Originally published by L.S. Media. September 23rd 2011.
There is a new music name for people to get their teeth into; they are from Merseyside, they play like a dream, they have the authority to hold an audience’s attention and they’re rather good.
Sheerwater are a four piece outfit that shine and ooze personality and as they played through a set as part of the Band in a Box promotions night at the Static Gallery, the interested looks from those in attendance said it all. If they keep playing in this form and with the vibe they give, it won’t be long before they step up another level and get added to the names of other great 21st century bands that hail from the new home of culture.
Sheerwater are made up of Mrk Dawson on guitar and lead vocals, Alan Merrett on drums, Gui Chipchase on bass and the very talented Jack Beacall on keyboards. Each member had his job to do and each member stuck to it perfectly as they played six songs that gripped the imagination and rocked the soul of all those that were fortunate enough to find themselves in the Static Gallery on a busy Friday night in Liverpool.
The band opened up with Rockaway the Days and the rather cool Nothing to Lose before letting loose and expressing themselves freely with a track that made the head spin in Till the Sun Comes Out. As each song was played it was possible to hear the generous but well deserved applause get a little bit wilder, a little more ecstatic as the audience realised they were witnessing one of those rare nights when a young band get it just right. It happens occasionally but as lovers of live music you do have to go out an awful lot of times to catch it happen.
Although the band had very limited time available to them, you just know they have a lot more in reserve and the night they get to do a whole set will be one to look forward too and one to savour.
Ian D. Hall