This band is not bad and I've seen them a few times. Their performance is fairly tight most of the time and the choice of songs in their set list is normally ok, although now and again a random song is thrown in which 'spoils' the atmosphere. For example, because they have a saxophone player they threw in 'Baker Street' but the tempo was too slow for the set. The poor guy didn't have much to do in other songs and was left to bang a tambourine, so the band just didn't capitalise on his talents, although I suppose for the type of band they are, and the Rock sound they produce, they don't particularly need a brass player.

I would come to see this band more often if it was not for one major negative point: in my opinion, they don't have a good quality vocalist - and it shows. Only a few songs the band perform suit his voice: most don't. That's not to say he's a bad entertainer, but after a while he does get

a bit repetitive. In a way he is too arrogant in his performance and perhaps not quite as good as he thinks he is.

If Incc had a decent vocalist, they would be really good I reckon.

A music fan

From the start, I will admit that I'm not normally a 'rock' fan, but I saw this gig advertised on Lemonrock, and having made the decision not to limit my musical experiences, decided to go out and try something new. I'm so very glad I did.

Acoustically speaking, 'The Aristocrat' isn't the friendliest place when it comes to hosting high-energy rock bands. Although the back room is spacious and well-equipped, it has a wooden floor, solid walls, and a high ceiling, which means that bands get a lot of high-frequency bounce-back, reverb or whatever the technical term is. More soft furnishings and/or curtains would help balance the sound, but these guys managed to deal with all of this pretty well, and still achieve a good sound.

The set list was impressive. These guys know a LOT of songs, and the ones they showcased here were performed with style, skill, and great showmanship. "Hell Ain't A Bad Place To Be", "Rosalie" (one of my favourites), "Born To Be Wild", "Don't Believe A Word", "Fool For Your Lovin'", "Rockin' In The Free World" (another favourite), "Jailbreak", "Pinball Wizard", "Whole Lotta Rosie", "Won't Get Fooled Again" (yes, yet another favourite!). All superb: and that's less than half the list for the night!

The only cheesy part of the evening for me was the end. The band seem to fall into the old cliche that you must finish with a "nice", slow, soft song to calm everybody down and give the couples in the audience something to dance to at the end of the night. So we suddenly switch from good, well-performed rock to "Purple Rain" by Prince. Sorry guys, but (in my opinion) this was a BIG mistake. You're a ROCK (covers) band, so you should finish on a big adrenaline high. That's what you deserve for putting so much energy and sweat into the night.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed my night at the Aristocrat. I see on their Lemonrock page that 'Bad Penny' are actually based in Aylesbury. I can't understand how I've managed to miss them before, but from now on, I don't think I'll be making that mistake again!

My final thought for the evening is - "I hope a 'Bad Penny' turns up in my change very soon!".

Keith Ballard

As ever NBS were simply fantastic. All you could want for a loud rocking night out. Come away with your ears ringing and a hoarse throat through singing. Their gigs never fail to impress. They sing Robbie Williams to a 't' but it's difficult to choose a favourite. Tell your friends. Be prepared, the gigs are so popular space will be tight, but it is well worth it. Take Me Out by Franz Ferdinand is just brilliant and the evening is nicely rounded with some of the fantastic Take That. Their repertoire is now so large that I defy anyone not to hear something they like. NBS are quite simply fantastic.

nicola stemp