube stations into the cold Christmas nights.. and he exhibits the sheer talent of someone who can really belt out a good song and guitar in any situation. Although he barely glances at the audience at all during the performance (and only speaks fairly modestly between songs) this guy oozes talent, a confederate soldier making his last stand while the drummer fires the guns from behind.
A really solid act, performed with a dedicated passion.. sounding a little like some refugee time travelling rocker from the dirty side of 80's glam rock.. not the usual fair for a venue like Old Blue.