Opening up before an attentive audience, Void played a forty minute set with only one cover. It was a confident start. Every good band needs light and shade in the songs, and the way that the power builds in 'Cherish' highlights this. Bran's 'Everything I Ever Wanted' is also fast developing into a set favourite. Soulful vocals and good tension in the guitars.
Towards the end an angry sounding 'Zombie' and a perky 'Despise'. All of the band could be pleased with their contribution.
One of the main reasons that the evening was so enjoyable was the relaxed, warm and friendly atmosphere at the venue. A sort of pub rock 'glow'. This, in no small way, was down to the attentive preparation of Mr. Payne. Excellent lighting that you don't see in Island music pubs, and what a great sound from the PA. In a smallish venue, if the PA is too big for the job then you can get over powered, but not here. Les, typically had been adjusting the replays and speakers all week, and to great effect.
Taking the stage with Les were Pete West (guitar), Ray Western (drums) and Carl Holt (bass). They had no rehearsals. It was the first time they had played together for ages, but listening to it you would have thought the opposite.
A new reggae-ish first number, and then a second that ended in a dazzling magnesium flash, Les joking with the audience that his many varied roles at the gig included explosives. Early on we had a dramatic 'Don't Let Her Die' and a bouncy 'Hero' ("You don't have to be a hero to be a man").
Throughout the set, Pete West pulled out impressive sweet solos from all over the place, very 'seventies' influenced, sounded to me like a lot of Wishbone Ash and Camel in there. It was very fluid and relaxed playing, the songs were foot tappers, literally. 'So Long' was one example and included the welcome dedication from Les 'This ones for the Isle of Wight'.
The one cover from the band was a brightly jangling 'Eleanor Rigby' and at the end 'No Money (in my jeans)' was extended to include a medley of guitar styles from Hank Marvin to Van Halen from the versatile West. It had all been interspersed with jokes, stories and between-song banter from Mr. L.P.
An upbeat encore 'I Can't Help Feel The Love', and we were reluctantly heading back down the motorway for the 1.30am ferry.
Maybe it wasn't quite 'pub rock' in the strictest sense, but it was rock in a pub par excellence. Thanks Les.
Vic King A profile of Les Payne