The Mission Babies Live In Southport

IT was an odd night at Drakes, Southport on Saturday, 4 April 2009, because lots of people outside were dressed up to the nines after a day at the races. Inside, it was not what I would call business as usual, as downstairs, here too, there were many new faces, also all very smartly attired. A buzz from an amp up the stairs echoed down lured the younger clientele up... Playing was a Liverpool band called 'The Mission Babies'. This band might not have a massive following in Southport; a shame, but very typical of Southport as it is invariably slow to cotton on. nevertheless, they still put on a fantastic andvery energetic show for those who did turn up. It is unusual to find a band who say on their Myspace, "raw energy" and "passion", deliver just that! In our view the music is very reminiscent of quite a few bands of the mid to late 90's, and even though they class their genre on their Myspace as rock, I would say that they are more pop, as Oasis now tends to be classed. This band has the same sounds that Oasis and it is no wonder why they have sold out in most venues in Liverpool and Manchester, including the Manchester Academy. The band are so friendly, as are their groupies. This makes the atmosphere automatically warm and inviting, unlike that engendered by some bands I have encountered in the past. This should encourage others to follow the band's music. Even though they remind me, in some way, of a few Manchester bands, The Mission Babies have a very typical Liverpool style, not only on account of the distinctive Liverpool accent of the lead singer Kenny Van Johnston. Interestingly, Kenny also is the band's songwriter... The drummer, Danny Mc, keeps the band very much in pace and works well delivering a well blended beat. Added to this, bass player Billy Lake and guitarist Jay Ryder who fire. Both aretalented and well matched, making the overall balance of the group spot on. Overall, most gig goers and music fans will enjoy their passion, combined with their very enthusiastic banter in between sets. This keeps the audience lively and entertained: a refreshing change. The band has lots of potential, but they need to work on their image a bit more to stand out as much as their music does. They could be the next Mersey Beat sound, if they stick at it.

I look forward to their return to Drakes, Southport or to seeing them live in Liverpool in the Academy, but I suspect bigger venues are on the horizon if they keep at it.

To find out more about this band go to themissionbabies.com and/or myspace.com/missionbabies.

We hope to be adding this band soon to our online radio stations' play lists.

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