Down into the Rossi Bar cellar and a highly engaging Rusalka has the keys set to full harpsichord as she delivers a sprightly set of songs somewhere between Kate Bush and Bat for Lashes but with a slightly more likeable humorous and fun undertow. This gives a real sense of humanity to the theatrics. ‘Pink Devil’ showcases how special her voice is. Expect to hear more as this young artist is unquestionably the real deal.
Le lamb make their sleazy presence felt from the get go with a bluesy intro over a funky rhythm, before the singer enters dressed as a highly seductive lamb. Any worry this is novelty is quickly displaced by a classic sixties heavy psych sound that builds into a huge crescendo. They remain refreshingly odd and musical through out. Source can not wait to own the second track and listen to it on headphones but before we’ve typed the note the song has changed. This is high art rock with zeppelin kick, and a lot going on. No one in the crowd is chatting; not one single person. All are paying attention.
The room is now loose and limbered up. Astral Gray emerges, with a backing band hit squad drawn from some of the best of our fair town’s local music scene. This is the launch show for debut album ‘The Past Is In The Way’ and the set list is a full play through of that album.
With the Yamaha Reface C high in the mix, a classic organ drenched sound quickly takes over as the set opens with ‘Year of the Clown’. The Lennon and McCartney harmonies of ‘Chivalry’s Death’ then wash over us in the most delightful of ways.
Beyond the obvious comparisons that also include Floyd, it occurs to SOURCE that the songwriter is a big Michael Chapman fan. The echos of Fully Qualified Survivor in songs like ‘Wisdom of a Madame’ are strong and that is no bad thing as far as these ears are concerned.
Its a dreamy sound that glows. ‘Mirror On The Wall’ and ‘Every Story Has an End’ bring the album to a close in perfect more solo Lennon fashion over some lovely piano parts.
As an encore we are treated to a new song about Paris called ‘Nobody’s Goddess’ rides some very lovely slide guitar and shows very clearly that that this particular well has plenty more to offer.
Last song ‘Forever Always’ could soundtrack a Bond movie. Is there a greater compliment you could pay to this more understated of performers, that there work resonates with some of the most culturally significant songs of our lifetime.
What a joy it is to be at an event, booked by the actual headliner, where all the acts are good enough to top the bill of a much bigger venue. All three will. Mark SOURCE’s words, for this is a special night indeed.
The Rossi Bar – Thursday 14th March
Words by Nick McAllister
Photos by Stan O’Shea
