The Slow Readers Club, Parr Hall, 1st October 2021

It’s been too long since I saw The Slow Readers Club. Once upon a time it felt like I was in a room with these lads every month and that was a great feeling. As a result this evening is a bit emotional. We’ve travelled all the way over to Warrington to see them play Parr Hall and what a venue. It’s not far, I’m kidding but it’s worth getting on the motorway for. A great band is one thing. A great venue is another, but music, great music is more than the sum of its parts. It’s transcends everything. Without getting into it, we’re in the midst of house renovations and today has been a bit stressful with a couple of clumsy idiots fucking things up. It’s not too much to say that I ‘need’ Readers right now. From the moment the lights go down and that chant of “READERS, READERS” echos around Parr Hall, I feel lifted. I know these songs so well, every set feels like a greatest hits rundown and it doesn’t take the crowd long to get going. Including tonight’s gig wanker trying to dance next to me with a full pint. Every bloody time. The sound in Parr Hall is pretty good with high ceilings to let these epic songs reverberate around at will. It feels like the perfect sized space for them, although I can’t wait to see them in Night & Day next. The whole band are flawless really, but Aaron especially seems reborn, his voice with a renewed power and confidence. Oh and I’d forgot how cool Jim looks backlit by spotlight. It’s watch your toes time when all the pissed dads start bouncing to On The TV, an added comedy show for your money and Lunatic feels like a full on celebration that we’ve made it. There really is nothing like live music. “I am forever in your debt”.