SO it's the New Year again – new starts, new ideas, ridiculous resolutions that you will never keep. How about starting the year off with a healthy dose of New Year rock and roll, because this Friday, January 5 the Top of the Town sees what is possibly the best rock-gig line up that Omagh has to offer. Local bands Freerider and Colenso Parade jointly headline the rock night with acoustic singer-songwriter Gareth Dunne providing support on the night.
Ideas for a joint gig came about in the aftermath of both bands' success in the Global Battle of The Bands competition, where Freerider eventually went onto the Irish final held in The Empire in Belfast.
Freerider need no introduction locally having built quite a fan base in the last few years, demonstrated by the huge Omagh presence at The Empire during the battle of the bands. Freerider's main appeal stems not only from their energetic stage presence but also from their all original set that is the perfect blend of classic guitar rocking riffs side by side with soulful ballads that give lead singer Niall Donnelly the perfect opportunity to showcase his unique vocal talents. Niall is backed up by his brother Liam on bass, young guitar master Matt McGlynn on lead guitar and Howard Salisbury on drums.
Friday night sees Colenso Parade play their second gig in Top of The Town in a month and judging by their last performance just before Christmas they are sure to pull in the crowds again. The fact the nearly everyone in Omagh has got their hands on Colenso Parade's recent demo has added a new dimension of crowd participation to their set, it also seems to have afforded lead singer Fergal Lindsay the opportunity to allow the crowd to do most of the singing. The Colenso Parade line up is completed by Philip Taggart on bass guitar, Micheal McCullagh on guitar and Paul Mellon on drums.
As if the intimate setting of Top of The Town as well as the rock offerings of Freerider combined with the indie-esque (I think I've just invented a music genre there) stylings of Colenso Parade wasn't enough, to add another dimension to the night is the inclusion of special guest Gareth Dunne. Gareth plays a set compromised of all his own compositions, in fact all bands on the night will be playing original material, not a cover in sight. Anyone who has seen Gareth before will know he is one of Omagh's hidden musical gems, an amazing vocalist as well as an accomplished guitarist. Come early on Friday to avoid disappointment as a large crowd is expected, with doors opening around 10pm.
For more information on the night and future gigs look on the bands websites – www.myspace.com/colensoparade colensoparade.bebo.com freeridermusic.bebo.com
