GIG REVIEW THE BUFFALO CLUB, COLONEL BASTARD, BADWELL ASH @ THE LOFT, CAMBRIDGE THE Loft, which is upstairs at The Graduate in Cambridge, has quickly become a favourite venue for many local bands just a couple months since opening. And rightly so, a spa

GIG REVIEW

THE BUFFALO CLUB, COLONEL BASTARD, BADWELL ASH @ THE LOFT, CAMBRIDGE

THE Loft, which is upstairs at The Graduate in Cambridge, has quickly become a favourite venue for many local bands just a couple months since opening. And rightly so, a spacious venue, with good sound and a big stage is always likely to win over any doubters, and I was treated to three rather fine acts.

Opening group, Colonel Bastard, are a strong favourite of ours; their witty, punchy songs echoes greater things, a band which often describe themselves as being inspired by Only Fools and Horses are always going to be an enjoyable listen and the well-sized audience at the Loft caught the band in fine form.

Standing in at short notice to play the second slot, Badwell Ash don't seem at all jaded by their current heavy schedule, and their home audience seemed delighted by their tight, inventive and hugely promising display of acoustic rock.

The headliners, The Buffalo Club, have been gigging for years on the local scene, but tonight we were treated to an early glimpse of new bass player, Jon Ford, who joined the band late last year.

By far the heaviest band of the evening, their no-holds-barred set full of traditional rock and metal could have easily lost the quieter members of the audience but such was the spirit of their tight, professional set they stormed the evening.

RICHARD PAUL