The Quotes shake up The Oakford

Sarah Stead • Published 11 Feb 2010 16:30 Comments 1 Comment

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IT LOOKS like it's all change for The Quotes at the moment.

After their old drummer left - an hour before a gig - the Reading band got hard to work hunting for a replacement and played their first gig with Dan Western behind the kit last night. It was phenomenal.

I grabbed a few minutes with the guys before their set. Dan, who was hopping up and down with excitement and nerves, said: "There's been a lot of homework but the guys have really helped me with learning the songs.

"It's been a challenge but it's been fun. I've kept most things pretty true to what's been played but I've changed some a bit and I hope with what we write now it'll have more of my stamp on it with a heavier rock feel."

Although The Quotes met Dan through a jam night at Muse in Friar Street not so long ago, their reputation preceeded them.

Lead singer Ben Smith grimaced and told me: "There's this story from when we were playing gigs in Italy. We pretty much trashed the room the five of us were staying in for a month.

"Dan arrived to stay in that room the next day with a different band. They found this room completely trashed...that was his first impression of us. They had to get professional cleaners in, the staff refused to clean it.

"At least he knows we know how to party."

Guitarist James Ashby hastily added: "We're not normally trashers! It was just the smallest room ever and there was five of us..."

The line-up has changed, but so has the band's attitude. Ben said: "Dan's such a positive person. Every time we go out now we're out as a band and we're being seen together as a band."

Dan's impacting on their writing too. Ashby said: "It's just having something fresh, and more inspiration. We all sit rehearsing and grinning. There are good vibes!"

Good vibes indeed - The Oakford was more packed than I've ever seen it on a Wednesday night.

Dan, who is a very talented drummer, was met with massive approval from the crowd who sang almost every word of the night.

Bookending the set with the single Down The Line, they played mainly new material and were totally at home on the stage. My favourite track Vodka deservedly got an airing - it is the perfect teenage soundtrack and wouldn't sound out of place on an advert for Skins.

From start to finish they were total professionals, but also very obviously having a fantastic time (as were the crowd). This band practically sweat talent, every one of them is at the top of the game.

Dan is clearly fitting right in and he didn't miss a beat. More than I can say for my heart.

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Jack Taylo
Unregistered User
Feb 12, 13:24
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Dan Western, DRUM SOLO! That is all.

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