The search for Croydon’s hottest ‘unsigned’ talent is over for another year and the acoustic duo, “Cellar Door”, have been crowned winners for 2008. Music in Croydon took another step up last night, as Cellar Door performed an immaculate set that showcased along with the other finalist the wealth of talent within the Croydon music community. The haunting vocals of Aimee Grinter and the excellent strumming of guitarist Mike Brown was combination that had the audience mesmerised.
The Testing 123 final saw six acts (two from each of the heats) compete for the title. The two Hip Hop & R&B groups, two bands and two singer song writer acts were required to perform two original songs and their own version of Aretha Franklins RESPECT, last night the singer songwriters conquered all.
The evening was hosted by the colourful Sisamo anad began with R&B Rap trio Motivation who opened the show with a smooth interpretation of Respect and then launched into a lively original song called The Don’t Like us. They finished their set with another original called Smile, through which they aggressively encourage the audience to smile.
The second act to perform was the brilliantly named Me, Myself and Your Mum! This rock outfit put on an energetic show featuring their dynamic lead singer who started the set dressed smartly in a suit and tie (shades of Robert Palmer) but by the second song he had stripped down to an England football shirt. Their stand out song by far was the also imaginativelyAfter named Nigel the Debt Collector!
After a short break to clear the stage, the next act was smooth R&B duo 308. Two brothers who definitely looked the part, opened their set with the self named original 308. Their next song She’s Got To Go seemed to pleased their female following judging by screams being heard throughout the number.
After 308 came the turn of singer songwriter Neleh A. Neleh started with an accapella version of Respect and wowed the audience with the strength of her vocals. She then performed a pretty song called On My Mind written about a friend she had lost. Her set was completed with what she called a positive spin on urban relationships cited in most R&B songs, this song was about encouraging and appreciating one another and went down well.
One of the nights two stand out performers Lyanna Austin was next on stage. With an eight piece band Lyanna hit the stage and proceeded to set the place alight with her first inspirational song Keep Your Head Up. She followed it up with her amazingly funky rendition of Respect which had everyone dancing in the aisles. Lyanna ended her set with a funky rock track One Of Those Days which had even hardened rockers head banging.
The eventual winners Cellar Door were the final act in the final. Up stepped a smiling Aimee acompanied by guitarist Mike and a can of Red Stripe beer. While their set was in full flow I took a look around the audience and found every single persons eyes firmly locked on the stage as haunting vocals and the sounds of an amazing guitarist wowed the audience.
I must say there was no doubt by the time they completed their three songs, we had seen the best act on the nnight. Cellar Door’s performance was exceptional, they deserved to win. I am left with little doubt in my mind as to the level of talented musicians and singers within Croydon. We wish Cellar Door continued success in their music. You can check them out on Myspace http://www.myspace.com/cellardoorduo
