Natalie Ross, Matthew Kilford, Pollyloves, The Coronettes @ Slak – 2nd April 2010

Drip, drip, drop went the April showers over Cheltenham on Friday afternoon, and showed no signs of stopping. With this in mind, the people of the town braved the vast puddles streaming across the pavements and followed their ears, leading them to yet another superb Cheltenham Underground night.
Despite the typical downpour in the street, the atmosphere inside Slak was once again optimistic and welcoming. This was enhanced by an already growing crowd, eager to witness a fine selection of artists.
The Coronettes did not disappoint as the first act of the evening, bringing a world of smiles to the room with their glorious selection of genius crafted covers, snapping people into the party spirit. It is essential not to underestimate this Cheltenham based group. Whether they are performing their re-work of Dizzee Rascal’s ‘Bonkers’, or a medley of several beautifully mastered covers, their never fail to raise happiness and have the audience with them at every twist and turn. A perfect first act, and a tough one to follow.
However, London based duo, Pollyloves, was a clear contender, with an A for effort. Mixing cool acoustic ballads with saulty charm, the group not only mesmerised the collective but managed to steal the room into a relaxed mood, as if drenching the crowd in liquid sugar. Their cover of Lily Allen’s ‘Not Fair’ captured this feeling perfectly, as did the beautifully arranged cover of ‘Man in the Mirror’, closing the set on an anthemic high. It is also important to note here that the bands own material is entirely unavoidable!
Lulling the room slightly was next act Matthew Kilford, gently rocking the audience with his soothing acoustic melodies. In many ways, Kilford’s set sat perfectly amongst the line up, nestling between several other acoustic led groups and sounds, but may have been better suited earlier on in the evening, in order to ease the mood sufficiently into the more energised character of the other acts.
Natalie Ross’s return to the Cheltenham Underground had been eagerly anticipated since her performance last November. Settled in the headline slot on Friday night, Ross held the stage with an elegance fast becoming comfortable to her. The use of multi track vocals and gentle rhythms, coupled with soothing guitar melodies, once again displayed her unique direction to music, and enhanced her stage presence. As well as this, she also proved to be hugely entertaining, soaking her set in comedy and witty observations that created a fresh throng of instantly converted fans. By this point, any recollection of the cold rain outside had been washed down the drain.
So, as with a string of Cheltenham Underground nights recently, everybody left suitably impressed and satisfied. And, as the wetted pavements began to dry, the atmosphere in Slak was still dripping with excitement and optimism, not only for the Easter weekend to come, but also for the promise of future Underground events.
All considered, a very Good Friday!! (Yes. That’s right. I just said that! I dare you to come up with better.)