Stoney Broke @ Old Fire Station, Carlisle. 2/12/17

Christmas definitely came early for those who braved the cold December temperatures and made their way to the Old Fire Station, in Carlisle.

Top act Xander and The Peace Pirates were back in town (having played in February of this year) on tour that will also take in a visit to the Cavern Club in Liverpool, with Stoney Broke opening the show, for what was to be a fantastic night of live music.

Stoney Broke took to the stage at 8pm in front of an already packed venue, for the second time in 2017 (having opened the show for WIlle And The Bandits in February), for a 45 minute set featuring tracks from 2016's "If It Ain't Broke..." along with new material, and older crowd favourites.

Launching straight into the haunting Intro, foot-stomping opener Sticky Situation, EP favourite Love Song, and Frankie Miller inspired Too Late, it was a breathless start which soon had the crowd joining in. Stomp box driven Back Yard added some audience participation, before Castles made it two tracks from "If It Ain't Broke...".

After a breathless opening to the night the tempo was slowed for the introduction of Hardest Heartbreaks, leaving few dry eye's with the dedication to absent friends.

Any fears of a loss of energy with Hardest Heartbreaks were soon forgotten as the superb new track False Alarm, a recent addition to the set list, was to showcase the material which will make up the upcoming album of the same name. The crowd, already in good voice, were then treated to Heartbreaker (from 2008), before set finale Nothin' But The Truth brought the biggest cheer of the night so far, and left the stage perfectly set for Xander and The Peace Pirates.

...The Peace Pirates have built a reputation for being a scintillating live band, with shows across the UK and Europe, and as they took to the stage it was clear they would only add to that reputation. A blistering set which included Fire, Dance With The Devil, Rain, showcased their album 11:11, while their version of Red House, and encore track Purple Rain, were homage to the influences that have shaped their sound.

For those who packed into the Old Fire Station, it was a night not many will forget in a hurry!