Da blues have cometh to the deep South (That's South Wales by the way, don't think the Uber budget would stretch that far just yet) in the shape of the much hyped Tom Hollister Trio. Third time lucky....think again, The Steelhouse is rammed to capacity once more, get your tickets early next month people.

Video screens awash with visionary classic rock muted by the sounds provided by DJ Spike, the smoke bellows out from the stage and onto it enter young upstarts Before The Escape, one of this fair land's brightest prospects and a ever so slight departure, from a musical genre perpective, from the top of the bill act. 'I'd Be Lying', 'Lies Of Storytellers', 'This Town', 'Breathe', 'Signs'; bit of a tug of war between emo and indie, my initial doubts as to if this slightly older blues-tinged crowd (sorry) would appreciate the foursome was swiftly cast aside as they were warmly welcomed with open arms, even carrying on a chant of "Come On Stefan" to welcome the sticksman upright for a bit of beatboxing on 'Castles'. Check out the boys' Myspace and get a free download of their new EP 'Here's To Looking Through You'.

But hang on, what's this? The Steelhouse's very own Matt entertaining the ladies with a solo set? Not tonight Matthew, but he is proudly announcing The Steelhouse is to present an two-day outdoor festival at Eugene Cross Park in August, watch this space......

Judging by my struggle to find a decent review/photo spot, there's certainly a buzz of expectancy surrounding the appearance of the Tom Hollister Trio, taking to the stage with a "Hello Ebbw Vale" and, clasping a pint of Guinness, coming across very chilled and relaxed. 'Run', 'Tell Her Not To Go', a sneaky  cover of 'Crossroads', 'Lost And Found', 'She's Coming', 'Sorry'; the heavyweight praise and backing being cast at guitarist Chris Buck from all corners of the globe is in clear vision with his feel, groove, youthfulness and appearance. Da Trio's almost lounge blues approach continues with 'Red Is The Colour', '3124' and 'Sweet Words', only performed once previously and that was at the 2010 Sonisphere Festival at Knebworth Park - grand company indeed. 'Sweet Angel', 'Half Way', 'On The Road' and 'Hold You Down' close the set. Obvious Cream, Hendrix similarities arise but with a modernized slant, sort of something old made so new... so to speak, akin to an upperscale jam session at times with the tightness and drive of drummer Adam Roberts alongside Buck and the man himself bassist/vocalist Tom Hollister with his sweet soulful classic British vocal delivery and neat laidback bass work. With the crowd wanting more, there's time to squeeze in 'Tied In Blue' and the endearing 'Voodoo Child'.

Evidently this all about the desire for music with no agenda wrecklessly involved and, to coin The Steelhouse's phrase, LOVE IT LIVE!