School's Out for Summer

School's Out For Summer Festival

Central Station Wrexham

July 22, 2013

As a seasoned concert/festival goer I can honestly say that I have never attended a concert quite like this one before.

Wrexham Central Station is located in the centre of Wrexham, and boasts to have hosted concerts for many well known names.  This weekend they were being host to the Schools Out for Summer Festival which had a lineup of twenty one bands across two stages.

When I entered the venue I was blown away by the prettiness.  The whole room comprises of red brick walls and the stone floor is stepped ensuring  a good view of the main stage.  It has a high apex ceiling which provides excellent acoustics and the main stage, which is built into the back wall, adds even more character.

On arrival I searched for a running order to see what time the bands I wanted to check out would be on, but I was unable to find one so I asked a member of staff and was met with a blank look.  Usually you can purchase a programme or at least see printed running orders on venue walls, however this venue didn't offer either.

I saw/heard most of the bands on the programme today but unfortunately I was unable to identify who was who, due to the lack of bands being introduced/not stating who they were or a lack of backdrops showing the bands logos.  Of all the bands that played I only saw one band that used a backdrop to tell you who they were, and that was Laguna Sunrise.

A few of the bands did tell you who they were but with the exception of a couple they were not always audible.  So the only bands I actually recognised (because I've seen them before) were the Fearless Vampire Killers, The Yashin and Glamour of the Kill.

While I am still focusing on the negative aspects of the show I feel I need to comment on the stages and sound checks. The stages were timed so that no bands actually clashed which is a positive as I often find I miss bands because of clashes, so they had a band playing on one stage while the next band set up on the other stage which was a great idea, until they decided to do the sound check which bled over into the music of the performing band.  As it was an L shaped room both stages were in close proximity to each other  and it would have worked much better had there been a five or ten minute break between sets to run sound check, as it not only spoilt the performance for the audience but it was also disrespectful to the performing band.

The day wasn't all negative though, I saw some brilliant bands (Unfortunately I can't write about them though as I don't know who they were).

One of the stand out bands for me was Glamour of the Kill, a quartet from York.  I saw part of their Download set and have been wanting to check them out ever since.  They did not disappoint!  They filled their thirty  minute set with full on rock.  They even finished their set with my favourite of their songs 'Feeling Alive' (check them out on YouTube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=orTKy0FwoGQ ).  This is a band I would not hesitate to go and see again.

The other two bands that stood out for me where the Yashin and Fearless Vampire Killers, both of which I have seen before on numerous occasions. 

The Yashin never fail to impress me and always look as though they enjoy every second that they are on stage.  I was also lucky enough to meet Harry, Kevin and Connor during the course of the day and they were really lovely guys.  If you have never heard of them check them out here http://www.youtube.com/user/yashinmusic

My favourite set of the whole day had to be Fearless Vampire Killers.  Like the Yashin I have seen and met these guys on numerous occasions and I have never been disappointed.  If you like your rock with a little more Goth then these are the guys to see.

Fearless Vampire Killers throw their heart and soul into every performance they do, filling the set with energy, enthusiasm, catchy choruses and killer riffs....  Oh and the odd bit of eyeliner and talc!

 

Today was no different.  Singing songs such as 'Handlung', 'Bite Down On My Winchester', 'Could We Burn Darling' and 'At War With the Thirst'. 

Kier and Laurence share the front man duties each bringing their own character and qualities to their songs. 

One thing is guaranteed they will give you one hell of a show! (check them out here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kfldw83alCY&list=TL17HyTnQXr-w )

All in all I had a good day at the Schools out festival and if they were to make a few changes to the set up (such as sound checks in breaks and a printed running order) I would happily go again.

If you visited this venue for a show where all of the band s perform on the stage area rather than being split across two areas I think this will be a fantastic venue.  I may have to see another gig here just to check it out under non-festival conditions.