After a long, tiring week, I thought I would go and chill out at The Firestone with my mum, for Mother's Day. But, oh how we did not chill! Instead, as we emerged into the bar on that stormy Sunday evening, we were smacked with the funky indie/alternative tunes that came from White Noize, as they strutted their stuff in the corner of the room. Fronted by Tom Toogood (you can tell this band are interesting, as that is one cool name to have), the band also includes Rob Willis on lead guitar, Martin Vickery on bass guitar (and some vocal sessions), and Graham Bowley, who bowls over the crowd with his fabulous drum beats. Fun covers The guys kicked off with some fun covers of bands such as The Who and The Kinks, which got the relaxed crowd focused on them. They played in a cool, calm and sophisticated manor, making their excellent musicianship seem effortless. I think their set would have benefited from more of their own material, though, which sounded promising. Their wah-effect guitar solos, and their rolling drum beats, made the 'corner' worth listening to! As the night went on, the band's confidence grew, with Toogood starting to get friendlier with the crowd as they cheered White NoiZe on. Taunton's alternative answer This confidence grew in their whole performance, and after seeing them earlier last year, you can tell these guys have come a long way. I think with even more confidence, Toogood and his too good (!) band could own the crowd with their noiZe. Sometimes Toogood seemed a little nervous, which he doesn't need to be, as his vocals and guitar-playing rocked! I can assure you that White NoiZe are worth a listen to - they are Taunton's answer to the alternative bands around in the charts today. Volumes of talent With their cool approach to performing, White NoiZe suit an audience of any age, and any place. You can dance to them, or just sit back and watch, as they mesmerise you with their style. Comments from the audience were all really positive, which speaks volumes for White NoiZe's talent One comment, however, about how Tom should wear tighter trousers did challenge Toogood's cool indie image. Did that particular audience member have too much wine, or were they speaking the truth? I suggest you go along to White NoiZe's next gig and decide for yourself! | 
