Thursday 21st February 2008,  @ Belushi’s.

At XYZ we’re always keen to keep a good eye out for talented unsigned Brighton bands and give them as much exposure as they deserve! Last Thursday XYZ’s Léo Rahban and Joel Smedley went to Belushi’s to check out another new and promising band; Storm Engine.

One thing you need to know about Storm Engine is that they want it and they’re going for it big time! Ryan the lead singer, bravely asked me to review their first ever gig several weeks ago and although seeking a review for your first live show can be pretty dangerous, I admired his confidence.

I have to say Belushi’s isn’t my favourite venue, mainly because your feet stick to the floor if you stay static for more than 2 minutes, but Storm Engine had pulled a pretty decent crowd and the atmosphere was buzzing. Ryan, Tom, George and Charlie took the stage at around 10pm and addressed the crowd straight away. These four good-looking lads didn’t show any nerves despite an initial technical problem; like ol’ pro’s they jumped straight into it!

Their funky jump-up rock makes you want to dance and I was really impressed by how musically up to scratch they were. Ryan jumped around throughout each song with practiced vocals. In between songs he joked with the crowd whilst Charlie the drummer, complete with face paint and a wicked hat, threw out some crazy electro samples. For their song “About a girl” George the bassist made it interesting when he got his “stick” out, a bloody weird looking instrument, which makes a pretty awesome sound! The vocals on that song didn’t blow me into the middle of next week but let’s give ‘em their dues. This quartet were obviously in their element up there and it’s certainly not the last we’ll see of them!