Slydigs, live at the Workman's Club

Definitely ones to watch...

Daire Collins, 08 Aug 2012

Is the U.K. going to have its very own rock revival? Seems likely if the Slydigs have anything to do with it. The Warrington band played The Workman’s on Tuesday night, and despite the small crowd, the four lads rocked as if they were playing to a packed stadium.

Maintaining a huge presence on stage, frontman Dean Fairhust showed his moves as he danced his way across it. Clearly they loved every second of it. And that’s not to mention the crowd, who lapped up each spine-tingling solo and foot-stomping riff.

Influenced by every rock band of the last five decades, these guys are as genuine as it comes. Playing a well-balanced mix of their own work with some classic covers thrown in to get the crowd going, they may not be pushing poetic lyrics with deep metaphorical meanings but with music like this it isn’t needed. This is rock ’n’ roll at its purest, as it’s meant to be.

Latest single, 'Electric Love', shows the band's intent; fast-paced rock with catchy hooks. The crowd loved it and weren’t going anywhere, demanding an encore. Slydigs did not disappoint, jamming out The Rolling Stones' 'Last Time' and cascading to a finish with 'Gloria'.

Comparisions to old-school Arctic Monkeys and Wolfmother are completely deserved, just add an extra bit of attitude. Can they do for rock what the Black Keys have done in the States? Maybe... maybe not. But having recently signed to Flickknife records and with a debut album on the way in late September, these guys are definitely one to watch. They return to Ireland in late August. Take note.

Daire Collins