Friday night's gig at Tenby Rugby Club was a huge success, with a fine mix of live young bands. First up were the Zulus, a lively confident trio who entertained the crowd with a mix of Indie covers, including songs from 'The Libertines' and 'The Buzzcocks'. Towards the end of the set, the crowd demanded 'Raoul' and the band complied with their spot-on version of 'The Automatic's' current chart hit. Tom MacClough on bass proved also to be a very strong lead vocalist, with the other two lads, Ben Wilson on drums and Kieran Owen on lead guitar, providing great back-up. Their own song, 'Last Orders', also proved that they have the ability to produce their own material along with the crowd-pleasing covers.
Next up were Pembrokeshire College band Winch House Cutie, but not before a brief acoustic fill-in duet featuring Liam Watkins, My Significant Other's front man, along with the talented Steve Rowe, with their very original version of 'Hey There Delilah' by 'The Plain White T's'. Beautifully harmonised, with a nice light touch on the acoustic guitar.
Winch House Cutie, comprising Jack Merrony on bass, Alex Williams on lead guitar and lead vocals, and Aaron Williamson on drums and backing vocals, brought a very supportive crowd of their own, but had made many new fans and friends by the end of the evening. It was hard to believe they had only been playing together for a shortwhile, as their songs, mostly their own, were performed confidently and with verve. 'Let Me In', their last song, really stood out as a jewel amongst an already glittering set. The crowd loved it and showed their appreciation accordingly.
Next followed a stunning little acoustic/electric number featuring MSO's bassist, the gorgeous Paul Hodge, and the shy, but hugely talented Joel Pendell, with their own version of 'Mr Bigg's' 'To Be With You'. They were joined spontaneously by MSO's lead guitarist, the rugged yet cuddly Mr. Joe Lewis on guitar, crowd member Alex Walsh and WHQT's Jack Merrony on backing vocals, which worked surprisingly well.
Main band, My Significant Other, were itching to get on and do what they do best. Having been together for just over a year, these boys now play a very solid set made up of pretty much all their own music with a few covers, notably 'Reel Big Fish's' 'Beer' accompanied by resident dancers, Steve Rowe and Lloyd Ayris (Naked Lloyd).
They opened with their now well-known opening instrumental number, 'Introduction to a New World', although at first their lead guitarist could be 'heard and not seen'. Joe Lewis had gone 'walkabout' with his wireless amp and was playing away 'mid-audience', much to the crowd's delight! Paul Hodge provided a solid bass line throughout, particularly on 'All In All', which has a great 'funk' feel to it. Jordan Watkins, as always, was stunning on drums, and grows in confidence with every gig. For such a young lad, he has mastered the ability to get the crowd's attention with some amazing work with the sticks.
Joe Lewis is a boy who really knows how to rock and wowed the crowd with some remarkable solos on lead guitar, while lead singer and rhythm guitarist, Liam Watkins, appeared to be thoroughly enjoying himself. His vocals were strong, yet melodic, and the wealth of new material demonstrates his ability as a lyric writer. Their determination to play their own material is paying off, with the crowd singing along to several of their songs, particularly 'Back Home', which seems to have become a firm favourite. A surprise rocked up version of Gina G's 'Ooh Aah Just a Little Bit' sent the audience into a frenzy and was later repeated as an encore, insisted upon by the mosh pit. The boys closed their set with another favourite, 'Dead', an energy fuelled rock number to end an electric night. Bruce Campbell, of Winderton Studios, New Hedges, always a keen supporter of young talent, did a great job on sound. My Significant Other will shortly be recording their first mini CD with him up at the studios, so watch this space. All three bands played exceptionally well and kept the lively and appreciative crowd entertained all night.
If you missed the gig, don't worry, all of the bands can be seen at Jammo's Nightclub in Penally on Friday, February 23, when they will be supporting 'The Youngstaz'. Tickets are £5, £6 on the door, and can be bought from Andrew Hopper on 07920 100647 or from Liam on 01834 814750.