In what was likely to be one of the last gigs of the year, the Edge of Wedge sold out in advance. After all there’s far more to Xmas nights out than the awkward end of year works party. It was also to be one of an eclectic mix, opening up with Cyprian Sceptre.
The acoustic based 4 piece made a nice change to many nights that occur in the intimate venue. Their folky tunes followed somewhere between Frank Turner and a stripped-down Gogol Bordello, not traditional folk but not necessarily too far removed. The room was filling up nicely and although Cyprian Sceptre could have done with being a little louder, they were still an intriguing listen.
When it reached the late ‘90s singer/guitarist Chris Perrin was on the verge of the big time with rock band Thirst. It seems so long ago now, but every few years Perrin pops up with a new outfit and continues to prove himself as a successful songwriter, this time around launching Fainites.
With song structures and a guitar style that thrive on his younger days, there’s something of a comfortable sense of local nostalgia for us older members of the audience. There may not be any Thirst era material being played, but tracks such as “Numbers and Figures” still have the same feel about them. As for the novelty Xmas ending, with a cover of boy band East 17 hit single “Stay Another Day”, the guys surprisingly managed to make it sound like one of their own.
Somewhat louder and noisier it was Horseflies up next, these guys would normally be on more of a hardcore line-up, but that didn’t mean they took it easy on tonight’s crowd. They’re one of those bands that are always consistent and show a genuine appreciation for all those involved. Even if you’re not into the screaming and loud music, it’s hard to deny Horseflies are damn good at it.
With Horseflies proving a difficult act to follow it was down to the Stayawakes to finish the night. These guys have the Teenage Fanclub/Pixies indie-rock mastered, more of a polished sound than the band before them but just as captivating live. The set ended with a couple of covers, although not of the novelty kind. Last song of the evening being a track by American Indie band Superchunk, not a group I’m overly familiar with but it’s safe to say the Stayawakes did them justice.
The Stayawakes
