Thursday 11/12/03 Willis, Fionn Regan, Aidan Smith @ Barfly, Liverpool

Acoustic themed night at the Barfly, showcasing acts on Manchester based label Twisted Nerve. The gig opened with Willis, an engaging three-piece group from London featuring a female vocalist, whose bluesy voice strongly recalls Annie Lennox. Their big haired percussionist, whose set up included congas and a floor tom provided plenty of rhythmical flair. Their only musical contingent was a classical guitar player, who occasionally switched over to play the Lute. The often improvised vocals were the main focus, although the percussive rhythms kept the proceedings in check.

Next up was Irish singer, songwriter Fionn Regan, who took to the stage with no less than three guitars. Open tunings and rough edged vocals were order of the night, with a voice not unlike Fran Healy of Travis, only with more creative ideas. His latest EP ‘Reservoir’ issued earlier this year was the main focal point. Slight tuning problems aside, Regan was well received, going on to play an encore.

Finally there was Manchester lad Aidan Smith, who appeared on stage sporting an undeveloped beard and dressed more like a school teacher. Wearing granny spectacles, Smith was sat at his keyboard, performing in his affected half-arsed way. The rhythm section helped spruce up the proceedings, but quite frankly I really wasn’t that impressed. A second-rate Badly Drawn Boy without the irony, whose sardonic approach and quirky little songs just got more and more irritating as the night went on. A bloke singing about how boring his songs are just doesn’t make for an enduring set, even if he does have a point. 

Photo by Paul Stevenson