WORDS JANET HARDING / IMAGES LEE HARMAN
My first event of 2024 and it’s a good one, a pure celebration of local talent. My home town of Warrington which I can proudly say has an abundance of creative talent, at the iconic and historic Parr Hall, a taster if you like ,a showcase of carefully selected bands, artists and musicians with a promise of more to come at the actual Warrington Music festival later this year. A full and varied line up, all from this or the surrounding area, and every act a worthy and valuable offering in this day into night showcase which salutes grass roots music.
The Odeens
My first time seeing the Odeens, but I’m hooked already. A melting pot of sounds and influences, all cleverly constructed into a commanding sound that grabs you from the opening bars! Snappy, then hard hitting beats, catchy guitar riffs, soaring bass and a vocal that alternates between a haunting Morrissey tone and a rasping grate worthy of any rock star. Nonstop performance, as a band they are mesmerising to watch and the front man throws himself around the stage(a gift for any writer or photographer). I’m really very impressed, loving these sounds, new favs ? Could be!
The Hillocks
Last time I saw the Hillocks I was impressed, so I’m happy to be seeing them again! This band truly get lost inside of what they do, in a musical world, atmosphere is created and it’s a lively set. Very popular with the crowd and bouncing has begun up front. Indie rock with a real prog rock feel soundwise and very well worth going to see live.
Total shift in direction now, and during this set we are genuinely whisked away to another world, in feels, sound and performance. Shimmering, atmospheric, uplifting and dreamlike, then jangly, very’ the Cure’ like guitars, early 80 s feels, even Cocteau Twins like at times. There’s a real juxtaposition, the uplifting, hazy feels of the music then the angst in the vocal, filled with longing; it’s spine tingling and utterly mesmerising. This set was stand out for me at this event, beguilingly brilliant, musically fascinating and a performance to match;you just can’t tear your eyes away from the stage, these guys appear to float almost ethereal like! Very immersive – go get wrapped up in this spell binding musical dream, go see the Lunar Youth.
I first saw RiTcH at last year’s Warrington Music Fest and was immediately taken by his presence and performance. A solo artist, performing a mixture of original rap to backing tracks and acoustic guitar covers and originals. Such a crowd pleaser, this set; up tempo with banging beats and a lively and very genuine performance. Catchy songs, quirky feeling, very confident, think Jamie T . The vocal is a joy to listen to when singing but for me RiTcH is all about the spoken word/rap element – show stopping and totally natural. Excellent set, this guy’s a musical fire ball!
Belmont and the Stocks
From the get go this set rocks! Swallowing up this venue with stage presence, there s a real retro 70 s feel about this whole thing, and we love it! Boundless energy, hair shaking, bopping, our front man gives off real Mark Bolan feels. Sound is fast paced, up tempo, stomps. bouncing and feel good, you just wanna dance around. Glam rock, 70 s rock n roll. it’s all within this sound but there’s a cool edge modernness. Watchable and likeable with catchy, ‘ wanna hear more’ songs – another of my favourite sets!
I love this band, they just bring it each and every time. Stage presence is immense and as always the performance is very tight. A modern, indie rock feel, electrifying, honestly blows your socks off! Very comfortable on this big stage in a big venue and filling every inch of it, leaping and striding about and climbing on the drum platform. Songs are edgy, yet shimmering, punchy and leave you wanting more. Drum beats are fired out, guitars soar and vocal has a rasp but then becomes mellow. Out and out top rate set! Another show stopper from Syfta!
Parlours
Another total change in sound right here! It’s indie rock but it’s rockier, if that’s a thing, Think early 90s Oasis, think swagger, think hard beat. We’ve got it all, with an added element. We’ve got wilds! This theme runs throughout, one banging set, 100 mph charging through this venue. Everyone is toe tapping, dancing or bouncing. Real nostalgic feels delivered with prowess and very tight and well rehearsed. Love, love, love this type of sound. Brilliant set, I’ll be looking out for Parlours!
I’ve seen Standin Man enough times to know that we’re in for a scorcher of a set! Even so, when our band musically and energetically explode onto our stage, I’m still taken aback by the sheer musical force these guys posses. This is rock n roll in its purest and best form; these guys are rock stars, end of. A spiraling swirl of psychedelia that wraps itself around us and keeps us there right until the last notes and instruments are put down. Our band members sway, swing guitars, drums are battered and there s leaping about on stage throughout, culminating in our front man throwing himself high into the air from the drum platform, legs kicking, guitar held high! Sounds are engulfing, encompassing, uplifting and anthemic; it all feels huge, like something’s coming, an energetic shift is on its way. A stadium worthy performance once again! Breathtaking musically and mind blowing energy. The coolest dudes in rock n roll, surely? If real solid rock n roll with a 60s vibe is your thing then you NEED to get some Standin Man in your life! Go get some! I love Standin Man just a bit more each time I see them!
FOLLOW STANDIN MAN
FOLLOW SYFTA
FOLLOW RiTcH
FOLLOW LUNAR YOUTH
My life is a soundtrack, i track my life through music, photography is my passion, my escape, my expression. Without both i have pieces missing, thankfully i’m blessed and get to combine both.
Born in Manchester, lived in Australia for 22 years where i was heavily involved in the Australian Music Industry, firstly in bands (Singer) and then managing bands (all original), I moved back to the UK, Wales specifically 10 years ago
