Review Centre: Indie Bands

"Smoking Goats were brilliant, I organised a formal dinner dance and they worked perfectly for the night. Discussions before the day were easy and we sorted out all details, song styles and the audience we would have. They came in plenty of time to set up and soundcheck and worked flexibly with us when there were delays on the night. A brilliant set, perfectly crafted for the audience, which really got people on the dance floor and in a great mood. Afterwards I got so much great feedback, the guests loved it. Very easy to work with, professional and with great sound and song choices, I would recommend them for any kind of function especially if you want to get people dancing. :) "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Super Professional & friendly bunch of guys. Great musicians & really talented. I've seen a few of their performances and they are truly passionate about what they do. If these guys were based in the UK or any other country in Europe they would be massive by now. The real deal."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"It’s March and still raining. I’ve trawled through some serious procrastination to decide where I’m going tonight; at least three decent live music offerings in Chester that I know of. And I’m sure the others were brilliant. Marblehead Johnson are, in their own words, a “tribute to the British Britpop music scene” and a “powerful combination of passion and quality.” A tribute band, to me, equals lunatic professionalism. To tribute a whole scene is a big ask. Good covers bands are rare enough, taking that enormous and unlikely step beyond random amateur recreation. But these guys really do tick the box of perfectionist, professional curators though. Friday night was time travel night with a set list that captured the point where British alt-rock got (largely) happy and popular (in a good way). A guitar dominated, looping and lurching opener with Ocean Colour Scene and The Riverboat Song; polished and convincing. Second song in and I’m braving the dance floor with the pointy shoed brigade. A few songs further and they offer me proof of their professionalism. A very-very-very long time ago I was lucky enough to make it into Brixton Academy and unfortunate enough to catch James on a sincerely off night. And I’ve heard James and Sit Down many times since: at home, on the radio, in DJ sets and covered-more-than-it-should-be. One of those beautiful songs that gets tired through over use. And on this particular Friday night I heard it come alive; all vitality restored. There were the things I expected; a good dose of Blur and Oasis both, Stereophonics, Bluetones and more, then some referencing back to foundation stones with The Who and The Jam. Marblehead Johnson switched between styles and musical voices with conviction; into acoustic things and seamlessly back out again. The magic of seeing grown men dance without a pint in hand happened repeatedly through the two sets. On any given set you pray for that one song you don’t see coming; the track you might flick through on the album that becomes something else entirely live. So it was with Blur’s Charmless Man. That perfect Blur poetry, simple, direct and delivered with energy. Marblehead Johnson are a good distance from being charmless. They are careful collectors and curators of songs; fine musicians and performers.!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Top class band! Highly recommend!!! Will be booking for next year too!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Incredible musicians and so natural on stage, really brought the party together!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Ian’s single aims to give a lift to anyone struggling Singer-songwriter Ian Thompson has released a new single ‘Starting Today’, which he hopes will provide ‘a lift’ for those struggling with their mental health or addiction. It’s available now on all digital platforms. Ian said: ‘It’s been on my mind a lot recently, as many people I know are suffering with mental health and addictions. There have been some tragic cases on the island, and I just wanted to write this song with the message that it doesn’t have to be like this, there is always a way out and every day is a new day.’ Born in Liverpool, Ian moved to the island 13 years ago, after meeting his now wife during a trip to the island when he visited some friends. When he moved, he decided to become a full-time musician, and frequently gigs in venues across the island, as both a solo artist, and with a band. He added: ‘I have worked in telesales, taxis, music shops, done office work, you just do what you can to get by, but the one dominant thing in my life that I have always done is my music and playing in bands.’ Ian has been writing music for years, and one of his songs ‘You’re my Liverpool’ has been added to Liverpool Football Club’s playlist. He explained his process of writing music. ‘I usually come up with a tune first, if I like the tune, then I come up with lyrics to go with it,’ he said. The words usually just fly out of me. I have never been short of things to say, and I think the tune dictates what the words are going to say.’ As with much of his music, Ian’s latest single was recorded at Ballagroove Studio, run by Gyp Buggane. Featured artists on the track include saxophonist Sammy J and piano was played by Ian Wright. Ian has more songs in the pipeline, and on top of his gigs and song-writing, he is looking to build his own recording studio with the help of Gyp."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"It was a pleasure dealing with Pretty Marc Duo. The original music they played was really different compared to normal duo's, which our customers loved! Looking forward to having the guys over again!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Julie and her band, Joy Regime, are an absolute gem and I can’t recommend booking them for your event enough. They played at my block party/bike race and had amazing energy. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"The Black Marcs played for us at our Jubilee picnic on 4th June 2022 in Tollerton village. From beginning to end Mark was genuinely very friendly, helpful, easy going and professional to deal with. The band played a wide range of crowd pleasers suitable for all ages and everyone enjoyed their music. I highly recommend them as a live band for any event - you won't be disappointed."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"I booked Klinsmann for our work Event, as I saw them performing live and they got the crowd going wild. They were very flexable with their set-up as they offered us different packages for a duo, trio and the full band set-up. very easy to communicate with. Thank you for such a great time, everyone loved it. will book again for sure"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We honestly can't thank you enough for last night! We had a fantastic time, as did all our friends! Was exactly how we wanted it to be!!We were so impressed! The whole band were so friendly, played an amazing set list, and really got our guests involved! Will definitely recommend this band to anyone looking for a band for any occasion! Thank you so much! "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Booked The Arrival to play at a reunion of ex students. Can't recommend them highly enough. Arrived and set up on what was arguable one of the hottest days of the year! All the guests were in high spirits following Englands win in the football and the band just topped off our weekend. They captured the mood of the guests brilliantly and on behalf of everyone a huge thank you"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Omg!!! You guys blow us all away on Saturday night, for our music festival here at the Fox and Duck!!!! Absolutely fantastic band. Loved every min, and can’t wait to have you back real soon."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"The Arrival played at our wedding last week. They were absolutely amazing. Their second set of songs had loads of people on their feet dancing, and they were full of energy throughout. Not only was the singing and playing superb, they were also outstanding performers so it was great to just watch as well as to dance to. They also performed our first dance and father and bride dance songs, combining a couple of songs together. Therefore they went above and beyond preparing to play for our wedding. I personally was up dancing to their songs the whole time, loved the music they played, and lots of our wedding guests were commenting to me how good the band was. Some of our guests had travelled over 300 miles for our wedding and wished the band were more local to them so they could book them for upcoming birthday parties. I would definitely recommend."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Thank you so much for a fantastic end to a wonderful day you were the icing on the cake so to speak. Great choice of crowd pleaser songs kept the floor full all night. And a special thanks for learning a new song for the couples first dance, you could see what it meant to them. Four talented musicians, a fantastic vocalist and very nice people. If anybody is looking for a band look no further you will not be disappointed. Firebeats rock."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review: