Bring a friend
Crewe has never been particularly good at attracting touring bands to ply their trade within it's boundaries, so it's with some excitement that we make our first venture down to it's new M Club (a brand new 800 capacity venue) to catch up with Sixnationstate. Having impressed at Guilfest and on tour earlier this year it was going to be interesting to see how they'd progressed with the release of their debut album imminent.
There was one major problem tonight, which basically was that there were no more than 20 people in a space made for 800! Naturally this made for a rather uncomfortable feel in front of the stage where space was abundance. Not to be phased though the band make the best of a bad situation and turn in much the same performance you'd see them do if there were several hundred in attendance. There are some sound problems early on with John's bass being way too prominent in the mix at the expense of Geri's vocals. They begin with 'Taking Me Over', which would normally get the crowd going straight away but with only a handful down at the front it doesn't quite have the desired effect. 'Keep Dancing', the excellent 'So Long' and the groove laden 'I Hate the Summer' follow in quick succession and despite the pitiful numbers the crowd are appreciative and there is some healthy banter between them and the band.
The performance is perhaps a little more subdued than normal but remains entertaining with the whole band using the large stage to good effect. Those in the crowd seeing the band for the first time are particularly amused by guitarist Rich's rhythmic swaying! Sixnationstate are an engaging band and there really isn't anything bad about them, they have some really catchy songs with great sing along choruses and they deserve a far bigger audience than they get tonight. As they round of their set with the single 'Fire' it's to be hoped that the release of the album will guarantee a few more bums on seats next time round, which knowing how much these guys tour shouldn't be very long away. Good band, good show, woeful turnout.