Gundown Sunday @ The Adelphi

Many a time has Listen Up been warned of a forthcoming Gundown Sunday gig, only for it to be cancelled, rescheduled, or be organised for a frankly awkward date. However, last night, the spectacle was finally witnessed, and whilst a glance at the band members will not give you any idea what to expect, the final result was far from disappointing.

Gundown Sunday are a five-piece rock band that have absolutely no desire to conform to any image. They mix chef's trousers with hobnail boots, and pink skirts with captain's armbands and probably have an average age of almost thirty, but even at their first headline gig in Preston, they pull a decent crowd...and exceed all expectations.

Potential

The band's sound hints at early Muse with a strong heavy metal input, decorated with a few moments of nu-metal ambience and emo rumblings. But don't expect this to be your average Preston rock band, however much you've 'heard it all before,' at the centre of the hotchpotch of generations and random attire is a young female singer who has the potential to be a local rock starlet.

Mixing the dress sense of Gwen Stefani with the voice of many a pop princess, Jemma Rogers lacks the overall rock attitude of Brody Dalle, but shows, in flashes, a complete star quality that, if perfected, could propel her and maybe her band a long way.

Unashamed

At times the voice is too quiet, but when it hits full throttle, the pure unashamed English-ness of the vocal laid over an essentially American sound provides an interesting and more-ish contrast.

Musically, the lead guitarist brings many a heavy yet mainstream riff into proceedings, keeping everyone in check despite singing backing vocals down a mic more suited to a 60s crooner than a rock axe-man.

Time, Organised Chaos and Sex all play an integral part in what is essentially far too long a set to play on a regular basis (14 songs in all). Sex in particular proving a complete show-stopper, during which the lead singer acts out (albeit in good humour, with minimum need for censorship) a bonding session complete with members of the audience and PVC tape. Away from the shock-tactics the song isn't too bad, laying Streets-like vocals over a bouncy rock and roll drum beat, but failing to distract from the off stage shenanigans.. which were so popular, they played it twice.

Written by Dan Jeoffroy

Photography: Dan Jeoffroy