Gone Electric

Opening up the night in The Lair for heat 2 of the Emergenza Festival was young up and coming band ‘Gone Electric!’ After a bit of a shaky start the band started to ooze confidence in third song ‘Secrets’ which was a more up tempo tune with more of a poppy vibe. There were some very nice electric guitar licks in this tune. You couldn’t help but notice the energy of young guitarist Ramona on stage and then she mixed it up in fourth song ‘Beaming,’ taking to the drums! The Indie Rock tunes were very well written and this was on display as the set went on with the quality of songs improving throughout! Then Lex who was playing drums hit the electric and provided a very nice hook! Solid bass playing from Ben provided a great foundation for this band and none more so than in the bands final song ‘Alice.’ A great opening set from Gone Electric!

Emma Quee

Emma Quee and her band took to the stage next and wow what a voice! After a rocky start they really hit the right notes in third song ‘Hot Air Balloon,’ a beautifully epic ballad which showcased the bands potential with nice keys from Laura, brilliant singing from Emma and great support from the boys on guitar, bass and drums! There was something quite refreshing about this set of songs with their clean sounds. Two things that the band needs to work on are a little more stage craft and energy from the rest of the band, because Emma is a very good front lady! Also it was a shame that the set of six songs contained two covers but I’m sure and we hope the band will continue to write more original material! Having said that, the acoustic version of Miley Cyrus’ ‘Wreaking Ball’ was very original and quite beautiful! They finished with a percussive piece called ‘Arrow & Bow’ which was quite haunting! Thanks for keeping it fresh Emma Quee!

Brace for Whiplash

Brace for Whiplash really brought the rock in their set of rock/punk/metal and they certainly warmed those amps up on stage! The opener seen a very individual slap style of bass playing from Suzanne as well as plenty of energy on stage from her and fellow guitarist Joe. What really stood out in the band’s set was their passion and the tight drumming of Paul. Some great guitar solos punctuated the set throughout. Final song ‘So You Say’ was an epic tune that kept building and building until a final rock star ending! Rock n Roll from Brace for Whiplash!

Little Hart

Little Hart are a seven piece line up which isn’t little at all! Such an array of instruments onstage with uke, harmonica, violin, keys, guitars, drums and bass. They brought a good following to The Lair and opened with a soft and sweet tune called ‘Maybello’ which featured the lovely Louise on lead vocals along with Cameron. Second song ‘Easy & Over’ was a darker tune which the main vocal swapped to Miles. Third song ‘Open Hands’ started with a great sounding ukulele and harmonica combination, then Cameron also hit the vocals in what reminded this listener of a ‘Jens Lekman’ style tune! The tune built nicely throughout with some great use of falsetto vocals and the crowd was cheering in the middle as the song gave everyone in the room goose bumps! A little more polish is needed though on stage from this band when playing live together. Little Hart’s set went so quick they left the crowd wanting more in final song ‘When I Woke Up!’ A mouth watering set from Little Hart!

The Cat Nappers

When The Cat Nappers are on the stage they look like any other three piece band, but as we all know looks can be deceiving and this band is not like any other three piece! Lead by front lady Camila who has one amazing voice and carries her fender electric guitar with so much style opened up with first song ‘Troubadour’ which was a hauntingly beautiful anthem! In second song ‘Dirty Knife’ Matt showed off some fine bass skills with an awesome groove set early and also showed he has some nice vocals as well in a more playful tune with one hell of a catchy melody! The crowd couldn’t wait to hear what else this band had to dish up in their set and they didn’t disappoint in third song ‘Boxes’ with some tasty light and shade drumming provided by Phil. There is something intriguing about front lady Camila, and with a little more stage craft and energy from her and drummer Phil this band could go to the next level! Final song ‘Black Sands’ topped off a captivating set from The Cat Nappers!

Jagged Jayne

Dance! That is what you felt like doing as soon as Jagged Jayne went into opening track ‘Tomorrow’ with its punchy grooves, up tempo guitar strumming, horns, fat bass, solid drumming and soaring voice coming over the top provided by front lady Simone. ‘Delusional’ was a slower ballad song which really showcased Simone’s vocals some more with an epic ending! During the sixth song of the set ‘Not Yours,’ Joe on keys added some nice lead vocals for a cool change up! Some great synth playing was present in final song ‘Adventure Time.’ Thanks for closing the night with some dancing tunes Jagged Jayne!