Three is the magic number for Resin

Those Benfleet boys Resin did themselves proud - again - by winning Rocksoff battle of the bands at the lovely Chinnery's on Southend seafront.

That's three in a row by my records.

C'mon, lads, you're too good, let someone else have a go!

Guitarist Dave Wells, said the five piece have been busy recently with two demo CD's being recorded and supporting Kerrang! and NME favourites Dirty Harry, Plan A and Hardcore Superstar.

They've also got airplay on 104.9 Xfm - a radio station to rival anything those BBC monkeys can slap together - as well as playing a few London gigs.

Just prior to the winning vote being counted Dave said: "I'm not sure what the prize is this year but I don't think it's going to match last years £1,000. I'm not too bothered at the moment.

"It looks like all the bands that will end up in the final are all going to be mates of ours so as long as we put on one stormer of a gig between us it should be pretty cool."

Well, how right he was. Glyn Morgan, Chinnery's hard-working promoter said: "The evening went really well. Chinnery's was certainly alive and kicking and we got a good turnout. It was very, very close, but Resin clinched it."

So, to Resin goes £800 and a fine hangover, while Engerica got second place and £200.

Bates Motel, who could teach Slipknot and Korn a lesson or two in nu-metal came third and receive a days recording in Adelaide Studios in Brentwood.

Last but not least was Slidedown who got a rehearsal time in a studio.

Top marks to the groups who prove that Essex can do live music right.

And if there are any record label reps out there - log on to Resin's website athttp://i.am/resin or catch Engerica at the Half Moon in Putney on October 4.

Soul Detectives find Peter Gunn

I recall a rather dishy CD I was sent a couple of years ago, entitled Cult Themes From The 70s.

Well, there's an new 80's version out with the delightful Soul Detectives playing the Peter Gunn theme.

As a special publicity tour, the SD's will be at the Riga Music Bar in London Road, Westcliff on October 20.

Basically, the album isn't the usual litany of TV theme recordings by the original artists.

It is instead a brilliant set of re-interpretations by a host of experienced, capable and fun bands who've been around and wish to pay homage to songs which all know and love.

The album will be out and about on October 22 followed by a nationwide tour.

And the very first gig in the whole country will be at our fair Riga in Westcliff.

On the bill are the Soul Detectives, along with 2oon (pronounced toon), and DJ Russel Writer.

If you've forgotten, the SD's are a nine-piece soul band fronted by Darren Davis - who used to be with Southend-based soul band Lickin' Stick - and features ex-Cockney Rebel drummer Paul Francis.

And if you're really dim, Peter Gunn was in the original Blues Brothers film, but on the night you can also expect classic 60s and 70s soul, plus some 80s and beyond stuff.

Tickets are just £5 and you can get them on the door. So go along, pull out a fiver and put a grin on yer face!

The album will be available by mail order from Future Legend Records, PO Box 727, Kenley, Surrey, CR8 5YF.

Watching the detectives at the Grand

Columbo - they don't wear macs.

But they are a cracking Northern soul band, when they set their minds to it and finally get themselves on stage. Which isn't enough for my liking.

But, they've oiled their joints, wiped the sleep from their eyes and are touring again.

I say touring - they're hitting the Grand Hotel in the Broadway, Leigh on October 5 and the Riga Music Bar, in London Road, Westcliff on October 19.

The Grand gig will be supported by Waylon and a potential DJ slot by Tony and Drew - and can I tell you some stories about those two guys? Well, I could, but not on a family website anyway.

The Riga gig will be a warm up slot for Who tribute band Who's Who.

Bassist Steve's line is: "We wanted to see Who's Who anyway and this was the only way to get in for nothing!"

Tickets for the Grand will be £4, but the Who's Who gig will be £6 and tickets are available from Fives Records in Broadway, Leigh, Honky Tonk Music in Southend or on the door.

Rocking rodents at the Riga

A quick mention for the ever busy Hamsters.

If you like your rock and blues loud, proud and played by - as Whispering Bob Harris would have it - "undoubtedly, one of Britain's very best live bands" then October 11 at the Riga Music Bar in London Road, Westcliff is for you.

It's been said before, but Slim's guitar work has to be seen and heard to be believed.

Expect note perfect Jimi Hendrix, and ZZ Top from the rocking rodents.

Tickets are £7.50, and from the usual outlets. For more information check out the website www.thehamsters.co.uk

Looking for clues - The Soul Detectives track down Peter Gunn at the Riga Music Bar.

By Carl Eve

Reporter's e-mail: carl.eve@notes.newsquest.co.uk

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.