This cute, small, great music venue provided the setting for a three band line up of Horseheaven, Deadgeese and Fine Lime. I was there with a friend to see Fine Lime, having been blown away by them supporting The Zac Schulze Gang earlier this year. Unfortunately, I didn't see Horseheaven, but I did catch Deadgeese who are an Alt Rock/Grunge band from Kent playing a Nirvana inspired sound and set. Think far rawer than Dogstar, who sound almost middle of the road in comparison! In fact, very sadly, I could not hear the lyrics given the microphone was not turned up enough, as well as there being no set list! However, the crowd enjoyed it and if Alt Rock is your pint of Kent real ale, then go ahead and drink it in! Indeed, Jason from headliner's Fine Lime did just that, duly removing his top when invited to play with them on a more funky number, which the audience loved.

Headliner's Fine Lime have quite a faithful tribal following, including Gary and Zowie Wood, their mates, the locals as well as the younger fraternity, who all adored them. Indeed, I’m an old funkster and loved dancing at our University Soul Society nights, so I could easily relate to this younger guy wearing a Funkadelic t-shirt! Frankly, Fine Lime are the freshest Funk fruit I have come across. Their set showed elements of not just deep driving bass, but also retro style Hammond edged keyboard playing.

They are actually more sophisticated in sound with a set crossing Rock, such as their cover of Pink Floyd’s 'Money'. They are indeed fine young musicians who actually can cross the genres. My knowledgeable gig buddy pointed that they sounded a bit like Santana at times, although I didn’t hear that. What I did get off on was their sheer funky loud and proud lyrics, delivered by lead guitarist and vocalist Kieran, resplendent with his mullet and moustache. Meanwhile, Jason was also giving it all, his bare chest glowing whilst playing guitar and singing backing vocals.

Indeed, Jason was the showman - jumping as well as playing in the crowd to the delight of the pumped-up audience, including the aforementioned Gary Wood who with his whistle and conductor’s hat, was directing the Soul train traffic out of the door and back again! There was also some playful moshing from the older generation, with the fun loving Wood once again being the main protagonist!

Fine Lime have recently been in the studio, so stand by for more music from them, and join their funky fun Soul train too!

Review, photos and video: Denise Lester