Image credit : pearly* on flickr

When we emerged from the crypt-like backstage area, local band Fresh Legs were just starting their set, coming off a bit like Blondie but less NYC cool and more urgent.

I moved closer to the stage, pushing through the growing crowd. People at the front were starting to move and dance as the set continued. Singer Ella Lou’s vocals were pretty breathtaking and as the band played on you could tell that they were enjoying themselves up on stage.

'Finishing Touches' was the standout song of their set, using that age-old loud-quiet-loud method, but with style. Fresh Legs are always playing shows locally, so go see them!

This would be a very different Blood Red Shoes gig than usual, as guitarist and co-vocalist Laura-Mary Carter had lost her voice, so drummer Steven Ansell would be doing the singing for the both of them.

They opened with crowd favourite ‘Its Getting Boring by the Sea’ with Steven drumming like Animal from the Muppets and Laura-Mary taking her frustration out on her guitar.

The crowd really got behind the band, singing the words that they knew to help the band out. After a few songs Steven was sweaty and exhausted but still they played on.

Their catchy rock had captivated the audience, who knew they were lucky they were getting a show at all - lesser bands would have cancelled.

They closed the gig with the frantic ‘ADHD’, Laura-Mary getting a group of girls at the front to coo ‘now now now now now now now now boy’. I left the venue with it on repeat inside my skull.

Rating 3.5/5