I mean, who are this Downi lot anyway?

Strapping on the guitar and belting out Sublime and Other Side Of The World, my pre-show doubts disappeared as talent and musicianship started to smack me in the face.

And that wasn't just from frontwoman Rachel Rodgers. All of Downi, from bassist Tony Rodgers and guitarist Ian Brailsford, to drummer Paul Hickman and Gemma Bradshaw on percussion and backing vocals, are seasoned professionals - and it certainly showed.

With an album due out later in the year, there was a strong selection of original material that went down rather well at Matlock's Rendezvous Bar.

As any act worth its salt will tell you, cover songs help retain audience attention, so it was nice to see a selection that varied away from the tried and tested.

It was good to hear Luka, with its heart-wrenching and thought-provoking lyrics and Manic Street Preachers' Design For Life, as well as several other songs we all know, but don't often hear.

Gemma Bradshaw's extra backing vocals added real spice to contemporary hits like Rehab, Black Horse And The Cherry Tree and Blondie's Marie - and these three songs alone brought the venue to life.

Some songs just suit a band and, after well over two hours of entertainent, I felt really blessed. Blessed that I'd found the strength to go out and see a great live band, who played all their music with great sincerity.

Downi played their socks off and with the help of a packed and enthusiastic venue, I think I might just have seen one of the best shows of the year.

ROY GOODALL