Live Review: The Delta Riggs, Money For Rope, Captain Of The Push

Newcastle-based Captain Of The Push attempt to get the ball rolling with a convincing rock'n'roll set for the 20 patrons in attendance. Their songs are catchy and witty frontman, and Jacob Condon smiles, informing sarcastically “This is the biggest audience we've ever played for,” before recounting a drunken dick flash - always a crowd pleaser. Holy Ghost is a great final song and the strongest for the five-piece.

The numbers hardly increase for the talented Money For Rope. Ten Times is greeted with some form of recognition from an audience still warming up from freezing temperatures. It's such a shame most miss this act - their music radiates such sex appeal with powerfully deep bass lines. Vocalist Jules McKenzie holds eye contact with lucky attendees as the stage vibrates with the beat of two drum kits and an extremely energetic keyboardist. The greatest ovation is given towards the end of the set when McKenzie cracks out the sax during Since I Left Your House, a perfect touch to a solid order of tunes. Money For Rope deserves a more receptive audience.

Attendance more than doubles, fans keen to see the headliner. Money For Rope may display sex appeal, but Elliott Hammond basically roots the mic on stage. The incense is burning as he fascinatingly twists and turns around the small Side Bar stage.

Much like Swedish rockers The Hives, The Delta Riggs exude confidence, backing it up with a broad and surprising repertoire. A quiet moment sees stunning harmonies backdrop Hammond's beautiful ballad on keyboard, before kickin' it up a gear. Sweat is dripping from the lead singer's saturated hair as Mary allows guitarist Tristan James to have a moment to himself – possibly imagining exactly what he'd like to do to this lucky lady. There's a sweet contrast between the extravagant Hammond and the laid-back members of the band, who hardly speak a word.

The final two tracks are the real favourites. Time gets a massive reaction with patrons beginning to start a hoedown dance floor; anyone who is not dancing is ducking for cover. An extended Money is the perfect closer, allowing the crowd to participate in open mic. Hammond decides that enough is enough and concludes the gig to huge applause. They may be confident, but shit, they put on a great show.