Opening up to a sparse house can be full of trepidation and frustration, but South Wingfield foursome Malt House Blues just pressed on as they knocked out a strong bag of tunes by the likes of Bad Company and The Beatles.
Receiving polite applause they paddled off and made way for Fast Lashes, another foursome from Chesterfield.
With this band featuring a six-string bassist they played a slightly more up-tempo set full of reasonable strong originals, Lost It and K
nife Edge being particularly good.
With the headliners taking the stage we did have a few more on deck, but not nearly enough as for my money the calibre of bands deserved far more.
Undaunted, SKM, as they're known now they've slimmed down to a three piece, started off well as second song in was Kaiser Chiefs' I Predict A Riot followed by self-penned effort, Tonight.
I really liked Matt's guitar intro to this and the song was well-structured with many twists and turns.
Due to hard work and being a former Derbyshire Young Band of the Year winner, the lads have amassed bags of confidence.
Even when challenged to cover something they hadn't rehearsed, vocalist and bass-slapper Don handled the situation well by turning it around into a positive by knocking out The Jam's A Town Called Malice.
With the man at the back smacking the tubs like his life depended on it, I felt he held the band together extremely well.
In fact, I'd go one step further and say Oli is one of the best drummers I've heard in ages.
And he can smile!
Other covers interspersed well with original numbers Now You're Gone, Ladies Man and Layby Love complimenting this experienced band's overall package.
With their journey complete SKM brought the sails down with a raucous version of Jonny Be Good, much to the delight of The Boat's supportive crew.
I really liked SKM as they have the right balance and attitude.
My only fear is that although Derbyshire is awash with live venues, which is a good thing, an appreciative audience needs to support the movement.
