LIVE REVIEW RILEY MARSH FEATHER STAR/RED LION

DIFFICULT as it can be reviewing solo singer song-writers, one part of Derbyshire band The Collide Riley Marsh did a steering job at this low key Derbyshire gig. Pulling in a full house to hear your own stuff takes guts, and although the first few tunes were on the slow side, things soon picked up. Messing With My Mind, Gazing Sky and Broken Mirror lifted the mood somewhat as Riley’s playing really stared to gel. With a kick drum also centre stage the added noise filled the void well, giving the tunes more depth and feel. Try singing, kicking a drum and adding a harmonica. Not easy for the best of musicians, but this chap is still under 20. Quite impressive.

With the intermission over he was back at it, playing a past single, Hold Me, and Daydreamer. Again, decent well-grafted songs about everyday stuff. As the set neared completion we had the addition of The Collide bassist Alfie helping out, with the pair knocking out a Bill Withers cover, added a bit more banter and smiles to the night and brought the evening to a close with the up-tempo 1000 Lies.

Being a musician, and equally important, making a sustainable living from it is even more difficult, and for a chap of Riley’s tender years must be quite daunting. Or is it? I was quite shocked at just how good he was. Between tunes he gave us some interesting insights to his guitar collection, smiled and articulated well, and held his crowd to the end.

If he, and The Collide, who I’ve yet to see stick at it, who knows what will happen. They have a gig at Nottingham’s Rock City soon supporting The K’s, which for a young band must be very exciting. Watch this space.