The band was bursting with enthusiasm and noise, plunging straight into each song with heavy riffs and electric attitude. Vocalist Nikki Jones made a stunning front woman with raw, gritty vocals and a care-free rock n’ roll attitude. She looked perfectly comfortable on stage and she certainly didn’t use her sulphurous sexuality as a krutch to help her perform, which is a welcome change from the vast majority of female singers.

Guitarists Stubio Lopez and Flash Danny were not only technically brilliant, they were thoroughly entertaining to watch. Their evident enjoyment of the music infected everyone else in the room and created a blindingly exuberant show.

The rhythm section, made up of Rich Elson and Jamie “The Big Dog,” held their own in keeping the band tight and crisp, while adding their own charm and personality to the set.

Vamps ‘n’ Gypsies played solidly and loudly through each song, but it all climaxed with their anthemic she-rock song, Sleaze, which decidedly takes the power of rock n’ roll from the men and firmly places it back in the hands of the ladies.

Everyone, men and women alike, seemed to be energised by the music, especially during such songs as Dumped for Jesus which got everyone on their feet and singing at the top of their lungs.

The show was heavy and thrilling to experience. Nikki Jones was sexy without being slutty, the guistarists were driven without being distracting, the rhythm was precise without being pretentious, and with any luck, Vamps ‘n’ Gypsies will be staying in town a whole lot longer.

Photograph by Andy Nichols 2006