Common Blades - 'No Music in the City"

Trying to start a new rock bank from a disused loft if Kelvin Street, was definitely having its problems as the city sleeps at night this new band were practising well into the early mornings.

The drummer is Gary Sullivan, lead and vocals Mark Stallard, and bass
Brent Walker who is 17 and Sullivan and Stallard are both only 18.They practiced at least three times during the week and once at the weekend as well as holding down jobs for essential funds.  The workload took toll on them as when they played at the Invercargill Musicians Union clubrooms, Stallard's vocals were hindered by a nagging throat infection and Sullivan was suffering a huge chest cold.  The band played two sets and it was obvious how much they had improved.  Recently Common Blades had backed the Narcs and Thumbs and Brass in the city.
It was good to see a young band writing a performing their own music.
Their music developed into long punchy and medlody which tended to bring the audience down a bit because of long instrumental introductions devoid of vocals. 
Back in the loft front man, Stallard, told me Common Blades does not want residency in Invercargill, as the band is going to hit the road early next year starting with a South Island tour. " We are not really interested in going into a pub just for the night as we feel that people are there to drink - and would like people to respect our music - I don't think we will even have a really serious following here".I certainly saw hoards of young teenagers gathering on the streets when Common Blade were practicing.
One Son - 'No music (in the city). is a reflection of the groups views on Invercargill and Stallard said "It is about the smug way that everything is done around here.  "We find there is quite a lot of bigotry about a young band - sort os sterile attitude to anyone or anything new.
Common Blades is going to take a short break and they may pop up every now and then but one thing is for certain that its obvious drive and determination will see it leave the city sooner rather than later.