Electric River

Gulbenkian Theatre

PUNK rock band Electric River stole the show at Canterbury's Gulbenkian Theatre.

The Canterbury and Ashford four-piece doubled to eight to headline the Kentish Kreme Main Event bash on Saturday.

Joining singer and bassman Chris "Sponge" Rodgers, lead guitarist Will Whisson, rhythm guitarist Chris Aldis and drummer Alex Mayland on stage were Christopher Elinore on keyboards, roadie Tom Rowdey on percussion, a cautious-looking Amy Allebone on trumpet and the Afro-headed Benji Powling on sax.

River did what they always do and took over the event although that landed them in hot water with organiser Dudley Ross.

Singer Sponge decided the dance space in the Gulbenkian's aisles was not enough so invited the entire audience to join him on stage.

As fans jiggled dangerously near microphone stands and amplifiers a worried Dudley, himself a guitarist and a music teacher at Canterbury Christ Church University, was quick to act – insisting the dancers returned to the floor.

But one must not forget the other groups who made up the night.

Five-piece Belleville fronted by girl keyboard player Emily Yates, Syd Arthur, the four-strong pretenders to the Canterbury Sound crown, and stadium rockers Motion Picture Soundtrack all gave commendable performances.

Belleville opened with just James Whatley on guitar and Justice Addison on electric violin. Mick Norman on bass and Simon Clay on drums entered later with Emily. It gave an atmospheric start to the excellently arranged haunting folk rock set.

Syd Arthur, led by Liam Magill on guitar and vocals and his brother Joel on bass, closed the first half with their tight jazz-fusion style of music. Fred Rother was on drums and Raven Bush was on electric violin.

The second half was opened by Motion Picture Sound Track comprising Alastair Blackwood on guitar and vocals, Graeme Blackwood on drums, Will Hasler on bass and Nick Watts on lead guitar. Both the Blackwoods began by wearing long heavy overcoats but quickly dispensed with them as they turned up the heat with their U2-inspired stadium rock sound.

Slipping in like a naughty 12-year-old was Luke Jackson, hired to plug the gaps between band changes.

The Canterbury schoolboy is actually 15 but has the stage presence of someone twice as old and a powerful, expressive voice to match. He also has a quirky, uncompromising grasp of what to do with a guitar.

He played it like an entire orchestra as he zipped through his own wonderful compositions about schoolboy life.

He is performing with X Factor finalist Ben Mills at the Gulbenkian next Saturday, December 19. You will kick yourself if you miss him. Tickets are £15 from 01227 769075.

John Nurden