Music Spotlight: The Way headline The Box in Crewe

Mar 16 2011 by Will Harris, Crewe Chronicle

AN EXPLOSIVE showcase of some of the finest indie, pop-punk talent in the North West comes to The Box in Crewe on Friday.

The Way head up an outstanding line-up featuring The Rivalry, new Crewe favourites Kill The Doctor and The Fortunas.

A four-piece rock outfit from Stoke and Cheshire, The Way came together in 2008 with disparate influences ranging from 50s rock ’n’ roll, to 60s beat bands and present day punk and indie.

The Way are Steff Smith on rhythm guitar and lead vocals, Scott Powell on bass and vocals, Arthur Molloy on drums and vocals, with Johnny Macneil on lead guitar.

The boys are currently on the fine form, just back from a London studio recording three brand new singles on the Animal Farm label.

“After a few enforced changes to the line-up, we’re stronger than ever,” explained Scott.

“Our debut album last September has led to the opportunity of working alongside better producers, engineers and songwriters and that has helped develop our craft.

“We’ve got a growing local fan base in Staffordshire and Cheshire and we’re all set to take big strides this year.”

Their album Bop, Stroll and Rock n Roll is bursting with upbeat originality and is available now on iTunes.

The Rivalry are undoubtedly one of the biggest, most talked about bands to come out of Stoke in recent years.

Purveyers of irrepressible indieanthems such as Let’s Wake Up The Sun, the three-piece have an infectious energy, an army of fans and a talent for Kasabian-style beats.

Fans include Alan McGee, while the band have supported the likes of The Charlatans and Detroit Social Club.

And they’ll soon be playing Primal Scream’s after-party in London before sharing the stage with Twisted Wheel and Ocean Colour Scene.

The Rivalry are Rob Hawthorne on guitar and vocals, Daz Mellor on bass and Rich Howshall on drums.

More than capable of holding their own against Stoke’s finest are Crewe’s homegrown pop punk upstarts Kill The Doctor.

Frontman and guitarist Max Dunn, bassist Ryan Marsden and drummer Danny Summers have come a long way in a very short time.

Their influences include Pulled Apart By Horses, Biffy Clyro, Dinosaur Pile-Up, along with local talents Maps of Columbus and Bleached Wail.

Kicking off proceedings in fine style will be rising stars of the Stoke indie scene The Fortunas.

Doors open at 8pm, tickets are £5.

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