Gig Review: Sullivan and Gold, Glenn Rosborough, Megan McClean.
The Studio Sessions (Jammhouse Productions) Millenium Forum, Derry-Londonderry.
Saturday 1st February
On a cold wet night it is tempting to stay indoors, but tonight, it’s the 1st of February and Jammhouse Productions launches its first monthly Studio Sessions event at the Millenium Forum. Derry band Sullivan and Gold headlining seem the perfect remedy for soothing our winter blues with a beautifully intimate setting. Candlelit tables, table service and ambient lights set the mood for the night ahead.
Young singer/songwriter Megan McClean, opens the evening with a gentle eclectic sound of raw vocals and acoustic strums. Such a petite, softly spoken girl dwarfed by her large guitar gives us a showcase of thought provoking, interpretive lyrics. Despite losing her voice the previous day, she performs with enthusiasm, her breathy and at times husky vocals are enhanced with her simple guitar chords.
After Megan’s relaxing start, Glenn Rosborough takes to the stage. He is a performer who experiments with his sound, each performance bringing pleasant surprises. Tonight he performs songs from his upcoming album adapting them from their original piano written versions to acoustic guitar. Glenn captivates the audience with beautifully delivered pained lyrics of ‘One by One’ and ‘Rushing In’. His warm personality charms the audience between songs and you are left feeling he sings every word with deep conviction. He isn't phased when a guitar string breaks and he calmly repairs it whilst engaging with the appreciative audience. Glenn songs ranges from emotive to more upbeat songs, reminding us of his Intermission roots whilst embracing his own identity. He ends with a cover of Bob Dylans 'All Along The Watchtower', a personal favourite of his before being rewarded with rapturous applause.
The mood is set for headliners Sullivan and Gold. Vocalists Adam Montgomery and Ben Robinson perform with a full a band, including bass from Our Krypton Son’s Chris McConaghy. Sullivan and Gold burst onto the scene with the release their debut album ‘For Foes’ in November. The intimate venue matches their acoustic ethereal style perfectly, and open with the upbeat ‘Forget Myself’ and warmly engage with the audience.
Sullivan and Gold interact with the audience warmly and humourously, making them irresistibly likeable. Their strongest performance comes with upcoming single ‘Glory’, a stripped back song which show them at their most powerful with engaging harmonies delivered in heartfelt style. As the show ends with shouts for an encore and the mood high, we are all invited to the exclusive after party where they treat us a DJ set of hand-picked vinyl. After the party ends, we are left reminiscing pleasantly on an evening of talent that touches you, the melodies lingering in your mind long after the music has stopped.
Stacey Fitzpatrick
