You must have experienced it - one of those nights out where you're a bit apprehensive - but it actually turns out to be quite memorable. Cue Matt from Savage Gringo who kindly invited the WRC a fortnight ago to the Red Vixen Records launch party at London's Borderline. The evening started well at the Crobar next door to the Venue as we bumped into our (old) mates Dom O'Riley of Shooter fame and ex-Bad Company guitarist Dave 'Bucket' Colwell. After a catch up and a couple of drinks we made our way downstairs to The Borderline just in time for the first of three short sets.



First up were Lilith And The Knight, a 4 piece hailing from London with Lilith on Vocals, Adam on guitar, Tom on bass and Francesco on drums. With the captivating Lilith fronting this Hard Rock and Metal band, LATK were just out of the studio where they had just recorded their first EP, which they duly aired on the night including their cracking new debut single 'Wake Up'. Fair play to the band as their infectious antics on stage was passed on to an appreciative audience - even finding time for a cover of Guns N' Roses 'Paradise City'. A great start to proceedings.



JOANovARC - a four piece female force of nature - were the meat in the gig sandwich and were up next. Not only had the WRC seen the girls just a month earlier as the backing band at the excellent 'One Night Of Rock' - but we also found that 'Bucket' had recently booked JOANovARC at his recent wedding reception - praise indeed. You couldn't make it up! Another short set saw JoA showcase their powerful new single 'White Trash' which ​was recorded at the legendary Rockfield Studios, with producer Gil Norton (The Pixies, Foo Fighters) - due to be released on Friday 10th June. They also premiered 'Live Rock ’n’ Roll' from their forthcoming album to be released later this year plus a respectful cover of Prince's 'Purple Rain' - both of which encapsulated their undoubted live energy. Describing themelves as "Puss In Boots" - with Sam Walker on vocals, bass & rhythm guitar, Shelley Walker on lead guitar & backing vocals , Laura Ozholl on vocals, guitars & bass and Debbie Wildish on drums - JoA sure kick some arse!



"Follow that" - as the saying goes - with Fire Red Empress entering the arena - the Borderline faithful anticipating the promise of an arsenal of thunderous Hard Rock, huge Stoner Rock riffs and soaring anthems! Having just finished the recording of their debut album, FRE went for it, cramming into another short set as much as they could without resorting to any covers. The stand out track on the night being 'Black Morphine' - which incidentally was not only co-written by Diamond Head's Brian Tatler but also features a guitar solo by Tatler on the album. The set also heralded the debut of new singer Jennifer Diehl (formerly of Furykane), with brothers Paul & Carl Gethin on guitars, Ben Picken on bass and Luke Middleton on drums. Their single 'Hail The Face' typified the anthemic content of their music and before we had the chance to head-bang any more - the night was over.



What a swell launch party that was!



'AJ