the newts.net

Quality night last night as we drove down to the Springhead Pub in Willerby, Hull, to support the South Parade lads. It was the Best Original Band competition, but from the start we knew we were unlikely winners as the other two competing bands, local Hull bands Shindigg & Evenflow, filled the 280 capacity venue with their fans. Although the fans got to vote on their favourite band, there were 3 impartial judges who could cast a block vote of 75 votes to try and even up the fan bias.

1st on were the South Parade boys…

…With just 18 supporters making the journey to the wrong side of the bridge! 4 of which incidentally turned up just as the boys were packing up… Candice & Co…

…Still at least they made the effort unlike last minute cocker Wez who had to stay at home to oversee his mechanic brother change a car battery… Hmm?? Wez of slightly less than zero mechanical knowhow has to oversee a mechanic change a battery. Hmm :|

Anyway, It was a great venue that hosts live music EVERY night of the week. The sound system was fantastic and credit to the sound guys and gals. I think eyeryone agreed it was South Parade’s best performance yet. The band performed well and the quality sound system enriched their performance. Their set was varied, original and with a few small exceptions well executed. I know I seem to say this EVERY time but once again it was the song ‘BE’ that stood out for me. The lads are really nailing this one now and the harmonies were the best yet. I was impressed with James’s playing. Solo’s and lead licks are improving every time he plays live and I think the slightly toned down stage acting on lovebug contributed to a better musical performance. Shaun’s harmonies were spot on as was his playing. Tim… Well Tim’s tim int he. He needs no encouragement the crazy man. Afterall, a drummer who can turn up to a gig with no drums and just one drumstick lacks no confidence…

…Then there’s our kid. Oli played both acoustic and electric very well. His progression is rapid and the more time he spends playing the more technically competent he becomes. Oli’s best performance last night though was vocally. I have no qualms in saying that I believe he was the best voice of all 3 bands by quite some way. And not just me, we heard this from several other people at the gig, including fine compliments from other band members. Technically untrained, which may have to be the next port of call in his musical learning curve, he has a fantastic natural voice. The band scored 108 votes. A very fine effort and very respectable result.

2nd on the bill were local Hull band Shindigg…

Like South Parade they consisted of Lead, Rhythm & Vocals, Bass and Drums. Although their genre is a little hard to categorise, I’ve heard them described as funk metal / indie punk, and that about sums them up as good as I could. Not my favourite style of music, a little hard to hear the lyrics, and as such all their songs sounded very much alike. Pickiness over, technically I thought they were fantastic. They performed their set brilliantly and the musical construction of their songs was great. Credit to the lead guitarist, he was VERY very good. The mad cap bass player deserves a mention too, if just for his athletic stage workout!..

…A band of quality musicians, I’d have liked to heard more vocal elaboration and harmony from the other band members to add a little more richness to their performance, I’d also like to hear them play in their acoustic guise of Flatmates. With well over 300 votes Shindigg were worthy winners of this heat of the competition, and me and the South Parade lads wish them all the best in the rest of the competition. They’ll do well.

Final band on the bill were Evenflow…

…A four piece including acoustic rhythm, and like the first 2 bands… lead, bass and drums. I am presuming that being last on the set Evenflow must have brought an army of fans with them to beat Shindigg who brought close to 100. I wasn’t over enamoured by their high pitched somewhat ’squeeky’ lead singer, nor their rocky country style. I didn’t think the mouth organ did them any favours, other than to give the lead singer a DYLANesque look… but that’s where the similarity ended. Reasonably sound musicians who’s style will have it followers but not me I’m afraid. I think their 2nd place to Shindigg with 140 votes was a massive indication to how well South Parade performed to capture 108 votes with just 18 tickets sold.

Good luck to Simon’s band Sonic Purveyors who play in the 8th heat of the competition on Wednesday 21st April at the springhead. There’s a coach going to the gig (which includes FREE BEER on the coach!) so if anyone’s interested contact the South Parade boys here.