First up Mystified, a band I’ve been hearing good things about. They have a great stage presence and a pretty heavy rock sound. They were good but I was expecting better. If I’d seen them without the recommendations I think I would have been more impressed. I’d be happy to see them again if they’re supporting somebody, but there I didn’t feel there was enough in their music to make me feel like I need to hear them multiple times.

Next up where for me the main act, Saint Agnes. Last year I found they where a band that got better and better with each gig as they honed their set. Now, they’ve perfected it, they’re a fantastic live band well worth catching.

Closing the evening were Cold In Berlin. I’d seen the. About five years ago but honestly couldn’t remember much about them. They have a heavy goth rock sound. The lead singer holding it together making it interesting through her expressive performance.

I’m from Teesside. It’s an area with little going for it. As an area that built-up around heavy industry, it’s struggling with the closure of most of them. Successive governments have failed to tackle the high unemployment. Leaving many kids without much future. The Chapman’s Family’s music very much represents the area. All Teessiders have a ‘them and us’ attitude and this comes out in their music. Kingsley, the lead singer, is clearly annoyed with the way much of the country is oblivious to the effect of successful governments policies on Teesside through their pandering to the Middle Classes in the Home counties. A view most Teessiders agree with and it’s a view I agree with.

Tonight’s gig at the Bull and Gate, suffered from some sound problems, with Kingsley’s vocals a little too low in the mix. But the energy and passion of Kingsley means that they’re always watchable. Tonight was no exception.

The Naturals

Cold in Berlin

Chapman Family

Chapman Family

Chapman Family