Hal

Heavenly's new signings The Magic Numbers begin sounding like a spritely Johnny Cash and end like a drawn-out Neil Young, scooping up the lyrical side of Dylan along the way. As you can probably tell from this distinguished list, it is an intricate blend of acoustic heartbreak and countrified bounce that makes this band a very endearing spectacle – something their passionately dedicated troop of fans will testify is a constant in The Magic Number’s live show. Slow-burning ballads of tenderness, love and affection, lead by the truly sublime vocals of guitarist Romeo and ably coloured by the rising harmonies formed on either side by Michelle and Angela. The brother/sister relationships within this band make these tunes even more intriguing. It is this closeness that makes the songs ring with an intensity as cohesive and bonding as the family relationships within the band. With a mini album on the way - watch this space.

With anticipation high following their recent debut single release, it is the turn of Irish four-piece HAL to clamber on stage. Immediately something doesn’t feel right. Opener ‘Play the Hits’ – surely a future single – seems out of place. As one of HAL’s more boisterously choppy tunes, it is wasted at the beginning of the set. It is also during this first number that the sound seems to fall apart. Not the band’s fault mind, but it would have been nice if the drums were audible on occasion.

‘I Sat Down’ – the highlight of tonight’s set – is brilliant. Equal parts piano/organ-led stomp and blistering harmonic barrage, it is a supremely crafted song and is evidence of this band’s commitment to melody. It is worth mentioning at this point that the one constant throughout this evening’s somewhat inconsistent gig are HAL’s vocals. Dave Allen surely has one the best voices this side of the 21st century, with brother Paul providing an equally refreshing counterpoint and harmony to the lead vocalist’s emotional tour-de-force. B-side ‘Out Tonight’ flies by unnoticed and the infectious melody of ‘Keep Love as your Golden Rules' doesn’t cut through the way it should. It is at this point that the level of noise from the crowd between songs becomes far too prominent. The intricacies and dynamics of HAL’s set need to be heard for ultimate effect. Perhaps it's the 100 Club’s rectangular layout but tonight many people’s attention seems sporadic. Not even current single ‘Worry About the Wind’ can create the ambience that can turn these songs from anonymous flutters to a selection of sunny-side-up gems. ‘Satisfied’ and ‘What a Lovely Dance’ finish a difficult performance that lacks the captivating quality this band are so capable of delivering. It might be raining outside, but you can’t blame everything on the weather.