Review of

“Junction 15”

By: Gaby

At: The Red Lion, Bozeat

On: 06/05/06

As any 3 piece band knows, it is often difficult and sometimes impossible to choose the selection of songs suitable for their set without the obvious advantages of having a second guitarist but “Junction 15” proved us wrong, skilfully choosing a selection of new and old songs alike that fit their set well.

Playing a little bit of everything from the likes of ZZ Top, Bryan Adams, Golden Earring, Ozzy and Deep Purple to Green Day.

Apart from a couple of funked up pieces that don’t sit too well in these old, battered and haggard rock ears of mine the set was a good mix of old and new,  done well and with a fine sense of good natured rock n roll good time fun!

Equally I must congratulate the band on performing a couple of Bon Jovi numbers that I really did not think a 3 piece could perform. Ok, they sounded a bit different to the originals but then what do you expect without a keyboard, second guitarist and the overt studio production that brought the likes of “Livin on a Prayer” to life. In fact I quite liked their take on these Jersey rockers giving the songs their own unique interpretation.

Musically these 3 likeable chaps were tight and full-on with a driving heavy bass sound, fantastic drums and some fine guitar work which ably delivered a powerful though at the same time understated performance which more than pleased the crowd in attendance.

Special note must be given to the lead singer’s voice which I felt was superb and highly adaptive to their choice of material.

They also interacted well with their audience which by the second half (after the statutory “beer and pee” break) got everyone singing along and joining the rock n roll party.

For a performance which the band felt was beset by various sound problems, it did not seem to be much of a problem from out front where I felt the sound to be fine though perhaps a little bit heavy on the back line and far too low on the bass players vocal mic.  - none of which in any way dampened my enjoyment of their set nor their skill as musicians.

It is at this point of my review that I should point out that it is a sad fact of life for our many fine and talented cover and tribute bands that the pubs and clubs they ply their trade in are sadly not all that conducive to live music and wonky floorboards, low ceilings and lots of glass windows don’t help. However we should still be very grateful that a few of these wonderful little pubs and clubs still exist where we can have our ears and senses delighted by some fine rock music as was the case this particular evening.

As for “Junction 15”, let’s just say that these friendly chaps have the right attitude, the right music and the right talent to keep on delighting us for hopefully another 10-12 years.

See them soon at a rock pub or bike rally near you!

Hey, it’s only Rock n Roll – but we like it!