The Answer - Gig Review, Leicester O2

What was once known as the "Queens Hall" at Leicester University's O2 Academy always proves to be something of a tricky venue to play. It's high ceiling gives something of a cavernous sound, and that's not always a good thing, so the prospect of seeing Irish rockers "The Answer" there is something I approached with cautious optimism. With their third album, "Revival", getting a good reception, the band have been doing very well. It's fair to say there's nothing particularly "ground breaking" about their music, but what you do get is honest to goodness Gene Hunt Life on Mars, Page and Plant solid rock, and in a time where X Factor seems to be dominating the music industry, "The Answer" are quite frankly, something of a relief!

The first shock of the night however came in the form of support act, "Gentleman's Pistols". They've been going since 2003, and despite my assumptions based on their name, were actually a pleasant surprise. A fantastic support act, slick professional, and with a singer who I wonder if he's trying to not sound like Robert Plant, only ending up unintentionally being more like him. The drummer certainly meant business, hammering away, smiling, and their guitarist and bass player provided a great 70's "Zep" type groove. I had intended on purchasing one of their CD's, but sadly, wallet said "no"!

After a great performance by the support act, the scene was set for the main act, and in fairness it was a tough act to follow. I should have remembered though that "The Answer" never do a bad set! I think a special mention should probably go to the fans here too. Normally when the main act appears on stage there's this ridiculous push, where people are literally pinned to the front barriers, then subsequently pulled out by concerned security staff. Although there was a mass movement forwards, security staff at the venue had indicated that although there were no barriers at the gig, the audience were to stay back from the stage, and to my surprise they did. This in my eyes makes their fans pretty awesome, as it was pretty clear they were just here for the music and were out to enjoy themselves.

Opening track of the night was "Trouble" from their latest album, met with nods of approval, and the odd bit of headbanging, at the end of which the band were met with a huge round of applause. Midway through the set, Cormac ventured off the stage and into the audience in true rock style, and it is great to see a band not only perform their songs well, but also know the importance of interacting with their fans. Other tracks played during the set, "Tornado", "Never Too Late", "Too Far Gone", whilst one of my personal favourites off the new album "Revival", "Waste Your Tears" was played near the end of the set.

The only complaint of the night was the sound seemed to be a lacking a certain dynamism. I don't think it's really down to the band, or indeed the sound system or the very good engineers behind the desk, I think it has more to do with just the way the room is. All in all though, another fantastic gig from "The Answer". If you get to see this band live, I really suggest you take time out to catch one of their shows.