The four piece band pitches its approach somewhere between the Arctic Monkeys and Oasis and has a confident – sometimes
precocious – stage presence.
More importantly they are lyrically
articulate with an ear for extremely commercial songs such as the chart-worthy
Contemporary Musician of the Year.
Main vocalist
Jordan Coleman makes up in rock quality what he lacks in distinct audience
communication but if they keep their feet on the ground there should be a bright
future ahead.
Leigh based Romanov certainly gave them a run for their prize money. The five piece may have been making their Blackpool debut but immediately made themselves at home in the Tower Lounge.
Despite being together less than a year this is a tight unit coming across as a perfect sum of its parts with a balanced set which grows in confidence and is never afraid to change tempo and style with impressive vocals from Lewis Sproston.
Opening the night was recently formed but extremely experienced three piece Ghosts Of The North. It's probably stalwart frontman Andy Higgins' best opportunity yet to showcase his accomplished guitar paying and complemented by solid drums and bass he makes the most of it on uncompromising numbers such as Changes, These Are The Days and I Found God – which the band dedicated to
Coldplay.
Another time and another place and The Last Stands could have made it another result. The five piece Blackpool band boasts a solid wall of sound and some very commercial moments on a set strong on rhythm and interesting guitar breaks.
With two bands now confirmed for the December 12 final there are still three places to play for. Next Friday's winner will join Flags of the Soviet Republic from heat one and The Locals. The line-up will be completed by the competition's highest scoring runner up plus the band which receives the highest number of e-mail votes from Gazette readers. Help your favourite band through by voting at
rockquest@blackpoolgazette.co.uk
Go to the Original Rock 2008 tile at www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk to hear music from all 15 bands competing in The Original Rock Quest 2008.
Next Friday's bands are The Corsairs, The Drop Out Wives, Goonies Never Say Die, The Night Life Crisis and The Valvetronics.
The Original Rock Quest 2008 is sponsored by Bulmers Original and organised by The Gazette in conjunction with Leisure Parcs.
Robin Duke