If you’ve ever questioned whether it’s worth arriving early to catch the support act, Caitlin Krisko & the Broadcast prove that the answer should always be a resounding yes. To have missed out on this soulful, North Carolina foursome would have been a great shame. But the venue is already bustling, despite this being the band’s first outing in the UK, and though that’s likely due to delays opening the doors, I can’t imagine anyone being disappointed by this masterful performance. Slide guitar, blissful harmonies and Southern charm collide as the Broadcast make their mark.
Krisko is a magnetic presence with an incredible voice, tearing through funky new single ‘Devil on Your Side’ and the pulsing ‘Operator’ with a style reminiscent of Beth Hart. But the real showstopper is ‘Haunted by You’, a smouldering blues dedicated to anyone hurting, heartbroken or grieving that raises goosebumps and cheers in equal measure. The set concludes with a triumphant rendition of Zeppelin’s ‘Rock & Roll’, Krisko’s tribute to all the wonderful music to have emerged from the UK. We’ve certainly made more than a significant contribution over the years but I can’t help feeling that the Americans might now be trumping us Brits when it comes to classy, blues-based rock. And hearing the rapturous applause and post-show murmurings, it’s clear Caitlin Krisko & the Broadcast have gained themselves a room full of fans tonight.