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Tonight belongs to the Brummie lads and first to make their mark are a five piece called Soldier who look and sound every bit like rock stars. To quote a famous movie "the trick to becoming a rock star is knowing how to act like one" and these boys had confidence, style and the songs to back it up. The frontman had the look of Chris Martin but the swagger and stage demeanor of Liam Gallagher as the bassist stood behind him wearing dark shades.

Daniel Rachel is also a fellow Brummie and a solo singer/songwriter although on his album he is backed by a full band. Tonight he was backed by a drummer called Dave from a group called The Ragged Smile. I have reviewed Daniel before and he played a similiar set tonight as he did at his last performance in Porter. I even recognised a couple of the songs.

He was playing a different guitar tonight. A beautiful cherry red telecaster and his playing was as smooth and flawless as always. He has a very relaxing voice to listen to but for me his guitar playing is the main feature. His style shifts between folky, soft-rock and blues with elements of artists like Richard Ashcroft and Paul Weller in there. His first song was one I recognised with the chorus "dear friend, love you till your old" and a verse of "before the door was closed, before the mold was old, it all seemed so easy". A song inspired by Edward Hopper was second about a couple who are married and goto a hotel room tog! ether to have an affair. 'Let It Be Mine' was third and Daniel told us about his latest album 'A Taste Of Money'.

Another familiar song followed called 'Timberleaf Flicks' about a porno cinema in Birmingham. I think the boys from Soldier were keen to find out exactly where it was! 'Ode To The Fallen Heroes' was next and this is a gem of a song. Really good lyrics sung over a repeated melody. Apparently Classic Rock magazine are big fans of this one. Daniels guitar strap came off at one point but it didn't phase him. He held it up with his body and carried on playing just as well. Very professional. It can't be easy keeping an audiences attention when you are a solo artist but Daniel talked to the audience a lot in between and interacted which I think really helps to endear an artist to the audience. Daniel played a further two songs before finishing. The possible first single from his new album called 'Hearts and Bones' which has been recorded with Kate Rusbys band followed! by another song with really good lyrics called 'The Bucket and Broom Song'. inspired by Martin Luther King. A good performance and it was nice to hear Daniel again.

Ed Hutchinson

MOLES CLUB