Everybody wants to be their friend
I approach Six Nation State's performance at Jabez Clegg with some trepidation as the sound here in the main room is notoriously bad so I'm mightily relieved when it turns out they are due to play in the smaller side room. The crowd tonight is small, no more than 25 punters turn out but that doesn't phaze the band in the slightest and they make an immediate impression as they kick off with a rousing 'Can't Let Go', with all the band playing maracas & guitarist Rich blowing a whistle. This sets the tone for a high energy performance and that's exactly what they deliver.
The sound is (thankfully) good and 'Taking Me Over' comes across really well with it's excellent singalong chorus. The three guitars on stage give Six Nation State a big sound and whilst leaning towards indie it's a refreshingly upbeat style with front man Gerry giving a thoroughly engaging performance. They do break up the set with a reggae infused number but even this is delivered with energy, the whole band never stop moving throughout and it makes for an entertaining set. This is no better emphasised than in '1,2,3,4', which features some well rehearsed and amusing choreography in the mid section.
Current single 'Where Are You Now' is delivered with similar gusto and with it's infectious beat it's clear to see why it was chosen for a single release. The crowd may be small but they are appreciative and warm to the often amusing between song patter. Six Nation State are a good band, musically very tight, entertaining to watch and thoroughly nice guys to boot. Having just returned from SXSW they are clearly a band on the up and are worthy of a far bigger crowd than they get tonight, definitely worth checking out next time they're round your way.