Damian Robinson discovers prodigious sounds and power-chord ferocity on show at Tyne Bank
Image: Sing Again Syren by Damian Robinson
Admitting to being in a mood with a former lover, and giving herself a hard time for not having practised as much as she thinks she should have, Hannah D’Arcy might tell you she has no right to be good tonight, but you shouldn’t listen to her. Whatever the fuel is that keeps her self-opinion low, her fierceness is high, and it keeps the GGAllan Partridge musician on fine form, delivering back-of-the-throat, powerful acoustic statements about immature males (Enough) and interesting life choices (Drink to Forget). She may not be plugged-in this evening, but she doesn’t need the electricity to maintain her power-chord ferocity.
Yet just as you’re about to give up on the power of the electric guitar cable, Sing Again Syren convince you otherwise by doing exactly what they always do; playing with supreme talent and making you jealous of how much potential they have. Lining up as a modern-day Cream trio, the band’s set is filled with jazz drum patterns, funk-styled basslines and classic rock guitar. Highlight Rich Woman, with its three-minute classic rock heart, shows off the trio’s skill set; though it’s the one minute play-out which really demonstrates their impressive musicianship skills, combining popping bass parts, thrashing drums and fretboard surfing into a prodigious sound.