Kingswood are the first band on stage and they set the ‘70s rock feel early in the night. Lead singer Fergus Linacre is full of energy as he walks through the crowd and lands on the drum kit at the end of the set. Their music is loud and unrelenting and Linacre is an excellent frontman, encouraging more movement and enthusiasm from the crowd.
Second band The Delta Riggs start with gusto but run into some feedback early in the set. They deal with it well and once it stops it isn’t a problem for the rest of the night. A cover of LCD Soundsystem’s song ‘Daft Punk is Playing at My House’ comes as a surprise but they make it their own with a harmonica solo at the end.
They’re comfortable on stage and have a real presence, joking with the crowd and each other between songs. The lead singer starts to introduce a song but the guitarist cuts him off before he gets a chance, playing over him.
Rock ‘n’ Roll is alive at The Standard with The Delta Riggs on stage, as they continue through their set with long guitar solos and raw energy. The lead singer jumps on the bass drum and leans towards the drummer in the last song and they end their set having given it their all.
Stonefield arrive on stage to whistles from the crowd and unleash their rocking riffs on us. They move comfortably through the first few songs, giving us a preview of new tracks to look out for. Their age and appearance is something that needs to be mentioned. They’re all young, beautiful and very small in stature. But this has no effect on their music, look away for a moment and you could be listening a rock band who have been together for 20 years playing. They’re technically amazing, and any lead singer who can drum simultaneously deserves credit.
There’s no front woman per se but the guitarist and bassist seem to battle for attention on stage and provide the soul in every song. The bass line drives each song and compliments the drum line perfectly. The sound is clear for the whole set and completely free of feedback. They introduce a “lovey-dovey” song and encourage us to hug the person next to us. With an introduction like that, you’d expect a ballad but the heavy guitar and fast riffs present in their other songs are still there.
Singles ‘Black Water Rising’ and ‘Bad Reality’ receive big welcomes from the crowd but covers of Steppenwolf’s ‘Magic Carpet Ride’ and Led Zeppelin’s ‘Whole Lotta Love’ get the biggest reaction.
Lead singer/drummer Amy Findlay moves to the front of the stage for the encore and while the band wasn’t lacking in stage presence without a frontwoman, her addition to the front of the stage is welcomed.
Their energy and ability for performing is evident from start to finish and it is refreshing to watch a band who clearly love what they do. They finish with the aforementioned cover of ‘Whole Lotta Love’ and manage to bring a new edge to a song that is already near perfect.
Justine McNamara 