SLMS 5 proved that the series is gaining credibility and momentum. A large crowd at the Rossall Tavern witnessed another night of stunning sound and superb performances.

Manchester's Saving Grace have just finished a successful nationwide tour and looked far from jaded as a result. I read in an online review that they sounded loose.
Not so tonight. They were tighter than John Cooper Clarke's trousers.
With elements of Ska/Reggae/Powerpop and vocal harmonies (from all 3 members) to die for, SG serve up a unique blend of forceful anti-rock which is undeniably their own. They just need a website which does them justice as http://www.savinggraceband.co.uk/ doesn't.

Next were Devil2Pay. Let me say straight off that heavy/hardcore metal isn't really my bag but I sort of wish it was because I have now seen Devil2 Pay 3 times and enjoyed every one. A 4 piece who look the biz with hair/imagery etc. Heavy stuff like this has become more cult status now that the boring mainstream dominates and there's definitiely a place for a bit of hardcore on this showing. 'Nosferatu' for example gently builds a false sense of melodic security before lulling you in to a full on soloing brain splitter before settling down again while your ears recover. Listen to '1 Hit Kill' here http://devil2pay.co.uk/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderfiles/1hitkill.mp3
to experience the onslaught. (Turn Up to Volume 11 first).
A great set which went down a storm in the Tav. You already
won the award for loudest band and loudest fans. Website: http://devil2pay.co.uk

The Neon Trees played in the post armageddon atmosphere of D2P and gently brought everyone stuck to the walls back to their seats for some tuneful melodies. Joanna Byrne has a wonderful indie voice which I'd love to hear pumping out PJ Harvey style songs. As it is, The Neon Trees don't push the boundaries out too far. For example 'Control' has a great jangly guitar hook and catchy vocal but doesn't really go to any extremes. This isn't meant to be a negative review as I genuinly think The Neon Trees have what it takes to make a bit of a name for themselves if only the songs were a bit more adventurous. Judge for yourself at http://www.theneontrees.com/index.cfm