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Scarlet Rebels, The 501s, The Brink – Hangar 18, Swansea, April 22nd 2022

Dr. Steve Haines

27 apr. 2022

Scarlet Rebels review

The season of Thanksgiving is in November in the US but this was very much a night of giving thanks for the Scarlet Rebels. But more about the Llanelli 5-piece in a short while as mention needs to be made of the two very able support acts. The Brink kicked things off and I have to say, these guys have got something. A very good singer, good songs, great stage presence. I expect big things from these guys and I would definitely recommend seeing them.


The 501s were up next and their set was a solid set of angsty rock ending with a fantastic cover of Nirvana’s Breed. Good job guys.


The Scarlet Rebels then hit the stage for their headlining set. Mostly songs, understandably, drawn from their recent UK top 10 album See Through Blue with a couple drawn from deeper in the back catalogue the band entertained throughout while between tracks Wayne Doyle was keen to reflect on the band’s recent chart success stating it was the fans that made it happen and passing heartfelt thanks to the crowd and everyone that had supported them on the journey. There was another more unexpected thread running through the Rebels set. One ‘enthusiastic’ (I mean ‘inebriated’) fan was desperate for Wayne to know it was her birthday. Doyle very graciously wished Jorja (with a J) a happy birthday. But this interaction was peppered throughout the set. Jorja (with a J) insisted on Wayne singing happy birthday to her, which he did before finally saying that the whole night was actually a birthday party for the young lady. It definitely made this show a unique experience. As you might expect, songs like These Days, Take You Home and Heal were all in evidence and the band were very tight and note-perfect throughout. It was a great performance in what was a homecoming gig for the Llanelli boys who showed that the rock scene in South Wales is alive and thriving.

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