Gig Reviews

The Longest Day, Hans Slack, Kings Of Hearts

The Winchester is a lovely old atmospheric pub style venue in Bournemouth, that gives an almost cosy front room feel to the place. Tonight sees the return of The Longest Day after a short break from the live music scene; Bournemouth's most hotly tipped rock band take time out from their preparation of their debut album to play a semi-acoustic set in front of a home crowd. Kings Of Hearts take to the stage with acoustic guitars and give a great account of themselves in the short twenty minutes or so they have on stage, some great, well written tunes sung and played perfectly with the gathered audience showing their appreciation as they leave the stage.

Hans Slack took to the stage somewhat nervously, looking like a double of Ricky Wilson from the Kaiser Chiefs, just him a microphone and an acoustic guitar. However the audience were with him from the start and so they should be, he put in a really fantastic performance, entertaining the crowd with some great covers including Radiohead's 'Creep',The Zuton's 'Valerie', and a great crowd pleasing version of Kings of Leon's 'Sex On Fire'. His vocals are something quite special, showing a great range, despite his lack of confidence and a few small mistakes, the crowd gave him huge applause at the end.

Last time I had the pleasure of seeing The Longest Day (pictured) live they were a three piece, this time they have added a new guitarist to the group to boost their already impressive sound. They kick off with 'Content Enough' which sees many excited fans down the front showing their support. The sound is good in the venue and with this semi-acoustic set it shows just how impressive some of this band's songs are. Dan, Ross, Allan and new guitarist Tom seem very comfortable playing together as if they have all been together for years. The music is inspiring and exciting even in this stripped down form. The Longest Day are hard to fault, February sees them heading into the studio to start work on there much awaited new album with top producer Romesh Dodangoda. Possibly their strongest number 'Suit of Lies' ended their short set showing off Dan Henry's powerful vocals. This is just a glimpse of what this band are capable of, put them into some larger venues, strap on their electric guitars, sit back and wait for the fireworks.

Chinners