The beer is not working for me tonight. I try Guinness but it doesn't work. I try Krusovice Black. No impact at all but she knows. Paulaner Oktoberfestbier is the cure and she's right. No surprise there. That's me back in reviewing mode.
My ears prick up. There's something that sounds a little unusual on the stage. Something in the prog-rock vein but distinguished by rather unique vocals that cut through the chatter. It turned out to be an Italian three piece band called The Niro sneaking in an appearance in this no mean city. Not really my cup of tea but it has to be said that there was something wistfully appealing about them.
It seems that there are more visitors from afar on the Pivo Pivo stage tonight. Brighton isn't actually that far away in real terms but that is where Gloria Cycles hail from. First impressions were of high quality musicianship aligned with a very commercial approach to song writing and, unusually, a sense of fun. In fact, humming this band's songs on the way home is a very likely outcome of hearing them play. Very enjoyable indeed.
Equally commercial were Yorkshire band Talk to Angels. Again, quality musicianship was very evident but they seemed a touch safe perhaps even a bit dull compared to the previous band. Not that there was anything wrong with them - as they did do everything right - but there was little to distinguish them from the pack of indie rock bands.
Now, if there is one thing that a real rock band needs, it is a good front man. A Joker's Rage had just that and the theatrical Zakky Boy T soon dragged the audience back to life. Their hewn from solid steel rock meets rap sound followed in the footsteps of Rage Against The Machine - in fact their encore was a Rage Against The Machine song - but what made them really special was the fiery guitar of Gary Johnstone. There are times when you hear a guitarist and all you want is to learn to play just like him. Tonight was such an occasion. A Joker's Rage is a band that I'd like to see again.
Review over. Switching to chicken pakora mode…