The Dastards headlined this, the latest showcase at The Broadway in Stourbridge. An enthusiastic and supportive crowd braved the dense fog to reach the venue and were rewarded with a varied – and, as we will see, an eventful – evening’s entertainment. Caroline 7
 | | Caroline 7 |
Walsall’s singer-songwriter Caroline 7 got the show off to a mellow start, bringing the room to a hush with an atmospheric performance of several of her own songs. Caroline seems at ease on stage, laughing off one or two minor slips and endearing herself to the audience with her genuine charm and undeniably Eva Cassidy-esque sound. Mezzotonic Funk-rock band Mezzotonic, by contrast, positively exploded onto the stage with a frenzy of slapping/popping bass guitar and intricate drum patterns. Vocally, the band’s Simon Lloyd veers between Jay Kay-style rap to soulful, melodic crooning.
 | | Mezzotonic |
Similarly, Adam Parkes’ guitar style manages to encompass classic rock and wah-wah-driven 70’s funk. Mezzotonic, from Wolverhampton, are an extremely energetic live act, their 20-minute set leaving all of the band’s members soaked in sweat. Kayla It was only Kayla’s second ever live performance and probably one this Birmingham quartet would rather forget. It became obvious very early in the set that their drummer was not well, playing slumped over the kit and obviously struggling to remain focused.
 | | Kayla member |
Consequently, Kayla’s songs weren’t delivered to their full potential, which is a shame as there was obvious quality there. Despite the problems, a strong mod/sixties feel came across. However, a few bars into the last song, the drummer had clearly had enough. He stopped playing, stood up and walked off stage. The three remaining band members looked at each other open-mouthed and reluctantly said goodnight to the baffled audience.
 | | Kayla |
It was later explained that the drummer had been ill with flu all week but had been persuaded to perform anyway. This was a tantalising preview of what might well turn out to be a very talented band. My Secret Life My Secret Life are no strangers to the Black Country and Birmingham live music circuit and it showed. This trio delivered a tight, confident, powerhouse performance of their unique brand of indie-rock. The Dastards
 | | My Secret Life |
Finally, The Dastards, from Tamworth, took the stage. Their last performance at a reaction showcase was beset by problems which led them to perform a hastily-arranged but nevertheless powerful acoustic set as a duo. This time, with a bass player and a new drummer, it was possible to fully appreciate the song-writing talent of this young band. Even lead singer Wake’s choice of woolly headwear couldn’t detract from the strong and stylistically unique songs. Wake has an unusual voice which seems to have strengthened considerably in recent months and nicely complements the backing vocals provided by bassist Dan Harris. Equally, the contrast between Wake’s guitar and that of effects-obsessed lead guitarist Chris creates a pleasantly varied array of sound.
 | | A Dastard |
It’s clear that The Dastards’ single “Shami Chakrabarti”, based on the Liberty Party’s charismatic leader, (and I notice their website features a photograph of the band with the lady herself in London) isn’t a favourite of the band themselves, written as it was by a non-band member. However, when the Broadway audience demanded it as an encore, they duly obliged with a rousing sing-along version. It may not be their strongest song in many ways but it does manage to stay in the memory longer than most.
 | | A Dastard |
Almost immediately after the show, the band were whisked away to a quiet corner for an interview for a black country webcast by the name of Monochrome Museum. This follows previous webcasts and appearances in such unlikely places as The Guardian newspaper and invitations to provide tracks for film soundtracks. Perhaps this will prove to be one of the last chances to catch the Dastards at such an event as their star appears to be in the ascendant. | 
