Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating * * * *

There is nothing quite like an afternoon having the time of your life and Fun of the Pier, especially when you can replace the thought of outdated entertainment associated with a Victorian and Edwardian era, of sand and candy floss falling into the sea below and cheap entertainment designed to thrill the masses as they ward off the spectre of yet another attacking seagull, with one that sits comfortably with the audiences at The Cavern at this year’s International Pop Overthrow and in which has the added appeal of The Suns’ Dave Lloyd in attendance.

The duo, Helen and Mark Luker  from Nottingham, may have been the first act of the day on the back stage of The Cavern but they set the bar very high for the rest who were following in quick succession throughout the day.

Organiser David Bash has such an ear for music that it is very rare that a group or artist to live up to expectation showered upon them for any of the I.P.O’s of the past. Fun of the Pier were not about to let the side down and that bar that was set to a high point that even Daley Thompson in his prime might have struggled to clear, soon became apparently clear was a great start to what turned out to be an exhilarating afternoon of music at The Cavern.

With sweet harmonies that came across well and the near unique sound of rubber strings being twanged as if Michelin or Dunlop was in danger of losing their stamp of authority, Fun of the Pier performed songs such as Possible, Inconsiderate, the brand new and highly enjoyable Looking For The Sun, Escape and a cover of Crowded House’s Pineapple Head, the set was smart and spirited.

With friend Dave Lloyd coming on stage towards the end of their set, the notch was turned up again slightly and the songs Cloud Free Sky and Be Happy were given flavour and poise. The locals in the audience of The Cavern enjoyed the addition of Dave Lloyd and the looks on the faces of the duo were a sight to take great pleasure in as they relished the opportunity to be given the terrific applause given, one not normally received with an opening act so early in the day.

A very enjoyable start to a Friday lunch time, something that the I.P.O. can be proud to have bought to attention of the music lover in Liverpool.

Ian D. Hall