Riley Perform at the Welly Club by Cilla

I thought it would be hard to report on this. As I watched this band I thought, 'Its going to be impossible to be objective - impossible to stop my personal feelings coming through'. Then I realised that actually that's the whole point - music is all about personal feelings.

And then I thought - This city is such a hotbed for talent - hungry for what's good that's around. But when will we give ourselves the chance? We've got to stop believing our own critics. Hull should shine as an example of diversity and interest. Take a good look around. If we don't start appreciating it, we'll lose it. 'Find the time to talk to one another. Love your neighbours. Get drunk!' That's what Lead singer/guitarist Dave Robertson announced before he started to sing. Well I couldn't agree more. After all, that's what thisisull.com is about!

On with the story - fabulous songs. Made me feel emotional and want to know just who it was who wrote those words …….

All the music was played to practiced perfection. No wonder Emma (Rugg) raves about this band. And I'm not enough of a musical expert to write clever comparisons or critiques about the performance but I can say from the heart, Thank You, Riley! I could use an expletive or two to describe how bloody great you were! continued below

Riley Perform at the Welly Club continued by Cilla

It took me back to Leeds a few years ago, and various other places before that, where the brave, outspoken drum beat and the sometimes angry, always heartfelt lyrics made my skin tingle and hair stand on end. It took me back to 22 years ago when I first saw a live U2 concert. They exuded a spooky, similar necky, confident feeling you get when you just know you're good. Half of me wanted to cry and half wanted to laugh.

They played 7 strong, memorable songs - 'Sit Up' is going to be their anthem, I'm sure of that. Its one of those songs that sticks in your brain. Try and find it and give it a listen. You'll know what I mean. They do it live even better!

The band had arrived at the Welly Club after appearing on Alan Raw's 'Raw Talent' (BBC Radio Humberside) show earlier in the evening. Alan was there too. He should be congratulated as a man who has his finger on the pulse - and he's doing his best to promote what's good - and following it through. He's doing a fantastic job. www.bbc.co.uk/humber

As for Riley, they must have been knackered! On the road all day and now this - a gig scheduled to begin at midnight. That's determination. And there they were after their appearance, relaxed and ready to chat in the bar. I spoke at length to Andrew, the guitarist with the 'gizmo' - that's what I called it, anyway. Interesting guitar effects which I'd noticed all the way through their set. He was such a lovely bloke - all the time in the world to chat to a daft, star-struck woman, old enough to be his mum!

Well, I wish them all the best - good luck in New York later this week, lads. And look after that tiny Emma! Keep it coming - and come back to Hull soon - I'll organise the party!! For more information on Riley, visit the MI5 Records website at www.mi5recordings.co.uk

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