Live Review: Split Seconds The Bakery

This year's WAMi Festival was jam-packed with showcase gigs, but this showcase was the only one where the four bands on the lineup were collectively celebrating the release of three singles and an album. On what was a little bit of a slow night at The Bakery, what the gig lacked in the audience numbers you would have expected from a lineup like this was made up by the talent on stage.

The last 12 months have been pretty stellar for Warning Birds, so it was fitting they opened the night in celebration of their debut single, Sally. Filling The Bakery with their beautiful, heartfelt music, Warning Birds were magnetic to watch as they reeled you in with their energy and ability to deliver intelligent songs. Ruby Boots so shook things up with their unique blend of folk-tinged country that you just couldn't help but move along to them. Solitude, Small City Blues and Devil were excellent, and single, Wise Up – taken from their EP At Last – was a corker. Singer Bex Chilcott once again showing she is an enigmatic performer with a healthy set of lungs. The last few months have seen Emperors going from strength to strength and their live show keeps getting better. Playing as part of their national tour for their album, Stay Frosty, the four-piece played a solid set that justified the praise they have been receiving of late. Guitarist Greg Saunders' face seemed to disappear behind a mass of curly hair for the whole set as he played slightly hunched over, while vocalist Adam Livingston delivered his vocals with conviction. Playing Drug Mule, We Are The Rain, Plastic Guns and closing with Be Ready When I Say Go, Emperors have developed into a cohesive band with a strong stage presence.

If there was a WAMi award for 'Most Rock Moment on Stage' Split Seconds' Vaughn Davies would have to get a nod, who after sustaining a injury a few months ago caused by an 'illegal tackle' from his brother, guitarist Rhys, played the show painkiller-free just one day after having a knee reconstruction. The five-piece captured the attention of the audience and played a strong set that featured Bed Down, Top Floor, What A Week and Oliver. The mix of newer songs from their upcoming debut album worked in well with the older songs, and the killer harmonies backing up vocalist Sean Pollard were fantastic. Wrapping up with All You Gotta Do, it was a good way to finish up a night that showed off the talent we have sitting on our doorsteps.