Reviews

Tonight was my first visit to Guernsey Performing Arts Centre which opened earlier in 2007, and to say I was pleasantly surprised would be an understatement.

Clearly designed and well thought out as a multi purpose space, it tonight reminded me of a slightly more up market version of the Manchester Academy Two (albeit on a slightly smaller scale).

It was into this space that the organiser of tonight’s charity fund raiser gig, raising money for Help A Guernsey Child, had set up a multi levelled stage for the bands to play from with full lights and even a projector.

J.J. Corbin.

First up was young guitarist J.J. Corbin, accompanied for most of his set by Andy Mason on harmonica. As ever Corbin demonstrated his skill with his chosen instrument as he ran through a series of blues numbers that really benefited from the extra sound provided by the harmonica.

Corbin's performance, however, really came to life when he ditched the covers and began playing his own compositions. Mixing the modern 'acoustic-pop' of artists like Jack Johnson with elements of old school blues and even some county, Corbin showed he isn't just a talented player, but writer too.

It was his newer, more country influenced song, that provided the highlight of tonight's set and as ever Corbin promises great things from both his upcoming album and his musical future.

Ben Wilson of The Escape Fall.

The energy levels in the Performing Arts Centre were set to rise next as emo-rockers The Escape Fall took to the stage. As ever they drew a large crowd to the front of the 'pit' but tonight were beset by sound issues for a majority of the set which made the experience a decidedly un-even one.

While the band have in the past confirmed they have some great songs in their repertoire the sound issues tonight, including guitars that kept coming and going and lost vocals which meant it was very hard to get into the energy of the music.

To their credit the band carried on regardless and ended on a fun rendition of 'All I Want For Christmas Is You', which had a good number of people dancing along.

Phil Stevens of The Weathered Youth.

The next band on stage were making their live debut tonight. Having already released a full album of original material in 2006, The Weathered Youth had been on hiatus since, as various members went travelling or attended university.

On stage tonight the band had taken their previous semi-acoustic sound and electrified it to great effect. While their lighter pop-rock take on the 'emo' genre didn't initially fill the room with energy as their set continued they started to get people moving, and from 'Prodigal Song' onwards seemed to be firing on all cylinders.

The most impressive thing about The Weathered Youth tonight was the talent displayed by all five members of band who all took both vocal and instrumental parts, to create a fabulous sound.

Tom Claxton and Josh Fletcher.

The real highlight of their set came when they were joined by MyLastVictory's Josh Fletcher to play lead guitar on a cover of Funeral For A Friend's 'Into Oblivion'.

Though the band hinted that this may well only be a one off show, it would be a shame not to have the opportunity to see them play again as tonight’s performance showed the promise of great things.

Finally tonight, FireFly hit the stage and tore through a set of top-level original material, with a few surprise covers thrown in.

Nick Schofield of FireFly.

Despite some guitar sound difficulties the band rolled on and their passion and presence in the live environment proved it can carry them through such difficulties.

As ever FireFly tonight proved themselves to be one of the best young bands in Guernsey and as they ended on a blasting cover of AFI's 'Girls Not Grey' most in attendance seemed to have similar thoughts.

All four acts tonight put on a great show, despite a few technical hiccups, which the technical crew worked hard to remedy, and it seems Guernsey may have found another great venue for live music, I just hope that’s not the last time the Performing Arts Centre is used for such an event.