Photograph by Ian D. Hall

Originally published by L.S. Media. September 16th 2012.

L.S. Media Rating ***

Every band has to start somewhere; it is a basic fact of live music and of life and some don’t, for whatever reason, make it in the end.  However, sometimes the hint of promise is there from the start and even if there is a long way to go before the inevitable success; these are moments when the band first performs that makes it all worthwhile.

Room for Rent may be young but there is a lot of steel in the eyes of Jack Robertson, James Denham, Mathew Gibson and Ryan Culshaw to know that no matter will be thrown at them in the next few years. They played their hearts out in a very fine set at the o2 Academy, Liverpool and they held the attention of those there to cheer them on incredibly well.

Energetic and lively, they had these two qualities in abundance and whilst there is room to always grow musically, the fact that they have the confidence as the first act out of five in one of the excellent o2 Academy Support the supports slots and play a set full of interesting and unique songs speaks volumes for their future.

Even with a couple of cover songs thrown into the mix for good measure, Room for Rent more than justified their inclusion in the line-up. Going on first in these types of events, especially when the band has only been together a few short months, is not easy. Not one of the four lads though on stage showed any sign of nerves and whilst playing such songs of their own creation as Nobody Knows, Let Me Know and the very well presented Through The City, it was easy to watch the crowd at the front of the stage becoming enamoured with them.

The bedding in period for this new band may be still in the settling in stage but they certainly made an excellent impression on those in the o2 Academy. How far they take it is up to them.

Ian D. Hall