It’s an unseasonably warm evening in Blackpool and if it’s hot outside, the temperature inside the Waterloo Music Bar, is through the roof, both literally and metaphorically. 

An air raid siren intro announces the arrival of local heroes A’Priori to the stage, the first of the three bands that make up tonight’s bill.  Boasting a somewhat unusual line-up configuration of guitar/vocals, drums and keyboard but no bass guitar, A’Priori ‘s sound is equal parts familiar and unusual all at the same time. On guitar, Tony Lang produces the first (but by no means the last) salvo of heavy riffing of the night, with his impassioned vocals sailing over the top. Second song ‘Shotgun Blues’ kicks the energy levels up a notch, and in its three and half contains more ideas than some bands have in their entire repertoire.  It quickly becomes evident that the lack of bass is by no means a hinderance, on the contrary, it appears that not having to stick to traditional conventions allows A’Priori to weave a broader more beguiling soundscape whilst still remaining true to, and rooted in its rock heritage. ‘Halo’ again shows the versatility of the band, with it’s quiet-loud-quiet sections, punchy staccato attack by Mouse on drums, and Mark Wilson’s dextrous keys.  It seems wrong somehow to single out individual members however, as this is truly a band effort, with each musician playing their role perfectly to create something greater than the sum of its parts.  Ending with a rousing ‘Wasted Years’ (not a cover of the Iron Maiden classic but their own cracking composition), the set was over before we knew it and left us wanting more. 

“Do you want heavy riffs?” demands White Raven Down’s Stu Bailey at the start of their set.  Unsurprisingly the answer is a resounding yes, and that’s precisely what the band give us, with a thick powerful sound. Unfortunately, just as the band are firing on all cylinders, building up momentum and only two songs in, a technical hitch with Stu’s mic brings proceedings to a grinding halt.  But to the band’s credit the way they deal with this unexpected setback manages to turn a negative into a positive.  Stu has a natural, easy way with crowd and his bantering with them not only keeps them entertained, but when things do eventually kick back in, the audience are firmly on the band’s side and more engaged than ever.  When ‘Salvation’ from their 2018 “Conspiracy” EP does finally finish, it almost feels like a triumphant ending despite being so early in the set.   

‘Demons at your Door’ shows a different side to the band, a much more atmospheric, brooding and introspective piece that still manages to build to an intense conclusion, it provides a welcome counterpoint to the more in-your-face material that bookends it.  It’s sprawling, epic and frankly awesome, and wins me over completely.  The final one-two of the heavy groovy riffage (at least that’s what it says in my notes) of ‘Take Me’, and the up-tempo ‘Lost Your Hold’ bring the set to a winning close. 

The sound of a thunderstorm rumbles over the PA, and a countdown begins, heralding the arrival of Gin Annie.  On tour in support of their newly released second album “Und/v/ded”, ‘Rain’ is the first of a handful of new songs from that album showcased tonight.  Second albums can be a major turning point in a band’s fortunes, with scene contemporaries such as Those Damns Crows and Scarlet Rebels - to name but two - going on to bigger and better things following the release of their sophomore effort.  On tonight’s evidence this could – and should – be the case for Gin Annie. This new material sees a step up in terms of their confidence and sophistication in their song writing, feeling like a natural progression as well as fitting seamlessly alongside the tracks from 2019’s excellent “100% Proof”. 

Gin Annie are a triple-threat; they have the songs, the musicianship and, as we saw tonight, the performance skills that beg to be seen on the biggest of stages. The band never forget that rock n’ roll is supposed to be fun, and their joy and passion for what they do is clear to see.  Lead vocalist David Foster and lead guitarist Byron Garbett share that irresistible on-stage chemistry that you see in all great bands.  It’s something that can’t be taught, you either have it or you don’t, and they clearly have it by the bucketload.  The energy created on-stage washes over the audience and it is that synergy between band and crowd that is the hallmark of a truly memorable show. Everyone joined together, sharing in a common passion is surely one of the most vital and life-affirming experiences we have left to us in this sometimes cynical age, and Gin Annie tap into that positive vibe to perfection. 

Byron is a veritable force of nature whether high-kicking round the stage, jumping off the drum riser or exhorting the crowd to ever greater participation at every possible opportunity.  His is a mischievous playfulness, a knowing twinkle in those guy-linered eyes, whilst simultaneously peeling off sublime guitar licks and solos with a casual ease.  David is the perfect foil to Byron, his vocal range impressive in both its quality and subtlety, leading the band with an effortless, likeable charm.  With a pressure cooker tight rhythm section and new guitarist Marc Bradley doing an exceptional job despite only having a month to learn the set, it’s testament to the band’s years of touring that tonight’s performance is such a tight and polished beast. 

In a set littered with high points, we get the riotous (and personal favourite) ‘Next 2 Me’, an unexpected cover of Seal’s ‘Crazy’ and David finishing the infectious new track ‘Not Gonna Take It’ from about a foot in front of me in the middle of the crowd!  One last epic ‘Devil in Me’ and the band are gone leaving a sweaty and dazed crowd to reflect on the superb show we’ve just witnessed. 

As I’m heading back into Lemmy’s bar, I bump into a lovely group of fans I met earlier, who had made the long journey up North from Wolverhampton to see the band play.  One of them tells me that after a hiatus of over three decades, the band and tonight’s show had reignited his interest in rock music, and I can’t think of a better endorsement than that – Gin Annie, job done I reckon! 

Check the “In The Flesh” page for more photos!
Gin Annie, White Raven Down, A’Priori