The Winchester, Bournemouth
Featuring; Soulhole, Lyrical Monsoon, Empire Affair, Kaia Vieira, Hack Grace
End of the Trail Records staged this event at the Winchester in conjunction with local scene stalwarts Rock Regeneration; the line-up of two acoustic acts and three bands promised to provide a good night of entertainment, with our very own Dave “Chinners” Chinery compering proceedings.
The venue was decently filled and Jack Grace had just started his set as I arrived, walking into a hushed room as all eyes were on the stage. Jack has a unique voice and some thought provoking, personal material. His set went down well and although you couldn’t have exactly heard a pin drop, it was pretty close. The assembled people were interested in what Jack had to offer and he was a good choice to kick the evening off.
Local, open-mic favourite Kaia Vieira was up next on stage. I’ve seen Kaia once before and I remembered her to have a stunning voice, so I was hoping that it wasn’t just my memory playing tricks on me. I needn’t have doubted myself – as soon as she opened her mouth to sing and the first few notes came out, the hairs on the back of my neck stood up. This girl has got something special. As well as an outstanding voice and a pretty face, Kaia has real presence up on the stage; it’s a shame that the hum of conversation around the room was so loud as it really didn’t do her justice, but she still performed a solid set and you would be advised to catch her in this sort of setting whilst you still can.
Local favourites Empire Affair were the first band to play; fresh from a trip to Croatia, EA looked sharp and sounded twice as good. I thought they seemed more cohesive as a band as they belted their way through the set, including favourites such as “Can You Feel It” and “Don’t Let Me Down”. Front man Neil’s voice is much improved and the whole set surprised me; not that they weren’t good before, but it feels as though this is a new, improved Empire Affair, 100% focussed and grown up. I can’t wait to hear the new EP “Pangs” and I look forward to the launch on 5th September, back at The Winchester.
After a short lull in proceedings, funk/rap/metal 6-piece, Lyrical Monsoon, exploded on to the stage. I have to admit I hadn’t seen these guys before tonight, but they took The Winch by storm, obviously having plenty of fans in the crowd. With some disco overtones and a strong funky groove running through their material, LM had most of the people in the room eating out of the palm of their collective hands. There was a fantastic energy about them, although it really was all about the two vocalists, I almost felt as if the rest of the band were there by accident, but the girls at the front were loving it and the Monsoon boys probably had half the pub singing along to their lyrics. I was pleasantly surprised and I would make a point of catching them again.
The accolade of tonight’s “headliner” went to local favourites, Soulhole. Funky and bang up to date, Soulhole have a sound all of their own and singer Jordan’s voice is certainly distinctive. Although there didn’t seem to be quite as many people feeling it down the front as for the previous act, Soulhole went down well and people were dancing, especially to the groove-laden “Pull Up”. I never tire of seeing these guys and the performed an enjoyable, competent set to round off the evening.
Rock Regeneration are going from strength to strength (of course, I may be slightly biased!) and their involvement tonight made the evening flow well; with 5 excellent choices of acts it was an enjoyable showcase, proving that Bournemouth takes some beating when it comes to musical talent.
Links
http://endofthetrailrecords.co.uk/
https://www.facebook.com/bournemouthsoulhole
https://www.facebook.com/lyricalmonsoon
http://www.empireaffair.co.uk
https://www.facebook.com/kaiavieiramusic
http://jackgracemusic.com
Words by Vikkie Richmond.
Piccies by Jon.
