Out with a bang at Portsmouth Guildhall

30 May 2010

Live and Unsigned promoters packed hundreds of enthusiastic friends and family into Portsmouth Guildhall on Sunday 30th May to cheer on their loved ones.  Selium were the youngest of a twenty-two act line-up that impressed judges and audience alike.

Unfortunately, the lads failed to win through to the spectacular final at the O2 Arena.  This prize was one that they had set their hearts on, but their familiar set did not appear to have whatever x-factor the judges were looking for.

Connor impressed throughout as he leapt and capered about in grand style.   Hurling himself from the stage at the climax of the set, he achieved a personal best of 8.4 Metres – terrifying the front row and prompting the promoters to make hasty telephone calls to their insurance company.

The competition restrictions had been a challenge – performing cut-down versions of two songs in three and a half minutes – and Selium put in some hard work to smooth out a combination of Bournemouth and their regular cover of Feeder’s  Buck Rogers.   The mini-set went well, showing the band’s potential again, and winning some praise from the judges on the Twitter comments that replaced the traditional individual feedback usually given at Battle of the Bands.

Overall, the gig was a marvellous opportunity to perform at a huge venue (Jools Holland’s Rhythm and Blues Orchestra will be playing there in December – this is a seriously big stage) but there was little chance for Selium to hit their stride.  Connor had hardly any time to woo the audience and judges with his trademark banter.  Winning over an audience under these circumstances is a toughie.  Every band had brought their own supporters, and many had come from the local area; 630 fans backing other bands makes for a daunting gig!  In a situation like this, a lot of performers might have buckled, but Selium gave one of their best performances of the year.

Well done, guys.