Gig reviews for July 2011

Formal Warning at the Y Theatre, 1st July

As reported by Kevin Gaughan

We've seen Vengeance before, they're a two year old band from Leicester with young members. I've seen them a couple of times now and remember thinking they're a fine young band but with a little room for improvement.

Having seen tonight's performance, however, I'm pleased to report that they are maturing very nicely indeed. Their cover of Guns and Roses' Sweet Child O Mine was exceptional with a blistering guitar solo from young Mr Will Hayter. Carys on lead vocals did a fine job, too. Between songs, Carys also did a good job of entertaining the crowd with a bit of chatter and plenty of confidence while the band got ready for their next song.

Unfortunately, however, I have previuosly reported that Carys' voice has been a little flat, and tonight, at times, I still noticed it, but it's getting a lot better. Generally I thought Vengeance put in a good, solid performance and indeed are a band to watch as they are improving all the time.

Click here to watch them perform Sweet Child O Mine or here to watch them perform another song on the night.

Vengeance on the internet.

The Weekend Schemers © Kevin Gaughan

Next up were the Weekend Schemers, a four piece from Leicester. Last time I saw these guys, they were dressed in frocks a month earlier at the local Glastonbudget festival!

Looking decidedly manly tonight, with Conor releiving himself of his t-shirt half way through, they put in a good performance from their varied set. Notably good vocals from Andy Cooper helped to really hit the spot.

Having given their new song, Push it Back, an airing, I was impressed, it's a great song and has instant appeal in a hip shaking, dancy kind of way.

The Weekend Schemers on MySpace.

The Weekend Schemers © Kevin Gaughan

Following on from the 'Schemers were the band the crowd were here to see, answering to the name of Formal Warning, these chaps (and chapess) have recently been signed to Telescope records and this was to be their debut professional show.

Formal Warning © Kevin Gaughan

This band are no stranger to big shows, having played at the 1500 seater O2 Academy in Leicester while supporting Scouting for Girls, they are one of the lucky bands who are starting to make strides in their musical career.

Formal Warning © Kevin Gaughan

On stage, this lot are something else, and on a good sized stage like the Y theatre, they are a formidable force. Every last inch was being put to good use, brothers, Kyle and Leon Harrold (bass and lead guitar respectively) along with Ash (lead vocals) seemed to be timing-perfect in their, what looked like, choreographed show.

As for the songs themselves, top class, mostly purely original and purely addictive, wrapping themselves around your indie, guitary based rock balls. Their version of U2's classic 'Where the Streets Have No Name' was perfection, with Zoe's blazing drum solo being the icing on the cake.

This band are on the move, they've always had the fantastic and original songs, top class and purely entertaining stage show and now they've got the backing and support of a label that can take them to the next level.

Click below to watch Formal Warning perform on the night:

Where the Streets Have No Name
Song 1
Song 2
Song 4

Formal Warning on MySpace.