Full marks earned by rocking college bands

Jan 20 2009 by Andrew Welsh, Perthshire Advertiser Tuesday

A LIVE event held at a Perth venue proved an educational experience for both gig-goers and those taking part.

Featuring first year music students from Perth College, the NQ Rock Night at Brennan’s Late Lounge saw a host of aspiring songsmiths come together to make their on-stage debuts in a showcase of new bands.

The students took up their tutors’ challenge to prepare for and deliver their performances as a key part of the music course assessment.

For most of the young talents taking part last Thursday, this was their first-ever public appearance, but nobody in the capacity St John Street crowd would have guessed that was the case from the way they performed.

It was widely considered to have been a genuinely impressive show and, if there were extra marks for crazy names, then they surely would have gone to the punk outfit I Snorted Jesus.

The band’s Nick Brewitt pumped out the vocals over a solid backing filled with Ben Slaski’s throbbing bass, while roaring guitar rhythms from David Cargill and Aidan McIntosh were laced with intriguing hints of melody.

Competing for best cover of the night were The Sean T**t Experience, whose unsophisticated enthusiasm and raw power lent itself perfectly to a stunning rendition of Tina Turner’s Simply The Best.

Other strong contenders in this category would be Volkswagen Beatles, a really tight outfit who rounded off an excellent set with a crowd-pleasing version of the r ‘n’ b classic, Twist And Shout.

The other seven bands involved all did themselves proud, and it’s worth picking out a few more highlights from a great night.

Chuck Norris & The Roundhouse Kickers deserve an honourable mention for their bravado in rounding-off their set with Pink Floyd’s Another Brick In The Wall.

This they carried off marvellously, with the band’s Darren Adamson aptly remarking afterwards: “We take the risk.”

By way of contrast, there was Krate, an acoustic guitar trio featuring the haunting vocals of Brendan Neill.

His voice shone brightest amid the group’s rendition of the Nickelback song, Hero.

Disappointingly, Nicole Ritchie’s vocals during Band Of Hats’ set were rather overwhelmed by a backing which featured some excellent but over-heavy guitar work.

But I heard enough to make a point of catching Nicole again with her regular band, Hiro.

The final act was The Mix and, from the reaction in the room, it was obvious that they were established favourites.

It soon became clear why as, supported by a superb backing line-up, Sean Rowan and Heather Tweedle provided vocals on a show-stopping rendition of the Zutons-penned rock standard Valerie, which had the crowd yelling for more.

Putting on 10 bands in four hours is a daunting logistical feat that would be a serious challenge to seasoned concert organisers.

And yet these young people managed the task with a calm professionalism and level of mutual support that was truly admirable.

I suspect Perth College’s vocal tutor Julia Cleave deserves more credit for this than she would readily accept.

And no doubt the unstinting but unobtrusive support offered by Late Lounge proprietor John Buchan was another major factor.

But let’s not forget the parents and families of these young musicians who were also present in large numbers.

Frank and Lesley Kerr, whose son Arran plays guitar with The Mix spoke afterwards of how delighted they were.

“Obviously, we are very proud of Arran,” Frank said.

“It is marvellous what they are doing at Perth College. The kids are really inspired.

“What they have achieved tonight is something really special.”

Make no mistake, the night belonged to the students and the success is all theirs.

Anyone who missed last Thursday’s show can get a second chance to check out the bands as there is another assessment night on Thursday, January 29.