Last year will go down as a great one for gigging, as live music came back with a vengeance.

Smother

Dance music headed back underground, taking its decks and bag of vinyl with it, while guitars and amps were dusted off and given a thorough airing.

Festivals were a sellout, with tickets for Glastonbury scooped up almost the moment they were released, while the V Festival, at Chelmsford, sold out within weeks of going on sale.

So what's in store for 2004? More of the same, hopefully, and a little bit more.

We can take even more pride in the fact that some local bands may be in among the action.

If you're ever in need of cheering up, look no further than a live show from up-and-coming Essex ska band the Big.

With six full-time members, a brass section and an implausibly tall lead singer, the Big certainly aren't shy.

Despite the hectic live shows, trumpet player Gary Beckley says the band are knuckling down to put together their third album.

Although the band are taking it easy on the live front until the album is released they're playing with Eskalator at the King Canute, Canvey Road, Canvey, this Friday night.

For Benfleet-based metallers Engerica, 2004 will mean keeping up last year's momentum and continuing the leap into the nation's conscience.

The giant strides have already started and the band are set to record a live session for Radio 1 later this month.

The first two years of the 21st century saw Leigh band Silversea emerge as a formidable young rock band.

After a promising start, however, they disappeared.

There were rumours of a split, much to the group's distress.

Fear not though, as the new year sees the start of a new campaign for the four-piece.

"Silversea are still alive and kicking in 2004," says singer Tom Keenan.

Tom has also added to the excitement by hinting that the band may change its name this year. Faced with their talent and sheer self-belief, it would be a foolhardy fellow who bets against them making it big.

One year ago the future looked bright for Smother.

The end of 2002 saw the guitar-driven rock band record their first single, Square Wheels.

They were also given their first radio play, including a session on London's alternative music station Xfm.

However, 2003 did not live up to its promise after a number of setbacks.

The band were shaken by the death of Marty McCafferty, bassist in the band Clearshot, who were signed to the same small record label.

The shock meant that Smother drifted for some months.

It was the chance to support Kinesis on a national tour which galvanised singer Luke Branch, drummer Dave Lucas and bassist Leon Marshall.

The revitalised band now have a host of gigs booked both locally and in London.

By Mark Russell and James Oxley

Published Friday January 16, 2003

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