Every band has a story, a past, a struggle. In some ways it has become an old hat rock and roll cliché - the troubled artists striving to make ends meet in a desperate attempt to shed the constraints of their home town. Tonight’s band Scarlett are a little less dramatic, but it is clear to see that this band do have some big aspirations of their own.
Third on stage, the three piece made up of frontman/guitarist Shaheen Shaikh and brothers Greg and Nick Baldwin on bass and drums, do well to pull together a respectable crowd of on lookers in the small town venue. Made up of friends and family there is a real sense of support and admiration within the room, which does well to soothe the bands first gig nerves.
The opening to the bands four song set does well to set the pace of their performance, although not the strongest of the four it warms the crowd up and demonstrates the bands skill and musicianship. This theme of musical prowess continues with the groups mix of stabby guitar riffs and heavy percussion, edging towards a harder scene whilst still emulating a more classic hard rock style.
A cheeky rendition of Ce- lo green’s ‘F**k You’ seals the deal and has the room singing along, their rocked up version works well and is played to perfection. The closing tracks produce again more applause and show off the bands song writing ability; the catchy chorus makes their penultimate song one to remember and encourages crowd participation. They close on a high and leave with their supporters ready for more.
For a small town band, playing the first gig to close friends and relatives the boys have done well and tonight has set a benchmark from which they can only develop from. Though nerves were a guaranteed the trio looked and sounded tight, and were able to play almost unfaltering. With an impressive and hearty start these three can be nothing but proud.
Mikaela Osborne
