Replica/The Fazed/Paul J Roberts

REPLICA/THE FAZED/PAUL J ROBERTS

Donkey Venue: 14th September 2024

Saturday night at the The Donkey Venue brought a rocking double header with the FAZED and REPLICA with support from PAUL J ROBERTS.

First up was Paul J Roberts delivering a fine set accompanied only by his acoustic guitar and a barrage of noise from the bar. Paul is a strong strident guitar player and powerful singer, delivering songs from his recently launched album. His songs are really good and deserve to be heard, I especially always like his closer "I'd Play for 7 People Like I'd Play the NEC". A fine set to open the evening, deserved far more attention

After Paul, up came The Fazed. There are some bands that when you see them you know you are going to get a great set delivered with style and passion...such a band is the Fazed. Guitar driven indie rock played with energy... the music is seriously rocking and also has strong melody. The band is driven by an incredibly potent driving bass and fine drumming while up front the lead and rhythm guitars gel beautifully with some terrific lead guitar work. As well as playing rhythm Dave at the front handles all the singing and does it so well... good strong voice and a really great performance as ever by the band.

Closing the night was Replica Coversband. They deliver a powerful set of indie anthem covers... i never really followed that genre so actually didnt know any of the songs played!.. however in this setting they all sounded good.

They are a guitar band propelled by great bass and drumming and featuring some really quality guitar playing by both lead and rhythm. The focus tends to be the singer who provides a great focus and is a great vocalist and performer.

The band started strongly and had the dancers and moving early... I felt the band grew stronger as the set developed and the number of dancers grew and grew... Another powerful and hugely enjoyable set.

All in all... a great night... a fine set by Paul and two cracking indie rock outifts.

One question though.. is it wise to have an acoustic singer/songwriter open up for a couple of rock bands?.. Whenever I've seen this combination the acoustic artist has been all but drowned out by the audience

Special mention to Ritchie Whitehead who again played drums for both bands..

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