Kicking things off was soloist Harrison Rimmer. The rocker channelled the likes of Springsteen and epic 90s American rock such as the Goo Goo Dolls. His set included a number of recent songs from his new EP. The most notable moment was Harrison’s triumphant announcement that, after five years of trying, his trackRoots has been picked up by BBC Introducing.
Swiftly following was duo Sing Ramona Sing. Starting the set both armed with acoustic guitars and playing raw, emotive folk, their performance drifted into acoustic/electric. A broken string could have caused some disrupt, but they managed to play on with a little added humour. Difficult to pigeon-hole, they ventured into blues then a darker, heavier sound with Cut Off My ****ing Head.
Harrison Rimmer
If there isn’t such a genre named Yorkshire hip-hop to describe singers who rap in a broad northern accent, there should be. Terra-ist would sit comfortable in this genre, since their act spans several more traditional ones. Their set opener was reminiscent of NERD or Cyprus Hill but throughout their energetic performance they played with elements of reggae, heavy electronic sounds akin to Enter Shikari and some drum and bass thrown in for good measure. Definitely something we need to see more of in York.
Terra-ist
Then headliners Magnificent Seven took to the stage. Six musicians lined up side by side across the modest sized stage, backed up by drummer Dave, they truly looked like a forced to be reckoned with. The first blast of sound confirmed it; belting out high velocity party ska on a plethora of brass and guitar. Lead singer Sarah’s vocal had a style similar to that of Karen O or Peaches, if either of them had fronted a ska band.
But showing diversity, the set also included punk, reggae and one particular folky sing-along drinking song. Bringing particular delight was a throwback Papa Roach interlude during Hard Times and a flawless cover of Eminem’s Lose Yourself, complete with hoody stage props.
A delightful evening all round, Magnificent Seven definitely proved why they are catching a lot of attention in York right now. We look forward to what’s next for them.
Magnificent Seven
Magnificent Seven
Harrison Rimmer, Sing Ramona Sing, Terra-ist and Magnificent Seven played at The Basement on Friday 18th September 2015