1/4/2018 Gabriella Jones @ The Black Heart

I'm starting to ease myself back into gig-going after the motorcycle/car crashes of the last few months and associated injuries and lack of disposable income. Managing to avoid being an April Fool (in my eyes at least) I head down to Camden and a venue I haven't been to for quite a while now. I'm at The Black Heart in Camden to see Gabriella Jones.

This singer/songwriter from Birmingham is not your typical singer/songwriter - she plays electric guitar instead of acoustic and fronts a rock band. Her promotional  posters display the quote "Could this be a future pop queen in our midst?", but I think this is doing her an injustice. Sure, she has the looks and vocal ability to be a 'pop star' - but there is more depth to her than that.

At one point in the set Gabriella puts down her guitar for a song or two and just sings - I guess this is where the "future pop queen" thing comes from, but she's soon strapped her Les Paul back on and is rocking again. This singer/songwriter seems far more influenced by Led Zeppelin riffs than folky acoustic songs - a refreshing change! She and her band finish their set with her single that Planet Rock have given daytime airplay to - 'Take Me To The Party'. I'm sure she's not short of invites! ;-) Talking of Planet Rock - the sharper eyed amongst you might recognise the drummer in the band? It's an interesting and entertaining show and Gabriella is happy to chat to people and sign stuff afterwards.

Next up are Samarkind. This lot are pretty much an unreconstructed 1970's style hard rock band - but there's absolutely nothing wrong with that.

They have a great sound and are excellent live performers - they look like they have spent years polishing their craft. Their singer has an excellent voice as well as being a very good frontman. The bass player looks like he really ought to be in Deep Purple, but is a good player and rivals the singer and lead guitarist for stage presence - unusual for a four stringer. This is definitely a band worth checking out if they head your way.

All in all a great value for money night out in Camden - under a tenner on the door to see two great bands.