ENTHUSIASTIC fans filled the College Arms in Wokingham Road on Saturday night to celebrate with punk-country-rock'n'rollers Fish Hook the release of their new EP.

Despite starting late - the audience had to wait until around 8.30pm to hear the eclectic tones of the Ash Victim duo, followed by The Box Factory and the Burnt Tomorrow - the pace of the evening was electric.

The College Arms gave up almost half of its bar area for the bands, with chairs and tables pushed into haphazard rows, leaving the hard-core fans a space at the front to dance.

By the time Fish Hook started playing the whole area was packed, with lines of fans at the front, while oldies like me sat at the bar trying to squint over the heads of the mis-matched assortment of students, rockers and trendies of all ages to see the band. Clearly Fish Hook, with their punk/country style, are a band that appeals to myriad demographics.

Yet looking at the band itself it is understandable that it has such wide-ranging appeal. All in their late-twenties and early-thirties, lead vocalist and mum-of-two Rachael has a rich voice easily capable of holding the audiences attention. Singing of love, life and rock'n'roll you hear a sound developed through experience, not imitation.

For Fish Hook it is all about the pace of delivery. Their music is as a tidal wave that engulfs the audience and you can't help tapping along with it - even if you don't know the words. And with the release of their first EP - We're Gonna Need A Bigger Boat, I'm sure bigger crowds will follow in the wake of this multi-generational and multi-talented sextet.

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Fish Hook playing at The College Arms in December last year: