Thursday 24/10/02 Lucky Thirteen, Hundred Reasons @ Barfly, Liverpool

After standing in the cold for an hour, Way Ahead having printed the wrong time on our tickets, we were let into the new Liverpool Barfly at the Masque. A tiny venue for an "intimate" warm up for their eleven date UK tour.

First up, three piece Lucky Thirteen from South London. Billed as "melodic rock", singer/guitarist Dave House sounds like a man that's inhaled helium before coming on stage. The only problem with their set came from sound levels for Chris Kiely's drums. Despite hitting them as if they were the face of a school bully, through no fault of his own they produced only dull flat noise. Their set did remain powerful throughout however and as a mark of their undeniable brilliance the crowd were chanting for more. Something I've rarely seen for a support band. I'd love to see these guys play again, and like many other Liverpool fans already in possession of Manchester tickets, we will in two weeks.

Following what seemed like an eternity, Hundred Reasons snuck on stage rather quietly - rather than to Europe's fanfare 'A Final Countdown'. A rocked up version of new b-side 'Introduction to Pop' saw guitarists Larry Hibbitt and Paul Townsend take vocals whilst frontman Colin (cunningly disguised in a hoody) took to a keyboard located at the side of the stage. 'I'll Find You' bounced the crowd whilst new track 'Happiness is South West' rocked it more than a Manchester earthquake.

This is the longest set I've seen Hundred Reasons play yet, managing fourteen songs and a further three encores and throughout the band never faltered (no pun intended) in their energy. This show proved beyond all doubt that again they have moved up several notches, fast becoming some of the most competent rock stars, complete with hair and poses. The encore consisted of 'No. 5', a quiet track featuring Larry on vocals - missing from many of their previous tours due to a severe case of the lurgy. Whilst 'Cerebra', a track from their first EP 'One', took the crowd smashing back, honouring their heavier roots.

Afterwards, both bands mingled with the crowd answering questions and signing numerous bizarre items proving them one of the most approachable and down to earth bands.

The set was:
Introduction to Pop
I'll Find You
Answers
Dissolve
Drowning
Happiness is South-west
Silver
Soapbox Rally
Formula One
Oratorio
Shine
Falter
Your Day
Remmus
--------------
No. 5
Cerebra
If I Could

Lucky Thirteen have a new split single with Twofold out 4th November. See www.lucky-thirteen.co.uk for more.

Photos by Si Perlaki :: si@gigwise.com