The Craufurd Arms is no ordinary pub music venue. Located in an unassuming main road in Wolverton – not far from Milton Keynes Central Station - I did not think that I was going to be in for a full-on nocturnal live Hard Rock experience! The first hint of this was the murals as you step inside, where Alphonse Mucha-esque meets mock wicker magic. Music is my religion was the first one I saw. Yep, that strap line is one that any dedicated muso and avid gig goer can relate to!

Going through the bar area to a small stage area, I immediately thought is that all there is? No it wasn’t! The live stage area was at the back, with Paul, the friendly gatekeeper to the main stage, on the door! Indeed, a promising start as I managed to get to the front, as there's no open photo pit, but considerate front row gig goers allowed me to shoot my images, accompanying this review! Turns out for this London lass that the two North American bands on the bill have absolutely dedicated acolytes prepared to travel far and wide - even from Norwich and the North - to see them on their UK tours!

First up were Pennsylvania Hard Rock band outfit Crobot, fronted by the almost bare chested, bearded as well as charismatic Brandon Yeagley, with Chris Bishop on guitar, plus brothers Willie and NicoJansen on bass guitar and drums respectively. Formed in 2011, the Pottsville quintet have five studio albums under their Rock leathered belts. Their ramped-up delivery with full-on sound stage was total Rock right from the get-go. Yeagley gave it all he had got on stage - as his intense, magnetic eyes and presence shone through their set.

Strutting and posing, Brandon's powerful vocals and dynamism, alongside Willie, delighted the capacity crowd devotees with their stage mania, which I loved. Tonight's set comprised of opener 'Battle Cry', followed by 'Foot Off', 'Bigger By The Pound', as well as later, 'Cold Blooded', 'Happy Days', 'Me and Your Mother', 'Gasoline', 'Let It Kill', 'Not For Sale', 'Trouble', 'Low Life' and 'Nowhere to Hide'. With their mesmerising live presence, Crobot totally rocked The Craufurd Arms tonight and I found them so exciting  and energising to watch and photograph with their infectious live music adrenaline!

Indeed this gig totally exemplified why live Rock music rules! Listening to Canadian Hard Rock quartet The Damn Truth’s latest likeable album, I was not only struck by its good, tight musicianship, but also Lee-La Baum’s distinctive vocals, combining Americana Rock and Country inflections and tone at times. Baum is complemented on the album, as well as even more so on stage this evening, by partner Tom Shemer, also on lead guitar and vocals, as well as Pierre-Yves Letellier in his own zone on bass guitar, except when required, and Dave Traina on drums.

Tonight, The Damn Truth shone like the Rock group they are. With Baum fronting the band, her powerhouse vocals and guitar licks were awesome, as The Craufurd Arms audience loved them and duly lapped up their set. They opened with 'Be Somebody', followed by 'Killer Whale' and 'Love Outta Luck', before rockin' their way through 'The Willow', as well as playing their strong anthem with attitude, 'This Is Who We Are Now'.

Baum dominated as she moved across the stage with her commanding presence, which I found compelling to watch Rightly so - as Baum is one hell of an alpha female, as well as Rock guitarist force. Shemer too, especially when they locked into each other. Real life partners with enduring  music chemistry, indeed I smiled when Tom kneeled at Lee-La's feet, as Baum has a certain majesty about her!

'If I Don’t Make It Home' had an unsettling urgency and was poignant lyrically, while 'Lonely' and 'Look Innocent' were further numbers lapped up by the adoring t-shirted crowd. This was a memorable gig at a memorable out of London live venue. I hope to return soon!

Review, photos and video: Denise Lester