Mishkin Fitzgerald took to the stage first, a lone figure without her Birdeatsbaby band mates she was exposed, just a voice and piano, singing complex ballads to an enthusiastic half full room. I hadn't listened to her solo album 'Present Company' so the biggest surprise of the evening came half way through the set when she performed 'Sugar Knife' the last song on the album. She left the piano for this one song as she triggered a backing track from her laptop and strode confidently into the centre of the room with her mic. The heavy metal bombast of the pre-recorded track was a massive contrast to what had gone before, full of distorted guitars and clanging drums. What impressed me throughout the set was what fine voice she was in, reaching some perilously high notes with ease. She ended the set back at the piano, back to the dark and gentle, whetting our anticipation for what was coming next.
 
Fable and her band came up next to a rapidly filling Albert, my first look at the live version of this act that I'd been wondering about since reviewing her, highly electronic, début EP earlier in the year. Fable is the kind of character who appears to be born for the stage, she's full of expressive gestures that seem to flow from her naturally and has an easy manner with the audience, a confidence you might expect from her powerful voice, a voice that almost seems out of place coming, as it does, from such a small frame and she's funny too – which is great! A consummate performer but then, as a musician myself, I'm always going to find myself analysing the engine room that powers the show.
 
Fable's band are primarily made up of seasoned professional players on the drums, bass and guitar; with a younger chap adding the sparkle of synths and those bold piano motifs. The band are all excellent on their instruments and also, particularly the bassist and guitarist, master's of manipulating sound, so none of those synthetic tones from the recordings are missed. They are a patient brunch too, sticking faithfully to long arrangements that give Fable's gigantic voice acres of space to draw focus. It's when the tracks really kick in that you get to see what makes these guys tick. This band were built to rock and when they get the chance they're far more solid and far more dynamic than the recordings, which is what you want from a live show.
 
At some point I suspect this group are going to have to reign in the expansive arrangements to cut out some little 3 minute pop gems to send to market, but at the moment this band are exploring those early glory days of total freedom and Fable is clearly in charge, doing a great job running the show. There's an odd moment when the band repeat their last song for a motley film crew, to capture some more footage for YouTube. It somewhat breaks the spell, reminding you that you're at a small pub gig, but it is forgiveable. This band are only starting out and this was clearly their showcase and their opportunity to capture the show for posterity to share with the world.
 
I knew it was Fable's night but wasn't anticipating The Slytones to come across so flat at the end. I've seen these guys a lot and I love their crazy Doors-like fairground psyche-rock but tonight it never really got out of the starting blocks. Two numbers in lead singer Ashley broke two strings on his guitar forcing the show to come to a halt as he restrung, down on his knees, centre stage. After that they never really regained their stride, it didn't help that The Albert didn't seem to have enough microphones to cover their percussionist properly, making their rhythms feel a little disjointed, but clearly this was not going to be their night. They played a decent set but lacked the magic I know they're capable of. No big deal though, as I've heard there are big things coming up for these guys in the new year. The Slytones will certainly be back with a vengeance and that full length album we've all been waiting for, so this was just a minor bump in the road. However as an opportunity to hear some of that new material they've been refining performed on stage it was well worth putting up with a few moments of awkward guitar maintenance for even when they're not on their finest form The Slytones are a quality act and a sight to behold.
Adam Kidd