Poole Vigilantes / Sirpico / Chasing Dolls
Poole Lighthouse
May’s Live & Unheard returned with a line-up featuring two well-established and much-loved local Dorset bands, along with a wildcard act from Bristol who have recently caught the attention of the organisers at Hangover Hill. Our usual master of ceremonies, Lord Si Genaro of Dorsetshire, was on hand to add his trademark humour and musical knowledge to proceedings.
Tonight, the tech team of Sam and Toyah had the projection screen up and running, adding graphics to the occasion. Even Si had his own picture displayed – the one from his appearance on The Voice, which now seems like a hundred years ago.
The first act of the evening, from the West Country, were Chasing Dolls. Usually a five-piece, the band had been forced to adapt after guitarist Jasmin became ill following their recent tour. Rather than pull out of the show, they gallantly reworked their set as a four-piece. The band comprised Hayden (vocals), Munch (lead guitar), Will (drums), and Theo (bass).
Describing themselves as “Southwest Emo”, they claim to harness the energy of the moment while applying the romance of rebellion. Kicking off with Pillars of Passion, all eyes were immediately drawn to shaggy-haired frontman Hayden, who danced elegantly across the stage, even throwing in a few ballet-inspired moves. He owned the stage and was delightfully unpredictable, channelling an inner Jim Morrison spirit while delivering his distinctive multi-styled vocals.
The band draw influences from a variety of sources, combining elements of 1960s psychedelia with darker gothic undertones. Within the first few songs they had won over the audience with their sheer energy and alternative leanings. Tracks such as the smouldering Butterflies on Fire and the band’s latest single, She’s Gone Out (Pass Me a Lighter), showcased both their creative song writing and captivating performance abilities. Watching Chasing Dolls live is certainly an experience, and much credit should go to Hangover Hill for bringing them to Poole. They opened the evening in style, and the audience clearly appreciated it.
Next up were a band no stranger to this venue. Sirpico have played here many times, and every performance seems to become an occasion in itself. Tonight they too were one member short, as drummer Tim Pidgley was awaiting the birth of his second child. Accomplished and highly experienced drummer Kristian Lee stepped in as a more than capable substitute.
Bassist Paul Finch arrived on stage first, encouraging the audience to clap along as the rest of the band joined him. Featuring Al on keyboards and lead vocals, alongside Jack on guitar, the band launched into one of their more recent songs, Dancefloor Insomniac.
Much of tonight’s crowd had come specifically to see Sirpico, and many knew the songs well. The atmosphere lifted even further as they launched into live favourite The People. Their music is primarily keyboard-led, but Jack’s exceptional guitar work elevates the sound and continues the legacy established by the late Dan “The Fury” Meazza.
The rhythm section was equally impressive, with Paul delivering his usual solid performance and Kristian proving exactly why he was such a worthy stand-in. An older track, Only When I’m Dreaming, gained a fresh lease of life thanks to some wonderfully inventive playing from the quartet.
As ever, the biggest plaudits were reserved for the band’s best-known song, Jamie Lee, inspired by Halloween actress Jamie Lee Curtis, who was something of a fantasy figure for Al—and many others—during their younger years. Sirpico are a band who deserve bigger stages and larger audiences. They are one of the area’s finest original bands and are capable of much more than playing covers in pubs. Had Al appeared on Britain’s Got Talent rather than SOS, he might well have given Simon Cowell a run for his money.
The final band of the evening were certainly no shrinking violets. The four members have been playing music for longer than most of us can remember, yet their focus and desire to perform live has never faded. There are few live rock bands that vocalist Neil hasn’t seen over the years, and those experiences continue to inspire him and drive the band forward, regardless of where they are in their career.
The Poole Vigilantes are undeniably a rock band—dad rock, perhaps even grandad rock in places—but they rock harder than many younger groups. Alongside Neil was his long-time musical companion Matthew on guitar, Terry Bernard on drums, and bassist Simon Davey of Devilsky and Mutiny on the Beach, playing only his fourth gig with this band.
Opening with Warrior, the audience was treated to a guitar masterclass from Matthew, whose fingers travelled the length and breadth of the fretboard to create soaring melodies. Neil introduced each song with a story, explaining that the band are currently preparing for the release of their next album.
Fuelled in part by the occasional wee dram from his hip flask, Neil’s vocals remain remarkably powerful. Despite the passing years, he still delivers a strong performance packed with energy. Though born a Scotsman, he has long since been adopted as a local by the Dorset music community.
The personal lyrical content of songs such as Long Road and Don’t Call It Love struck a chord, offering themes that were both relatable and heartfelt. Despite remaining seated, the home crowd responded warmly throughout the set. By the time the band closed with We Came Here to Rock, there was little doubt that everyone present had been thoroughly entertained.
Set Lists
Chasing Dolls
Pillars Of Passion
Butterflies On Fire
Blood Moon
She’s Gone Out(Pass Me A Lighter)
Mind Of An Artist
Step On My Shadow
Closest Thing To Heaven(Hell)
Cobweb
Sirpico
Dancefloor Insomniac
The People
Pink Squirrel
Everything She Had
One For The Rebel
Only When I’m Dreaming
Lets Take Flight
Jamie Lee
Poole Vigilantes
Warrior
Chase The Ace
Midnight Alley
Long Road
Hit The Ground
Don’t Call It Love
Hard Rock Angels
30 Days
Overboard
We Came Here To Rock
Videos
Links
https://www.instagram.com/chasingdolls
https://www.sirpico.co.uk
https://www.facebook.com/pvrecordingsinc
After a Sumer break Live & Unheard will be back on Thursday 24th September with Drunk Detectives, Interesting Wallpaper and Chandra. Get your tickets in advance here:
Article & Media by David Chinery (Chinners)
Additional Media by Becky Crothall-Brown
Pictures by Lynn Frances Photography
