24th January 2014
The Harrowbrooks at Firebug
with The Deadshoot, Linear and Spartan Skyline
Photos by © Kevin Gaughan
This night of really good music was produced by WakeUp Leicester
Despite a wet and windy night, it was gratifying to see a large audience gathered in the upstairs hall of Firebug for this line-up of local bands.
The show was opened by the five members of Spartan Skyline; the band’s set list included a cover of Smooth Criminal (originally by Michael Jackson, 1987) but also in the version by Alien Ant Farm, 2001). Spartan Skyline delivered plenty of energy and attack from their free-standing lead vocalist Dave Mathews. A set with ear-pleasing songs and attractive performance value, Spartan Skyline launched the evening in style
Watch this video of Spartan Skyline performing at tonight’s show.
Last year, Linear enjoyed success and established themselves as being one of the rising new breed of bands to grace the staged of their home town of Leicester. Armed with the distinctive voice of lead singer Jack Franklin, Linear ticked a large number of boxes for fans and promoters alike. It’s not just that Linear sounds good but they also have a richly enjoyable set of original songs; tonight they played Deebs song, K in Krush, Apprehend Sticks & stones, Find me in a field and Casting letters. It’s true that Jack Franklin’s voice sounds rather Morrissey but a lot of people seem to like that (he doesn’t sound like Steven Patrick all the time.) Linear’s music is like AC/DC stirred into Led Zeppelin and they came up with one sensational songs after another at tonight’s performance. If you can’t wait for their new EP to come out check out some of Linear’s songs on Soundcloud. Ninear’s set list for this gig: Deebs song, K in Krush, Apprehend, Sticks & stones, Find me in a field, Casting letters.
Leicester’s The Dead Shoot plays blues rock. The quartet is led by the amazing voice and stage show of singer Craig Bennett whose performance tonight sparkled with verve and packed a punch. The band’s song Denim Blues, part of tonight’s set, is available on their Facebook page. Free CDs were handed out, so I got one (produced by Black Box Recordings) having four tracks: Blue Mountain, Denim Blues, Three Times the Charm and Denise – I have lined up for my edition of Listening Post. Beltin’
Watch this video of The Deadshoot performing at tonight’s show.
Headlining tonight’s show was The Harrowrooks, four lads from Leicester who know how to rock. Lead singer Lewis Grewcock was in fine form tonight, helping the Leicester quartet to deliver a ripping set of rock ‘n’ roll songs fulled by their passion for Kasabian and Oasis, not forgetting the Stone Roses, The View, The Smiths… they certainly know where to get influences from. Topping off a night of solidly good music, The Harrowbrooks with strong vocals and plenty of rolling riffs, chanty choruses, thumping beats and enough power to light up a hosing estate. Music that rolls off the stage in waves you could surf. A set of varied songs with contrasting tempos and styles, they have a sound which is recognisable as their own. Excellent.
Photo Kevin Gaughan
See The Harrowbrooks on February 9th at Camden’s Fiddlers Elbow and February 22nd at the Fairfield Wigston when they will be supporting Ferris.
Watch this video of The Harrowbrooks performing at tonight’s show.
