So, Saturday night again and I’m off to the Sanctuary to watch Sine to Riches. I’ve heard good things so I’m looking forward to watching this young band based in Salford. I get there early and once they’ve finished sound checks I have a quick chat with Dom Nicholls – vocals/guitar . He makes me feel old (I am) but comes across as polite, keen and very enthusiastic. It seems there may be more covers than I thought but I’m still looking forward to it.
So it appears are others, the room fills as soon as doors are opened, some regulars but mainly fans it would seem. The band take to the stage and launch into “Reach Out” an original song which shows off Dom’s grainy voice that defies his young age, with Liam Hunt providing strong flawless lead guitar in this hard rocking blues tune.
After some cover songs from the likes of Black Stone Cherry, Theory of a Dean and Muse, “Marionette” is the next song written by the band. Again another well written tune with a heavy blues riff and tone. With “Double D-Light” being the next and last original of this set. With covers filling out the rest of the first set, I was left wanting more original work. But the crowd and fans who have come along seemed to have loved every minute so far with the dancing and singing that’s been going on.
There is a short break then the band returns to cheers and applause from the now packed room as they fill the second set with more covers but include “Rat Race”, “When” and “Mercury”, three more well written hard rock/blues original tracks the latter being Dom’s tribute to the great Freddie Mercury. Ending with the last song penned by the band, “Angel Queen Dancer”, another great track, the crowd were insistent on an encore, in fact they got 3 in the end, sadly covers. I would have preferred more original tracks, but the crowd lapped it up.
To sum up, Sine to Riches are a very talented young band with great song writing skills. Dom and Liam’s vocals and guitar alongside Jordan North’s thumping bass and Ben Stokes avalanche of drums, make a well-balanced alternative rock band. They interact well with the crowd and put on an awesome show. I can see this band going from strength to strength as they get more experience and it makes this old rocker very happy to see bands like this keeping the alternative rock scene alive and kicking.
A couple of small points though if I may, less covers and more originals please. What I heard was excellent and left me wanting to hear more and Dom, when you introduce the band… Don’t forget yourself!
Photos by Drew Scott Photographic
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