On a wonderfully warm Autumn Friday night, Osale Rooms (formally the legendary WA1 club to Warrington indie-folk), re-opened to the public with aplomb. And it was on fire to all that could see. Quite literally in fact, as the club decided to opt for a circus-themed gala, with fire-breathers and jugglers greeting you at the club’s entrance. Garish dress-sense was positively encouraged. So with the theatrics and décor sorted, could the bands on show offer some sure-fire entertainment?
After getting the club nice and packed, opening band The Stocks were first on to please a hot and heavy crowd. And they did not disappoint, even if the onsite PA system decided to have a hissy-fit of Elton John proportions. It caused technical hitches left, right and centre for the whole night. Still, true champions perform with their backs to the wall, and The Stocks delivered. Tunes like ‘Bring The Light’ and ‘Lure of The Cure’ got the crowd warmed up for a night of rock n’ roll debauchery. A definite highlight.4/5
The same cannot be said however for Warrington favourites and most-promising band, Exile Parade. The music and vocals was spot on, but the song choices were not. Exile Parade have some amazing tunes that are 3 minute, in-yer-face rock beauties which are a joy to behold. Then there are others which are of a slower staple, equally as good mind, but designed for big open stages, and not for rooms crammed with a hundred people in them. Too much of their set was devoted to these longer epics and it didn’t come off well. Also, what the hell their guitarist at the end was doing I will never know, as he decided to go a bit Pete Townsend on the equipment. Kicking your instruments and knocking over amps does not make you cool, it makes you look petulant and a bit thick, and it was no different here. It left a bitter taste in the mouth in what capped a disappointing night for the ‘Parade. Still, they’re an amazing band, and ‘Fire Walk With Me’ was bloody amazing to hear as always.
2/5
However the best was certainly left ‘til last as headliners Bill Davro played the set of the night. They were happy and it showed through their songs. Just pure joy radiated from them and the crowd fed off it. Songs like ‘Winter Is Over’ and ‘All She Requires’ just physically made you want to dance, and they did. They didn’t have the biggest crowd, shamefully, but they had the best set. They even threw in an un-ironic cover of ‘Video Killed The Radio Star’ and made it work. Bill Davro wanted one thing from the crowd and one thing only; for them to have a good time. And they did. Pure unadulterated joy.
5/5
