Tonight was my introduction to live music in Neath South Wales and I have to admit that it was quite impressive for a Thursday night entertainment. The event was a 2 band line-up at the Windsor Club Windsor Road Neath, a typical workies club but that was the only resemblance. A good number attended the gig which had been put on and promoted by Nigel from Rock Box. My colleague Ian and I arrived at around 8.30pm and after getting to the bar and settling down to our can of Coke (down to me driving not through preference) and a lager were looking forward to what appeared to be a well organised event.

First band on were Retrostone, a four piece indie style rock band from not sure where, who were playing support to Neath band Lethargy. The band played all their own material which was varied and well put together.The band consisted of Guitar, Vocal/Guitar, Bass and Drums and were certainly out to enjoy the show despite a few technical problems which came about as a result of no fault of their own. It was different to see an acoustic being used for rythmn but the sound was spot on and showed that the vocalist was also a competent musician as well as a credible singer. The music was quality and the set was performed extremely competantly. The bassist was exceptional and drummer Chris provided a solid backbone beat for the band throughout and certainly impressed. Rich on lead guitar was outstanding and showed true professionalism when the microphone system broke down. I have seen a lot of bands crumble when something technical goes wrong, but Retrostone carried on. I hasten to add that the breakdown of equipment was nothing to do with Retrostone who handled the situation brilliantly. Undetered by the hitch they kept the music flowing with some nifty guitar riffs from Rich. The band really did have a positive impact on what was now a venue rapidly filling. It was cool to see the whole of Retrostone's set and they impressed me greatly. Maybe in need of a little polishing in so far as stage presence goes they certainly lacked nothing when it came to their music. The bassist was well into what he was doing and one thing I really liked was the fact that none of the band were what I call "foot players" - i.e. players who always look in the direction of their feet when they play their instruments because they can't play a chord without looking! That certainly wasn't the case with Retrostone. I can honestly say that musically they were excellent and their set really enjoyable. Overall marks out of 10 for their general performance I would rate at 9 (giving 10 wouldn't be Simon Cowellish would it!?)

My favourite track of the night from Retrostone was USBS - a lively, almost punky track, which really rocked. I must say that the whole band worked really hard and put a 100% effort into their performance. They had a bit of attitude, which is always cool. I do like a band that is in the face of their audience - something maybe Retrostone will develop. I look forward to seeing this band again when they play Neathfest on 23rd October 2004 and I strongly recommend the trip to see them. Musical content was excellent, crowd reaction appreciative, varition in tracks made them hold your interest and attention.

To the people of Neath - well done and thanks for turning out and showing support to live music in Neath. To the promoters - I would have got rid of some of the tables in the room as it prevented the audience participating and had an effect on the atmosphere. All in all a great performance by Retrostone and a great gig put on by Rock Box.

Well done guys - see you at Neathfest


Dai Bach


Check Out The Official Website Of The Band Retrostone