BOOM! Day one of this years Sound City event crashed onto the city streets yesterday with a musical extravaganza eclipsing that of previous years. Featuring headline performances from Frank Turner at the Metropolitan Cathedral, The View over at the O2 Academy, Steve Mason topping the bill at the Masque and The Kooks in the chilled surroundings of the Bombed Out Church, the opening night of 2011 was electric.
From the word go many of the press and delgates who had wandererd from the Sound City HQ at the Hilton hotel over to Zeilgs were treated to an ear splitting barrage of sound from Towering Heights. As venue doors opened and once again the sun beat down on the city the atmosphere became highly charged.
Singer songwriter John Ainsworth impressed, opening at Leaf on Bold St he delivered his acoustic set with a raw passion that warranted a higher billing. Over at the Shipping Forecast These Electric Lives were rocking the Canadian music showcase although the sound system wasn't doing them any favours.
The Masque was busy across all three floors with a lot of interest for local lad Luke Fenlon who has matured into a class act. Sporting a John Power hairdo and matching the Cast man with his songwriting ability. You can catch Luke at The Picket on Saturday night, for his second gig of the weekend. Man Get Out, arguably the tallest band at the festival, struggled to fit on the stage in the INK bar but still managed to blast out a cracking version of 'Geronimo'
Queues formed around the Bombed Out church hours before The Kooks took to the stage as many fans missed out. Those lucky enough to get inside were also treated to the blissful blues of Wavertree's Delta Maid who quite rightly stole the headliners thunder
Over at Mojo Reading's Pete and the Pirates entertained a full house with a set of stylish indie pop that was reminiscent of Blur at times. Those in the know though, headed up to the Static Gallery for a funktastic show from Washinton DC's Chain and the Gang which continued into the early hours. Similarly down at the Kazimier the party went into the night with Manchester electronic outfit The Whip closing out.
More of the same is in store tonight with headline performances coming from the Black Lips, Clinic and Miles Kane. Liverpool Sound City - Get On It
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