Issue 149

Gig reviews

20th November 2006

The best of Swansea's live music action, with Kieran Forde, Pete Hayman & Lucy Mattinson.

Rooster @ Escape, Swansea

Friday 27 October

Cock rockers Rooster were on top form when they played Escape at the end of October. Supported by Get Amped, who are to metal what Rooster are to rock, the headliners opened with 2005 single You're So Right for Me. With their great stage presence, Rooster are a band whose gigs are arguably better than their records. Their boy-band harmonies, however, leave little room for credibility. Covering the Stones' Satisfaction seemed apt considering their lack of mainstream success. Rooster's commitment to an obviously well crafted set contrasts with many bands who are too content to play what you can hear on a record at home.

Kieran Forde

INME @ Escape, Swansea

Monday 6 November

After a turbulent few years, INME showed that they were back on form at Escape. Support act Death for a Day were brilliant - professional, with entertaining banter and a heavy rock style. But INME stole the show, walking onto the stage looking instantly relaxed, a mood that remained throughout the night. Their set sacrificed some old favourites for new material, but McPherson kept the crowd's attention with lighthearted chat and remarkable openness about his recent alopecia. INME were not only entertaining but also musically flawless. With renewed vigour and impressive talent, INME are on their way back up

Lucy Mattinson

**Pink Stripes** @ DV8, Swansea

Thursday 26 October

Swansea's favourite wedding singers were given a second outing at the International Evening, looking to follow- up a successful debut at the Pinkathon. With a set expanded for the occasion to five songs, the Pink Stripes rolled out signature tune, Sweet Home Alabama with aplomb. But disaster struck as lead singer Owen Morgan failed to remember the opening line to A Thousand Trees, which for a man so acquainted with uni culture is almost unforgivable. A return to form was achieved with the sublime Johnny B. Goode, and even a shambolic encore of the same song failed to dampen deputy editor Tim Sculthorpe's lively spirits.

Pete Hayman

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