Taking a look around the Wedgewood Rooms this evening and there was almost a clear divide in those in attendance. In one direction the young age of both tonight’s bands would be reflected in their audience, a turn towards the back of the room and plenty of Ralph Lauren polo shirts indicated the headliners appeal to that of an older mod revival.
Hot on the heels of appearances at both Reading and Leeds Festivals it was Blaenavon that opened proceedings, the Liss/Liphook three-piece indicated the Wedge to in fact be their homecoming show – even if they’re based only a stones through away from the big smoke.
They’re a band that appear to be caught in two minds, seemingly influenced by the moodiness of Morrissey and the Smiths whilst at the same time Blaenavon aren’t afraid to descend into a noisey crash ending.
It is however a combination that worked really well, singer Ben Gregory has a vocal delivery ahead of his years on tracks such as new single “Let’s Pray”, but turn the amps up a notch and they turn into an impressive 90’s grunge outfit with guitars and hair flying around the stage.
When The Sherlocks came on it was soon apparent they have gained a bit of a cult following and certainly oozed confidence because of it. The four piece have a natural bond, consisting of two sets of brothers and clearly set out to play the music they love – although it’s difficult not to get passed referencing the award winning Arctic Monkeys.
One or two songs may sound a little too similar to each other but the audience didn’t seem to mind, there was a small pit down the front and their fan base would happily sing-a-long to songs such as “Heart of Gold”. Unlike the band before them it was The Sherlocks first visit to the Wedgewood Rooms and as the lads ended on “Chasing Shadows” there was an air of something bigger on the horizon.
It has to be said though, take away the impressive job carried out by the lighting crew and would The Sherlocks have had quite the same impact… well that remains to be seen. Either way the chance to check out two up and coming bands sharing the bill on a Monday night, what is there not to enjoy about that?
