Charity Single Launch Gig Jagz in Ascot, Sunday 3rd March 2013 One of the newer names in the realms of British prog rock, The Room debuted their album Open Fire at the end of 2012. Featuring a very accessible mix of prog and rock, it’s a melting pot of influences from across the whole band. Each member brings something different, whether it’s straight ahead rock, hair metal or progressive influences, all topped off with the unique voice of Martin Wilson. This was a launch night for their charity single, “Screaming Through The Noise” which is on sale through the band’s website www.theroom.eu/chect - CHECT is the Childhood Cancer Trust charity that helped support Martin and his son Joshua through the loss of Joshua’s eyesight during his childhood to Retinablastoma (Retinal Cancer). The album Open Fire really caught my ear when it was first aired and having played four songs from it originally on my show, on revisiting the album prior to the gig it made me appreciate just how damn good this album is! Having seen and heard it played live in its entirety now, I have to say that this is one band to watch for the future.
a live band and a punchy PA system). Backed by a constantly changing but rock steady rhythm section consisting of Andy Rowe on bass and Andrew Rae on drums, the band are always locked firmly in place. Steve Checkley is free then to add multiple layers of harmony, melody and at times mesmeric keyboards to the songs and weaving in, around and above all of this is the sublime, powerful, melodic and tasteful guitar work of Steve Anderson and his Parker Fly guitar. This was a band that could be enjoyed on so many different levels, and I found myself constantly swapping reference points from instrument to instrument. The Room is clever music that can be listened to again and again. With a supportive and really appreciative audience, this was a night to remember and thoroughly enjoyable. The band just need more gigs now and some exposure, once you’ve been “Roomed” there’s no going back!! If the band appear near you, go and see them!
Difficult to pick highlights from such a strong set list, which included a couple of songs from Martin’s previous The sound on the night was very clear and extremely well band Legacy (also excellent), but for me if I was forced to balanced, allowing all of the many layers of The Room’s choose any it would be A Casual Believer, Screaming music to be heard and appreciated fully. Martin Wilson’s Through the Noise and In The Shadows. Special mention voice was note perfect throughout and came across though for Behind The Silence and The Spark, two more powerfully than on the record (a common thing with wonderful songs! Tony Corner
Photo by - Angus Thomas Photography
35
Firebrand Magazine