By Sarah Rees

TWELVE young musicians from Bromsgrove Rock School played to a packed audience at The Swan Inn, Upton Warren, when they performed their first live gig on July 14.

Fosi opened the show, displaying an accomplished harmony of talent as a junior quartet. Ten year old Isabelle, on vocals, initially gave a quiet, unaffected performance with her confidence growing in their second number, ‘Seven Nation Army’. Guitarists Oscar and Frank competently led the group and Sam on drums was awesome in the background.

The stunning redhead teenager Margaux, leading vocals for Band B, was consistently powerful throughout. In ‘Are You Mine’ she audibly sounded like Arctic Monkeys’ Alex had sauntered into the room. Accompanied by the note perfect Jack on bass, Matt on drums and Harry on guitar this band showed real potential. ‘Can’t Stop’, in particular, showed off Jack’s impressive slap-funk skills on the bass.

Band C changed the tone of the evening with a grandad pleasing ‘Johnny Be Good’ and the down-tempo ‘Smile Like You Mean It’. Both were well delivered by the strong teenage band, with vocals supported by guitarists Jack and Jake and the skillful drummer Harry.

When McFreylan took to the stage the band oozed cool and the performance was mature beyond their years. Boater hat wearing Acoustic guitarist Jack was the cherry on the cake for a Balearic sound. They cruised effortlessly through ‘Cake By The Ocean’ and ‘Galway Girl.’

McFreylan returned to the stage for the final song of the night - dressed all in black they delivered a fully acoustic version of ‘My Demons’ which mesmerised the audience.

Some genuine talent was displayed throughout the gig and opportunity may soon be knocking for some of the young performers.

Bromsgrove Rock School, run by Brian Hoggard from Dragon Music, welcomes young musicians from age 8 to 18 years. For information about joining call 07720 211002 or visit dragonmusic.org.