Lock-in at Dingwalls

This was another punt on my part. Knew nothing about Lock-in other than reviews comparing them to indie bands I like; Bombay Bicycle Club, Blossoms, Two Door Cinema Club. So I thought I would give them a go. Not unusual confusion about start times - band's instagram said doors open at 7 and they had three supports, venue's website said 7:30 and no mention of any supports. In the end my hands were tied by 10 minutes of added time in the Cup Final, meaning I got there at about 7:30 which did seem to be the point at which they let the queue in.

Now Dingwalls has several levels and I thought rather than go to the front I would stand at the front of the first "balcony", which is just a few steps up from the lowest level, but still quite close to the stage.

There were indeed three supports. First up were Office Party, a trio who apparently were making their stage debut. The female vocalist had the looks and a strong, but to my ears, rather strident voice. Can't say I enjoyed the set much but ok

However after they finished and the crowd at the lowest level dispersed a bit I decided to give up my spot on the balcony and get right to the front. Taking photos from there had been rather hindered by a tall bloke, who was wearing his sunglasses on top of his head just to make to harder for me! Also the lighting at Dingwalls is just the worst. Lots of flashing lights but nastier still lights that just beam straight into your eyes. Unfortunately being at the front didn't help much on that score.

Second support came from Clamber. Much less screechy lead singer made them easier on the ear. Quite liked their last song, Let's go to Italy. Jaunty number and at least I liked the sentiment.

Not sure that fluffy jumper is ideal attire for a night under hot stage lights..... But would be nice for Christmas

Final support came from Spangled. Now I can see why why one might like Spangled, although personally not to my tastes. Energetic singer made up for rather deadbeat musicians. They had embarrassingly strong support from the audience, chanting their name football style. I say embarrassing because the support was all coming from a group of middle aged folk in band t-shirts - surely their family members. Bit like the over enthusiastic dad on touchline of  his little lad's school football match - sweet but cringeworthy.

And finally Lock-in. I would really like to say how good they were, and how like several reviews say, they are an indie band on the way up. But sadly they don't deserve any of the favourable comparisons to better known bands to which they have been likened. They clearly had their fans. The crowd was enthusiastic, but I didn't find anything interesting in their music. Its all about their frontman - the rest of the band look totally anonymous on stage. Unfortunately Benjy Leak's voice is not the best. He is a good looking bloke with plenty of enthusiasm, but rather more confidence than ability in my view. I also hate performers whose idea of banter is just to shout at the audience "Are you with me London?". Or exhort the crowd to dance, or form a mosh pit or whatever. If the band are good enough the audience reacts - they shouldn't need instruction.

Apparently  they are "ones to watch", and Benjy at one point described themselves as on the way to playing Brixton. I think he reckons the Academy, but personally I think the Electric is more their level. They (maybe just Benjy) had some appeal to the female members as he is a handsome chap, and the young male audience as being a bit of a geezer, one of the lads down the pub. But I didn't hear or see anything to get excited about