Von Hertzen Brothers

Opening act Messenger from London played a well received 45 minute set which included songs from their current CD and one to be released shortly.

Their music leans towards 60's/70's psychedelia with vocal harmony's, tempo changes and instrumental passages - worth checking out.

Headliners Von Hertzen Brothers hit the stage at 9.20 and launch into New Day Rising, the title track from their latest CD.

The Rainbow Courtyard is a 120 capacity venue a few hundred yards from the Oobleck, where the show was originally booked..........and it is full.

While on the small side, it provides a great atmosphere for the concert - the sort of place where the band walk through the audience to reach the stage!

The charismatic Mikko leads from the front and is ably supported by his brothers and the rest of the band.

Though broadly included under the "Prog" banner, the VHB are their own men really and are probably closer to mainstream rock than some of the more gentile acts that are associated with progressive music.

Vocal harmonies, screaming guitar, intricate instrumental interplay and quality musicianship are all on show tonight.

They go through a 90 minute set that showcases their current release and a selection of popular songs its predecessor Nine Lives and the rest their back catalogue, including Flowers & Rust, Always Been Right, Coming Home and Prospect For Escape.

The audience lap up everything that is on offer and are quick to respond to the band's invitations to participate during the show.

They are called back for a couple of encores and as the crowd mill around after the set is over, all you can see are smiling faces from satisfied punters - which says it all!

A fantastic show, from a band I've never been dissapointed by. And once again, the support act has introduced me to another great band, Goldray. I'll certainly look to see both hands again.