Peakz at the Garage

Seven-thirty on a piss rainy night in Highbury, and Arsenal are about to play Real Madrid.
Queuing at the Garage, opposite Highbury and Islington Tube Station, a few souls huddle against the wet, insignificant in the pre-match crowds and electric atmosphere.

D'Silva play first, a good set, and guess what I got the set list...

The audience they've persuaded out on this filthy night are appreciative!

Then, sorry lads, I didn't catch the name, a bright hard rock outfit playing technically competent covers and originals.

What a treat, Velvetines, next, ten songs of pulsating appeal and you wonder how does such a massive voice emanate from the tiny form of the lead singer?

They too are well received, the small venue is reasonably full, but we're 15 minutes behind the pace and they've hogged the stage (deservedly!).

Some of their following drift away in search of late buses and trains, and in the red half-light Peakz put thier gear on stage and prepare to rumble.

Big Rich looks haggard, a true rock cliche of life on the road, too many miles from Capel Curig via the Flapper & Firkin in Brum yesterday, and no sleep since Watford Gap.

His huge frame dwarfs Ed's slight figure on stage. Peakz might go unnoticed till the first six notes from Rich's bass rampage round the room.

Some people halfway down the stairs and homeward bound turn heads, hesitate, and start back in. This is gonna be worth listening to.

Drummer Deian (say it Day-ann) sits in bare-chested magnificence, displ;aying his tattoos, and the guy from Velvetines comments,

'You can tell this is all he ever wants to do..'

He plays just behind the beat, a hammering foundation for the uncompromising guitar thrash which is 'Platform 9' , a 'song about sluts' and 'Devil Eyes', a little love song.

Even the tender 'Conwy Valley Luv Song' takes on a hard edge and the guys take it to an ear-mutilating climax with 'Freeway in Texas'. The feedback effect reminds you of the Tardis dematerialising...

For the twenty or so hardy souls who stayed to listen the reward is Rich - Big Rich and the Peakz.

The album 'Lovers and Liars' can be had from
www.myspace.com/peakz
or www.audleymusic.co.uk/peakz.htm