If Hastings has a problem it’s the happy fact there’s way too much choice some evenings – and last night was no exception, calling for an early departure from one great show at The Stag to catch the opening act over at Crowley’s.
Arkansas Dave was back for his second show at the increasingly popular Stag and he didn’t dissapoint. If the pub keeps up this quality of programming they are going to seriously put themselves on the musical map…
We were torn over whether or not to stay for the second half – but the draw of three very different bands over at Crowley’s was too strong, and we were particularly glad we made the trip to catch the majority of the set from the opening act, Notes From The Underground.
The whole night proved a very worthwhile one though, with both Colden Drystone and Al Mitchell & The New Born Sinners hitting the spot perfectly with their respective takes on power pop and rock riffs.
Al Mitchell & The New Born Sinners, Colden Drystone, Notes From the Underground + Arkansas Dave
With some seriously heavy riffs in their arsenal Al Mitchell and the New Born Sinners are definitely worthy of your attention
The upstairs room at Crowleys provided a perfect backdrop to their performance, and we're increasingly impressed by the quality of the bands - and the quality of the sound in this town centre venue.
[flickr_set id="72157702825711092"]A one-man pop machine, Colden Drystone can be found in Whistle TYrago in George Street most Monday nights doing his complex thing.
Tonight, as the main support to Al Mitchell and the New Born Sinners he was on top form, deftly manipulating an array of loops to create drum, keyboard, guitar and vocal sequences that filled the space and gave the feeling of being at the heart of an electronic orchestra.
[flickr_set id="72157706115071195"]How have we not seen Notes From The Underground before? Seriously - here's an outfit you have to experience first hand!
Dexterous violin playing coupled with avant-garde drums and percussion plus a heary dollop of bass in just the right place makes for a visually enthralling performance that perfectly complements the accomplished musicianship on display.
[flickr_set id="72157706115030825"]We started the night on the far side of town from Crowleys at The Stag Inn, where Arkansas Dave was holding court in the corner of this intimate ittle music pub.
It's always a treat when touring musicians of this quality touch down in the corner of your local boozer - so it was no surprise that it was standing room only for a show that proved to be a masterclass in how to deliver a full band sound in the smallest of spaces with tight control of drum and guitar volume allowing the vocals to soar..
[flickr_set id="72157706230726934"]