So this is The Wedgewood Rooms Showcase 2018, and what have we done? Well, after many heats in the smaller Edge Of The Wedge seeing many acts flogging their proverbial musical wears we came to the final which involved such a plethora of musical genres and depth, it blew the whole shebang wide open. I’m going to try and piece together bit by bit the night from the first note to the last, bare with me as I regale the tale...Onwards Marengo…
For those of us that like our music a little bit more gentle, a little bit more anecdotal and full of a little more acumen the first act of the night Matt English was on hand. Having seen him fill a room so effortlessly through sound in the heat stages Matt took the stage with ease, bringing everybody to his attention from his first chord. If you’re a fan of Bon Iver, Iron & Wine, Joe Purdy, Jack Johnson and a little bit Seasick Steve then Matt English is right up your boulevard, from gentle picking to pure acapella singing and the unfortunate technical issues which resulted in a more personal and intimate rendition of his “best song” (see picture) everyone became entwined. Though always off the cuff and always humorous Matt English possess such humbleness that you don’t see these days which is so refreshing, I personally cannot wait to see him grow in the local area and further afield.
Next up the the plate were Kayleigh Thomas & The Effectors, a young and very fresh pop-punk-esq band with hooks that come straight out of the playbook from early Paramore, Tonight Alive, Hey Monday and All Time Low. What was attuned from the off set was that although the ability to play instruments successfully was in abundance the overall stage confidence was not present, although the vocal glued every single part of the band together that little something that was missing continuously let the band down, lyrically Kayleigh Thomas is permeate and steeped in genius, if I could pick out a line I would but some were so well mastered and interweaved it is impossible. Kayleigh Thomas & The Effectors have the groundworks to build upwards and I would love to see them grow over the next year or so and come back bigger and stronger and take it to next run of The Showcase.
I’ve mentioned in previous Wedge Showcase reviews that the pure outpouring of talent that comes through the doors of The Wedgewood Rooms on a yearly basis is totally unbridled, I am honestly totally overwhelmed by the talent we contain on this little island that we populate, and even then some is still hidden in bedrooms and practice rooms in the city still waiting to spread its wings onto the stage and in front of a crowd. I could not be more prouder that year in and year out we give this opportunity to so many people to show what they can do and give them an outlet in which to showcase their abilities, a big massive well done to everyone that took part this year from me personally.
Up next were probably the oldest band of this years Showcase in the form of Fake Empire, a 3 piece that channeled New Order, The Chameleons, Fear Of Flying and The Editors into one beauteous bewailing. Polished and immaculate they hurled through their set at a blistering pace, by an inch of deafening bass or pounding drum beats while also connecting at every interval with the adorned ever growing crowd. Although I do feel like they should know better than to visit the well of the already known and emulate such sounds Fake Empire did what many could with their own twist and it worked at every single attempt. A band that could support any touring act and fill a local haunt at the drop of a top hat.
My ears were totally battered by this point, with the concentration span of a small mouse my ears quickly perked up at the sounds of Lobster Pot, a quirky art-pop-rock act fronted by a female, shock and a gasp that such thing could happen but what utter brilliance. Another very young band that sound like the now exiled Portsmouth Sci-Pop act Bear Cavalry, Alphabet Backwards, Good Shoes, Larrikin Love and Bromheads Jacket all rolled into a ball and thrown around a bit. From track to track it was clear that the band were more about having fun than taking things too seriously, enjoying the moment and opportunity to play a show on probably one of the most famous stages in the UK where many before them had cut their teeth, how refreshing that was to see. For me, they were the eye opener of the evening, and will most definitely go onto bigger things.
Last but very not least closing the night were Brother Deep, former The Wedgewood Rooms showcase veterans who seemingly had not moved a mile from their storming first entrance a year previously. Musically they sound a little like the indie bands from the noughties (think Twisted Wheel and Johnny Marr era Cribs) with a little Cults adding the psychedelia of Sleigh Bells for good measure. Ploughing through an already tried and tested set that was shortened due to time their set was faultless and tight throughout.
Regaled I have the tale of The Wedgewood Rooms Showcase 2018, to which we learn the victors and the spoils. This years overall winner were Brother Deep, and coming in second place were Fake Empire. As always and as I have mentioned already a big thanks to everyone that entered this year and gave me the pleasure of hearing your music, a big thanks to The Wedgewood Rooms for giving those bands and solo acts the opportunity to play, a massive well done to Mike Hartley & Dudley Stagpool for their continuing efforts into The Showcase, the bar staff for keeping people well watered and security for keeping everyone safe.
Live music is alive and well ladies and gentle folk, keep supporting your local music venues.
Until next year...
