I took the last train out of the station & returned to the rockin’ chair!
Returning to my home town for the 1st time in 2024 to a venue i had promoted live shows (The Charlatans) done club nights (Riot/Cloud 9) & dj sets was both invigorating & terrifying at the same time… I should not have worried… The attention to detail in the venue is astounding, from the set up & the sound system is superb, Iv’e never heard the room sound this good…
‘Central Station‘ (a former garage) situated in the centre of Wrexham ‘town’ always had potential… It previously hosted gigs by Robert Plant, Athlete, Ash, The Music, Enter Shikari, BMTH & many more… The recent passing of owner/creator Matt & chief booker Mark brought home how the passing of time & the importance of the venue had affected it’s presence..
Fast Forward to 2023 & talk of the town was of a successful bar (The Parish) & it’s owner were to re-invent the venue as The Rockin’ Chair in the ‘City’ & with the addition of local musician / sound engineer ‘Moz‘ they could finally bring the potential of the venue to fruition… They have had Johnny Marr, Gaz Coombz amongst others pass through the doors & have Paul Draper, Sleeper, Big Country & more on the way…
So I arrive at the venue to be greeted by ‘Moz’ & he is a friend / colleague I have known for years. I’m taken to the Dj set up area for the after show & it’s all plugged in ready to go, I get offered drinks by ‘Kev’ & he even just shows me where the alcohol free lagers are & says, just grab one when you want…
So we start tonight with Marissa & The Moths who I have seen previously in Liverpool (natch) & with a reshaped line-up & new album they have come of age…
The stage presence is spot on, the songs are memorable & the hooks ring around your head long after the lights come on… They are engaging & you want to listen, you want to watch & this is a band that you really should do both of those things if you get the chance…
Elvana… & yes as the name suggests they are a combination of Elvis & Nirvana… In fact Elvis fronted Nirvana… or Nirvana fronted by Elvis!
It shouldn’t work, but not only does it, you cannot fail to be impressed by how good they really are, the musicianship is 1st class, the vocal arrangements precise, the stage show is crafted with affection & style, they feel like an arena band doing a festival warm up in a club!
The songs… They don’t just play an Elvis song & then a Nirvana one… OH NO! they marry & blend the feel & vibe of one to another & it’s fan-fuckin-tastic! You can’t help but to sing along, jump around, dance like a fool & smile like a cheshire cat… The sight of Elvis crowd surfing is one to behold, as is the roses, confetti & balloons that exit the stage to fill the room… This is the perfect Saturday night band… Does Anybody Remember Laughter? I remember promoting shows by ‘Dread Zeppelin‘ who were as the name suggests a Reggea Led Zep act & they had a similar vibe, however Elvana are your’e fave party band with added cocaine & bullets… #ComeAsYouAre Jjx
Opening with the theme tune from Grease (is the word) these are the songs i think i heard (i’m sure setlist will correct me) 
Grease (Frankie Valli song)
Territorial Pissings
Stay Away / That’s All Right
In Bloom (Blue Suede Shoes intro)
Scentless Apprentice / Hound Dog
Rape Me / Love Me Tender
Sliver
All Fucked Up
About a Girl / It’s Now or Never
Dive / Devil in Disguise
Trouble / Breed / Viva Las Vegas
Dumb / Always On My Mind
Jailhouse Tourettes
Frances Farmer Will Have Her Revenge on Seattle / Suspicious Minds
Heartbreak Hotel / Lithium
Love Buzz (Shocking Blue cover)
Can’t Help Falling in Love / Heart Shaped Box
A Little Less Conversation / Smells Like Teen Spirit
Come as You Are
Marisa Photo: Artist Social / Elvana Photos: https://www.instagram.com/coal_poet_media