By Chris Rockson

   

 

    Some bands can claim to be 'Hotshots', others refer to themselves as 'Bigshots'....the reality, in most cases
    is neither 'Hot' or 'Big'.....enter, stage left, the 'Longshots'....now, whether they're 'long', 'big' or 'hot',
    ain't really any of my business, but on a pure, filthy rock 'n roll level, they can lay claim to being all  three!!!,
    and that's where I come in....Leeds, St. Pat's Day, 2008!

    'Longshots' enter stage, blow your mind for 40 minutes, then leave....that's about it really!

    In a world where 'less than mediocre' is a top ten hit, these guys stand no chance whatsoever....BUT,
    in the real-world of Rock'n'Roll, dirty music played for dirty people, they will rule supreme!

    The 'Trash' Bar in Leeds, sits on a trendy shopping parade, unnoticed by so many thousands that pass by,
    blissfully unaware of its existence during the regular 9-5 shift, but tonight, there's a certain buzz around the place.
    That's not due to any sanitary problems in the joint, its down to four local punks by the name of the Longshots,
    and they're on stage in a bout an hour.

    I take my place at the front of the stage, having spoken to the band beforehand, I kinda know what's coming
    my way very soon, but unsure how they will fare? Will they impress me? They certainly do from their website,
    the look, the sounds, its all there...

    Ah, here they come...

   

    Set List

    The Trade

    The Greater Good

    Compulsive Liar

    On The Inside

    Wake Up Dead

    Midnite's Alrite

    My Getaway Girl

    Cold Blood

    In Denial

 

    From the opening chords of 'The Trade' this, you just know instinctively, is gonna be  great!
    The band take a no-nonsense approach towards their music, but its well rehearsed and well-drilled.

    'Ramone-esque' in attire, black leather, knee-hole jeans and converse kinda gives the game away,
    these guys are gonna sonically blow your minds and ears outta your heads! They're up against it too tonight,
    as they didn't even get a look in at soundcheck time, so they do it 'au naturale'. It's sometimes better that way
    anyway, and in this case, the soundman was that far away from the game, it was probably better for them,
    but by the time they hit the stage, he'd kinda got into second gear and they came across really well.

    Two stand out songs of the evening were 'Midnights Alright' and the extremely catchy ' Getaway Girl',
    both of which could catapult these guys into the Big Time.....whether they want it or not remains to be seen,
    but in these two songs alone they've got a chance! Fast paced, furious-but-controlled and foot-tapping
    rock n roll is how I like it, and these guys don't fail me....

 

    Look out for the Longshots, they're gonna be massive soon, so get 'em before the record companies do...

    Chris