CityLife

Lost & Found

LOST & Found at the Ruby Lounge was easily the perfect way to spend Easter day…or rather evening.

Despite the rather shaky start (in which very few audience members were present) newbie band The Left Rights set the standard for the night with a powerfully dynamic set.

Bassist John Soonaye seemed to exude pure magnetism and carried the set with his alternative “harmonica beat boxing” and upright bass playing; fusing with Phil Ager’s heavy guitar technique to create an electro alternative sound.

Following this with yet another unconventional take on rock'n'roll were The Albany Throws during which the audience arrived mid-set, just in time to heckle bassist Danny Callaghan.

While gaining top marks for their professional side step around this, the group was also fully equipped with the true element of surprise due to their assorted line up; the group consisted of a female drummer, exhausted looking keyboard player, a bald bassist and a lead singer resembling a leather clad pan handler…

Luckily, the group’s odd outward show did not in any way diminish their music, if anything, their unexpected line up enhanced their unique sound. The musical style was swayable, yet not overtly gentle; acoustic, yet not sickeningly country.

With occasional use of harmonies the group provided a great lead in to the next act Sophie’s Pigeons. 

This third act of the evening conclusively proved that they are a Manchester legacy waiting to happen.

With a lead singer both gorgeous and talented and added charm that shone out through each song.

The music was unavoidably happy and seemed to infect the growing audience throughout the set. Each member added his or her twist, from Sophie Nelson and Sammy Stockdale on vocals, Beckie Davis on Saxophone and Phil Sykes on organs and beats, it’s hardly surprising this quartet have got themselves signed. Folky and fun, Sophie’s Pigeons were a hit!

The last two acts of the night however, while both equally matched in talent, were arguably placed in the wrong order. Ten Bears ability to excite the crowd outshone Keith’s somewhat placid approach.

The group’s flamboyance had each and every audience member dancing. Memorable quotes from the group included “We’re hotter than the sun,”…”We’ve brought hot crossed buns for everyone,” and

“Major thanks to Jesus for coming back to life today so we could all party.”

Aside from the great comedy, The Band did in fact deliver one of their best performances to date.

And finally, dark knights Keith took the stage. While the band was not as energetic as its predecessors, the heavily indie group effectively lulled the over excited audience into a mellow and while Ten Bears would ultimately have been a better finale, the group still succeeded in giving a top notch performance.

The evening was definite success and more nights of this calibre are eagerly anticipated.

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