WotsOn4u: Culture : Music : Falling red live

Cumbrian rockers Falling Red have finally signed a record deal after years of playing gigs in Carlisle and throughout the north west, they have gradually built up a large fan base and the reward for their hardwork is an album that will be nationally released and has been featured in magazines such as Kerrang and Classic Rock. They chose The Brickyard in Carlisle to launch the album with copies of the album being on sale before the shops get it.

Tickets for this went quickly and the gig was very close to selling out, something that a Cumbrian band rarely does in Carlisle.

Opening band Nightvision did a great job of getting the audience interested early on in the night with their tight performance of punkrock mixed in with interesting riffs and solos.

Following up were Stone Run and by now the venue was packed and more people were coming forward to watch the bands. Stone Run had a grungey feel to them and they would appeal to fans of American bands like Pearl Jam, Nickelback and Buckcherry. The frontman got the crowd going and encouraged plenty of audience participation. Again, another well played tight performance.

By the time Burnley's Exit State came on they had the audience where they wanted them, they got a great crowd reaction with their impressive rock sound with a British edge, gang backing vocals and powerful vocals of their frontman who was belting out stadium filling choruses. Set closer Bad Days was a particular highlight and it wouldn't be out of place on a Music channel such as Kerrang or Scuzz.

After a change over which involved adding large banners to the stage and some set pieces the lights went dim and Falling Red's intro tape started, after years of touring this is where it all payed off. Kicking off with the fast and furious Shake the Faith, they proved just why they deserved their record deal. Rozey is an excellent frontman and he knows how to hype the crowd and his vocals are perfect for their brand of sleazy rock whilst Shane and Rozey's guitar work was very impressive with a lot of cool solos. Millsy and Dave keep the rhythm section tight and by throwing in extra drum fills and bass licks it showed why they should be heard live to be heard at their best!

The crowd were dancing all through their set, even singing along to some of their tracks once we were taught the words! And the extra stage sets, smoke effects and lighting rig added a big rock show feel to the gig. As a live unit they clearly know how to perform, they played as if it was in front of 3000 people, not 300!

The majority of the set was made up of tracks from their unreleased debut Shake the Faith but we were treated to a few oldies such as If You Ain't Down With the Rock and a cover of Breed by Nirvana.

This was a fantastic night of rock and all 4 bands were great. Falling Red's next gig in Carlisle is in The Golden Lion pub but on the strength of their performance they will be playing bigger venues soon, in the summer they are heading on tour with former AC/DC frontman Dave Evans!

Falling Red - Album Launch Party