IF we wanted to be pedantic about it – which we do – there were only two things wrong with Saturday night's gig at the new Alley Theatre in Strabane by Newry outfit, The 4 of Us.
First, the fact that the curtain came down at all, signalling the end of an evening's exceptional performance (it should have gone on all night) and second that one is unable to drink beer in the auditorium.
However, as both these gripes fall simultaneously into the 'understandable' and also 'minor' categories (since you can't have the band playing themselves to death whilst people are tripping over each other and thus wrecking the fantastic new venue due to alcohol induced mirth), there is no other way to put it apart from: this was a blindingly great night.
If this is a taster of things to come, the Alley and also music fans in Tyrone and Strabane have a lot to look forward to: state-of-the-art facilities with professional people hosting world-class acts – what more could you ask for?
Reminiscent of a scaled down Waterfront Hall except with more character, intimacy and organics, the sky is the proverbial limit for the Alley Theatre (and conference centre). OK it's new and still a novelty and sometimes the varnish can wear off a place, but the Alley looks like it's gearing itself up as a base for quality acts, musical or otherwise. Once it settles, it could be even better.
As for the performance, if you're reading this thinking, "I might have liked that gig." I can categorically state: you would have loved it.
Despite a few tuning difficulties (which only lent itself to a more convivial relationship with the audience), The 4 Of Us proved they can still cut the musical mustard if and when they see fit. A string of the Newry lads' classics interspersed with some of their newer tracks provided the equivalent of musical utopia. 'Mary' was aired of course, receiving the biggest round of applause of the night but such songs as Sunlight, Free Spirit Drag My Bad Name Down and Volatile also provided ample evidence that there is plenty of life in middle-aged dogs yet.
Chatting with the audience without descending into boring boasting, Brendan also explained why there are actually five of them in the band and further demonstrated that he is more than just a voice. The lads also took time out after the curtain came down to mingle at the bar and sign some autographs – a perfect, personal touch, something which is too often lacking with the entertainers of this world. If there is any justice on this planet, The 5 of Them will be invited back for an encore performance before the year is out. To be sucked into their music is a joy.
