The Quireboys at the Rock and Blues Custom Show
My first impression was that the lead singer was trying to be Axl Rose. The bandana and the vocals seemed to suggest our favourite, corn-braid sporting destroyer of rock-bands. In fairness, this rubbed off after a while but the occasional squeeky vocals that sounded nothing like the singers actual voice did much to reinforce that illusion.
That said, overall, the vocals had plenty of "throaty grit" to them. Despite the impressive array of Gibson Les Pauls, the guitarist's presence was lacking; the bassist and rythym guitarist more so. Again, the flat feeling was creeping back in.
"This is Rock and Roll" certainly lived up to it's name however. A rousing number that helped to move the crowd somewhat. Interesting, since the guitars themselves seemed rather quiet throughout the set, except when they appeared on their own. The bass and drums seemed to drown them out too much. The piano certainly helped make the sound less rocky, less gritty and more mellow. Coupled with the vocalist's attempts the rouse the crowd, the "cheesy" factor began to set in.
Towards the end of the set, I felt the band went a little "country" with added piano and too many "yee-haws". Finishing with a different turn, "Sex Party", as it's name suggests, was much more "Cock-Rock" and dirty and rightly produced a rowdier response from the crowd, but yet again, another example of a song that deserved more "grunt" from the guitars.
Overall, perhaps a bit too "country-fied" and quiet for a rock band. Few songs seemed to move the crowd. More guitar definitely needed.