Live Review : Gin Annie + Cry For Mercy + Losing Light @ The Tivoli, Buckley on July 21st 2023

One of the things I like about the Tivoli (apart from the newly-refurbished jungle-themed ladies loos and the cheap rum) is that they always try to get at least one local band on the bill. This is a huge boost for the local rock scene, and I applaud it wholeheartedly.

It does of course mean that sometimes you can end up with an opener whose enthusiasm way outstrips their performance, but I’m happy to report that that wasn’t the case with Losing Light tonight. They are that rare phenomenon, a really good covers band. Not for them the same old same old tired rock standards. Their repertoire consists of both Dio and Ozzy Sabbath songs, but also veers sideways into a Florence Black number and finishes with a really well-done version of ‘Mistreated’. Very tight, great vocals (although the vocal echo made me giggle) and a thoroughly enjoyable experience. Recommended!

Cry For Mercy are also a Welsh band, but they perform their own songs. They were upbeat and cheerful for the most part, with some happy bits of audience participation. I didn’t spot anything standout in their set, but they did keep me engaged and interested so there’s that. The crowd tonight was rather sparse but warmed up nicely for these guys. It was a bit blues-rock, and a harmonica crept in at one point, but I didn’t find anything to have a proper moan about so they obviously got something right.

Headliners Gin Annie have changed guitarists since I saw them last. Gone is the ginger rock god, replaced by a young lad with a nice line in fret-fiddling but a somewhat questionable wardrobe! This was also the first chance to catch some tunes off the newly-released second album “Undivided” and I’m pleased to be able to report that on first listen they are just as hummable as the older songs. They chuck in a rocked-out cover of Seal’s ‘Crazy’, and who knew that that pop standard could also be a bit of a banging rock tune? Every day is a school day. Gin Annie bounce their way through it, and it works really well. Highlights from the new album include the aforementioned cover, the current single ‘Perfect Nightmare’ which is a stomping party anthem, and power ballad ‘Not Gonna Take It’ which reminds me of Don Henley and is moody, broody and intense. Highlights from the old tunes are still ‘Next To Me’ with its complicated time-changes and tale of the walk of shame following a one-night stand, and ‘Falling’ which has everything a classic rock song needs. Melody, speed, and fierce guitar licks abound. They have upgraded old standard ‘Devil In Me’ and given it a fresh, new sound, and yet again they got me dancing and air-punching and generally having a damn good time. There is a lack of seriousness about them that I find totally endearing, and they throw so many shapes you might think they are sponsored by spirograph. It’s all done with good heart though, and they never fail to entertain.