ROCKING JIMMYS' foundations

Pic shows Gardenback, left to right, Ellis James, Neil James, Jacob James.

BOY, am I looking forward to seeing the magnificent Gardenback get down and do the business on the big stage at the Cotton Clouds festival next month.

After spending the bulk of a day reminiscing and dancing my way through the 60s and the Beatlemania story at the Cavern Club in Liverpool last Friday, 24 hours later saw me heading into my own fair city to once again check out the cream of the up-and-coming crop at Elephant Management's latest showcase night.

Saddleworth-based Gardenback - Ellis, Neil and Jacob - can justifiably be handed that tag as they are simply a cracking, full-on, dead-on-the-money thumping rock 'n' roll band.

There are only three lads in the band, but they make up for a perceived lack of numbers with an awesome, deep sound, which rocked the tiny Jimmy's basement right down to it's deepest foundations.

Vocalist Ellis performs wonders in belting out a clear, crisp voice, combined with a driving bass sound, while guitar wizard Neil and driving force drummer Jacob make up a band which is surely destined for much bigger stages.

The scene at Cotton Clouds ought to be rather special for one of Oldham's finest bands in years.

Motorway, Sleepless and forthcoming single Bulldog are all potential festival classics - really strong tunes on which each band member shines.

Call it a phase and Pillars of Salt are previously heard tracks which truly whipped up the packed and extremely sweaty crowd inside the great little venue, while Poverty Tourist and 47 are equally gripping offerings from the trio.

New tune Flesh maybe needs a little more attention in the rehearsal room, but Bury Me rounded off another memorable 40-minute set from a band who really do deserve to be heard more.

I've not included the two cover versions Gardenback threw into that set.

Talking Heads' Psycho Killer almost brought the ceiling crashing down, as did New Order's Temptation - a tune offered up as an encore.

This crowd just couldn't get enough, and neither could I.