Thursday 12 September 2013

Harry Radford w/ support from Hill Valley High and Propeller 10th September 2013 The Cavern, Exeter



The night kicked off with South West based band Propeller(7.5) who only formed in April 2013. If these guys were nervous, it did not show, they owned the stage playing to high standard with a lot of passion. The band's sound is indie with a harder edge. They played mainly original compositions including "Mister, Mister", "Heartbreaker" and "HGD".  They also played an impressive cover of the Arctic Monkeys track "Fake Tales of San Francisco". Their set ended on their catchiest song to date "Shine a Light" which they should record as a single immediately. They are a young enthusiastic band, who were most effective at their heaviest. This is definitely a band to catch live. You can see them next at The White Rabbit, Plymouth on Saturday 14th September performing as Biffy Clyro for the "Stars In Their Eyes".

Up next was Hill Valley High (8) who played with huge amounts of enthusiasm despite a couple of their members being down with illness.  Their brand of catchy punk rock was just what the evening needed to get the crowd ready for the main act. If anyone could bottle Phil Marsh’s swagger then they would be a millionaire. They played mainly songs off their new self-titled 6 song Mini Album including "Call The Shots", "All Fall Down" and “Sweet Talking Melody". The band were not only a very tight unit but friendly and approachable offering hugs at one point. The highlight of their set was "We Learn" with its catchy chorus and crunchy guitars which is surely a hit single in the making. Their set ended on the "Move Closer" with its chanted chorus and many new converts to the Hill Valley High.

Harry Radford (9) strolled on to the stage with his carefully assembled touring band, this was definitely his night. From the very first song "Cherry Lips" it was clear that Harry's songs benefit from the extra fire power of two live guitarists and a bassist. Next up was "Black and Blue" with its catchy lyrics of "twenty two still black and blue from all the times I thought of you". In addition to the live instruments each song was seamlessly accompanied by an electronic backing track. The first of two new songs was "I Need a Fix" had a pumped up dance vibe and audience participation.

The whole night slowed down for sing-along favourite "Gallery" with spot on haunting vocals from Harry; definitely a lighters in the air moment.

"Hide and Speak" is awesome on record but with guest vocal from Hill Valley High, lead singer Phil Marsh it took a new more intense form. Harry beforehand stated that this was the music he wanted to make, it is the music we want to hear.

The set closed with an amped up version of "Bite the Bullet" which had the whole audience moving and singing the chorus. Hopefully we will see a full album from Harry Radford incorporating the spirit and guitars of his live performance. Everyone left the Cavern excited but satisfied.

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