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From the tongue-in-cheek self-introduction, Otis’s raspy voice and fine guitar playing were complimented by a crystal clear sound in this wonderfully cosy space. New song ‘Where The Graves Are Real’ was a poignant blue-collar country musing, while ‘Caroline’ was all what-might-have-been reflection. A fine raconteur, Otis reminisced about growing up in small town Indiana before covering the evocative ‘Small Town Saturday Night’ and recounted tales of regional quirks while touring the UK; explaining why fans bring him jars of pickled onions and the ‘uniqueness’ of Newcastle. Fine support was provided by Ewan D Rodgers’ grimly poetic Northern folk songs.

Green Door Store, 14 September
Rating:
Steve Clements

Sir Percival Glyde has ‘a secret’. A cad of a man, assisted in all his dubious deeds by his partner in crime Count Fosco, his ‘secret’ is nonetheless his Achilles Heal. This is good news for The Fairlie family for which Sir Percy has married into intending to plunder their fortune. Knowing his secret will rid them of the man, but what is the secret and who is The Woman In White? The professional and proficient cast couldn’t put the spark into a dry and at times uninspiring script. And running at nearly three hours, far too long. Good but take a pillow.

Worthing Pavilion, 14 September
Rating:
Lee Stevens

The unofficial closing party of the 2011 summer drew a line under the big festivals for this year but at least it went out with a bang. A diverse line-up of acts that spanned more genres than you could shake a muddy tent peg at. Read the rest of this article »

EMA blew away the crowd at Green Door Store with an emotionally and sexually charged set of drone-noise-rock. It was truly refreshing to see such a passionate and strong frontwoman perform in an era where wimpy girly vocals are fairly prevalent. The band were all great, electric violins adding well to the racket of guitars, and fantastic drumming helping build up to crescendos with warped cymbals creating a unique sound. The set was well paced, with a moving and lyrically vulnerable a capella section a nice break from the noise, perfectly reflecting Erika’s confidence and ability in commanding the stage. A superb rock gig.

Green Door Store, 13 September
Rating:
Joe Fuller