The Drawing Room (Barrow-in-Furness)
Friday 21st March, 2014
ALL good things must come to an end, so the saying goes, and an important chapter was closed on Friday night at the Drawing Room in Barrow. Better known to most local live music fans as Atlas, the band finally bowed out in style at the town centre venue.
Before all this though, there was a full supporting bill of high quality acoustic music on offer. Jamie Bosanko got things underway with his set of popular cover versions including Tom Petty’s Free Falling, and a number of self-penned originals, including his upbeat signature song Bi-Polar Bear.
Collie Stewart stepped up to the plate next and his usual mix of off-hand banter coupled with a commanding performance was as evident as always. From the Creedence Clearwater Revival classic Proud Mary to his staple closing rendition of Prince’s Kiss, Collie always makes it look so easy.
While the stage was being readied for the main act, young singer/songwriter Zac Thompson took to the mic to play a couple of songs, highlighting his crisp guitar work and powerful singing voice.
And then, it was time to say goodbye. After recently changing their name from Atlas to Memorymode, the band had expanded into a 6-piece with violinist Ben Simon and keyboard player Dan Newton adding much to their forward looking indie/rock sound. With brothers Paul (lead vocals) and Kris Coulton (guitar/backing vocals) on the front-line, James Chesters (bass) and drummer Jonny Shields kept it all solid at the back.
With songs such as Flee, Manifesto, Picture a Place and Derail the Roller Coaster in their back catalogue, their set whizzed by in a flash. The band brought proceedings to an emotional close with a final version of a well-loved Atlas song in Selfish Eye.
The future may be uncertain, but for now, it’s enough to say that they are really going to be missed.
(c) DAVID DUFFIN
Zac Thompson got things under way beginning with a version of the John Legend hit song All of Me, and continuing with one of his own compositions, Let It All Out. Zac’s powerful and emotive singing was in evidence throughout on songs such as George Ezra’s Blame It On Me, and the Killers staple Mr. Brightside which even had some of the audience up on the dance floor.
Larkins are a 4-piece band from Manchester, but they were without their bass player for this gig. With this in mind, the drummer played a lighter and more percussive role behind acoustic guitar and an effects drenched electric, for a set that seemed heavily influenced by 80s pop. Notable tracks were their version of London Grammar’s Strong and one of their own brand new songs called Athena.
The Chadelics took to the stage and delivered a set full of energy from the start with their own material to the fore. Cheap Thrills, recently recorded by the band, rubbed shoulders with new tune Love Me Again, and live favourite A Tara to Arms.
Frozen Notes 