New monthly music night to showcase fresh local talent

The first ever Brainstorm Rock Night takes place on Sunday at the Boars Head Pub on Braintree High Street, who will regularly host the event on the fourth Sunday of every month.

The event is the brainchild of James Balcombe, 31 and from Braintree, who thinks the town is crying out for somewhere to showcase fresh and unique musical talent.

James said: “There is nothing for original bands in Braintree, all we have is tribute bands and open mic nights.

“I used to put on nights in Great Leighs and I spoke to the Boars Head and managed to convince them to put on a once a month regular night for bands.

“It is easier for a pub to put on a tribute band where everyone knows the songs, but there is a lot of people that want to hear something new and original and would like to hear some fresh local music in Braintree.

“There are so many good bands out there that can’t get gigs because they can’t get booked by venues.”

The line-up for the first night is already a who’s who of the local heavy music scene, with progressive metal headliners Earthmass, Colchester’s Three Thrones, doom band Sickfist and James’ own Myopic Empire.

James said: “We wanted to start off really big.

“I play drums for the Myopic Empire and the other three bands are ones I have known for a while and gigged with.

“I really wanted to do it mainly because no one else would.

“I thought it would be good for me to not have to go all the way to Colchester or Chelmsford to see the bands I love - there must be loads of other people that feel the same.”

A special Halloween edition of the show is already in the planning stages for October 30, and James is hoping for bigger and better things in the future for Braintree’s music scene.

He said: “The venue have told us that if it is successful they could talk about moving it to Friday or Saturday but of course first we need to get people out to help us.”

More information at: http://bit.ly/2ctjWs5.