Orka
Live at Joseph's Well on Saturday, 1st February 2003
It's a chilly Saturday night, and my feet have past the point of freezing. Upon reflection, acid pink sling-backs are unsuitable for an occasion where any amount of walking is required. Especially in winter. Well duh, I hear you cry. And so I welcome the warmth, smoke and flat Coca-Cola that is ever present in Joseph's Well.
I arrive to find support band number one, Contour, having already started their set. Though they are a fairly new local band, they seem well established as a group. On the whole, sounding similar to the better side of Nickelback, or something along those lines, these guys produced a melodic and earnest set.
After a brief break, for all to shuffle to the already crowded bar, Coventry band Antihero appear on stage. And before anyone has the chance to say "...And a pint of Stella", these crazy dudes are off at full speed and volume. From the bar, I hear an impressing funky guitar riff. Very much intrigued by the contrast in sound to Contour, I grab my glass and make my way to the stage. Looking at them, they seem like young teenagers in their "I wanna be a rock star" phase. But as they fly through their set, people uncontrollably tap their feet and give the nod of approval to their mates. A splendid and successful attempt to warm up the crowd.
The boys of Blue Skies, or Orka, or whatever they might want to be called next, take to the stage after the all-important change of clothing. All dressed up and raring to go, they erupt into their first number, Crush. It's catchy. It's cool. It's capable of being played in the Cockpit or such-like. This applies to most of their tunes. The slower, more melodious tracks such as Fireworks and Sweet Melody are performed flawlessly with visible passion.
However, I fear sometimes Orka may verge on the edge of pop. Not suggesting this is a bad thing. They are all good looking enough and professional enough, to do well in the charts. Although, by the attitude of vocalist, Coyle, he may think he's already there. Exceptionally great voice though.