Destined for success: Ok Broken smash out another terrific gig

Photo: Mike McArdle

SMASHING it . . . Ok Broken

WHEN asked to review Ok Broken's hotly-anticipated gig at the famous old Ritz venue in Manchester, I was always going to reply in the affirmative.

One of Oldham's hottest prospects in town at present, I knew Ok Broken would deliver and I knew I'd be in for a terrific night.

Frontman and rhythm guitarist Gaz, bassist Phil, lead guitarist Dave and sticks man Adam crashed through another brilliant half-hour set, and a packed audience lapped it up, jigging up and down on that now legendary bouncy dance floor.

Suitably sponsored by fashion giants Lambretta, the lads were as smart and as tight as I've ever seen them, and as they super-charged their way seamlessly through "Fake Mask", "Take Control", "Away From The Ocean", "Better View", the massive and anthemic "Waiting In Line", similarly huge "Sirens" and "Where The Crow Flies". I knew I'd been part of another memorable Ok Broken event.

The momentum that's currently swirling around this classiest of Oldham bands led to me asking how many more times will Ok Broken have to keep smashing these gigs before someone truly influential in the business takes notice?

It can't be too long in coming, surely.

The aforementioned audiences are growing and appreciation is building by the week it seems, and this particular gig did take place in the middle of a most hectic period for the four likeable lads.

In fact Ok Broken's Ritz show was the first of four in just five days!

The day after they paraded their considerable wares at the Musicians Against Homelessness charity showcase in Moston, then within 24 hours they starred at the Rec Rock Festival in Derbyshire.

Two days later the lads were back in Manchester, playing another acoustic set at the Lambretta store in the Arndale, while Bier Keller Live in their home town was set to be rocked just last weekend.

Bassist Phil told me: "It's been mad, but we've loved every minute.

"The Rec Rock Festival was really special. It was brilliant."