Added on behalf of Emma Ward
Stowaways:
To kick off the 2012 Wedgewood Rooms Showcase, Stowaways took to the stage and despite a small crowd, they played as if the venue was packed. The duo from Gosport were an excellent opening act, setting the bar for the others to match with foot tappingly good beats and riffs. Their sound was great and strong as if it wasn’t just them on stage! The consistent back beat of a confident drummer matched the talented guitarist, fitting perfectly with the unique vocals.
(Influences – Blink 182, Yuck)
Second up was Equinox, a local six piece formed on a South Downs College course, jumping straight into a promising set. With strong upfront guitars throughout complimenting the great and powerful vocals, Equinox raised the bar exceedingly high! Screams intertwined with the well written lyrics brought them out immediately as strong competition for all. A nice greeted touch of accompaniment from an old friend of Tom’s (vocals), the talented Iiona on ‘Frames’ showed the exactly what they’re made of. Finishing on their soon to be released single was an excellent choice giving them an amazing chance. A definite crowd pleaser, and I wouldn’t advise missing them!
(Influences – Anything from Rock to post hardcore.)
Then it was The Uptights from Southampton, hailing influences of the oldies like The Who. They stepped up to match the performance of Equinox with great guitars rolling with the talents of the drums and impressively strong vocals/gang vocals. The bass brought the tracks up to a pinnacle point hitting out to the crowd with power. Their music really taking you back and fit for all ages and music tastes, they riddled the venue with cracking rhythms making your foot tap along happily with the odd head bop added in.
Next to the stage was One for Monday……a local band that have been together for only three months! Pulling the crowd in straight away with strong bass emphasising the drums against the well played rhythm guitar and skilled vocals. It was unnoticeable to the crowd that a member was missing because the members pulled together excellently and because of how strong the tracks they threw at the audience were. A definite band to catch soon!
And last but not least to please the crowd and the ever present and eager judges was Creatures from Fareham and Bognor Regis. Bringing us the drummer with the best hair of they night they rounded it all off with a bit of a bang, never faltering and keeping people’s feet more than tapping. Easily hitting the high set bar from earlier, the drums rang out alongside the playful but strong guitar. With the brilliant vocals and tight bass these guys did not fail to please; especially not me coming in at being, for tonight’s show, the-must-see-band!
After a bit of tense waiting, the winner for the first heat of this years showcase was announced. Calling Equinox back to the stage they made great winners. All bands played exceptionally well who all deserved to be there giving a great and enjoyable night of music. Until the next heat!
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