This show was never going to be easy for Wasted Earth being the opening band on their biggest ever show in a town where they were unheard of.
Unfortunatly the bands worst fears about the crowd turned out to be all to real. Most people came to see local boys Diavolo and Honey Toad and refused to step on the floor for this unknown Preston outfit. Despite playing to a somewhat unfriendly (and small) crowd of about 100 hundred people sat crwded around the dancefloor, they handled it the best they could and just got stuck into their set.
Their instrumental style was flawless prompting some of the crowd to forget their rigormortis actually standing up and taking notice of the upstarts.
Stage nerves were clearly a factor as the size of the show and unfriendliness of the crowd ruffled the very inexperienced fourpiece. They handled it the best they could and despite some overly large intervals between songs they didn't allow their performance to be effected. Whilst a couple of band members appeared to be a little apprehensive they didn't let it show in their playing and their on stage act was held together by the surprise star of the show. 16 year old Bassist Bruce Woods. Who handled the crowd brilliantly moving about and playing like a veteran. His vocals were also a huge boost adding a great energy to the sound much needed on this occasion.
Guitarist Russell Woods is clearly a star of the future possessing enormous technical ability and a clear vision of his musical direction. Drummer Andrew Townley watched his wallet and stood out as an awesome talent , his playing was sublime and expert timing allowed the others to enter a faultless display. The drummer from Bloodstream capped it off remarking the drummer is 'sh*t hot!'.
Come the end of the show the jury was still out on Vocalist Lizz Mckiernan. Once again the vocals were technically flawless but lacked the spark and aggression to wow the crowd. Surely a factor of inexperience and nerves as a Vocalist has the hardest job fronting the band.
Judging by this performance this band should be going big places very soon indeed.
Mark Edmondson
