Argyllshire Advertiser

MOJO mania hits Ardfern

- Laura Maxwell editor@argyllshir­eadvertise­r.co.uk

What a rockin’ night of MOJO music.

Mid Argyll’s favourite rock festival returned on Saturday October 20 to a welcoming crowd. More than 130 guests queued up to see the bands from all over Argyll play for the rockers in Craignish Village Hall.

Dunoon solo artist Liam Somerville opened the show and his Bruce Springstee­n influences brought an alternate rock sound that could get bluesy at times.

Starting from a school choir, Kirsteen Black and Alana Mathers, The Brambelles, have progressed to a chill melodic sound that had everyone singing. Their Bob Dylan influences could be heard clearly in their acoustic guitar and poetic lyrics.

Loch Awe-based Stephen Skinn brought Brit-rock to the stage with an electric guitar that became reminiscen­t of the days when the Gallagher brothers fought as one, filling the dance floor as he played.

The Hollow Mountain String Band drew the wildest crowds with their self-titled ‘Americeili­dh’ sound. The country-ceilidh fusion got

everyone skipping about or at least tapping feet.

Returning from last year’s MOJO festival was veteran Oban band Citizen 9 who should be named the Pearl Jam of Argyll. Their grunge rock sound was well-received as Nirvana t-shirts filled the dance floor with headbangin­g.

Closing the show was Oban’s 4Below, with lead Andy Bruce’s rock experience fusing with wife Claire’s keyboard and Dougie’s banging beats. The Scots lilt in his lyrics sounds like Soundgarde­n meets Biffy Clyro. They closed MOJO with a bang, sending the mob home wanting more.

Check out all the bands’ social media pages on @ MOJOArgyll on Facebook. They are all available to hire for your own events. Contact Dan on 01546 602429 if you require any informatio­n and look out for the MOJOArgyll Facebook page for updates and new ventures in the music of Argyll.

 ?? 51_a43MOJO10 ?? The Brambelles, Kirsteen and Alana, gave the night a big musical hug with their endearing vocal harmonies and beautiful lyrics.
51_a43MOJO10 The Brambelles, Kirsteen and Alana, gave the night a big musical hug with their endearing vocal harmonies and beautiful lyrics.
 ?? 51_a43MOJO18 ?? Left: The Hollow Mountain String Band gave the crowd ‘Americeili­dh’, bringing out the dancers and showcasing their amazing feisty barrage of feel-good music.
51_a43MOJO18 Left: The Hollow Mountain String Band gave the crowd ‘Americeili­dh’, bringing out the dancers and showcasing their amazing feisty barrage of feel-good music.
 ?? 51_a43MOJO28 ?? Veterans of MOJO Citizen 9 showed again why they’re back with their funky rock mastery.
51_a43MOJO28 Veterans of MOJO Citizen 9 showed again why they’re back with their funky rock mastery.
 ?? 51_a43MOJO33 ?? Headline of the night 4 Below lifted the roof off. The superb, rich bass-fuelled alternativ­e rock from Andy, Claire and Dougie ended the night with an awesomely crafted performanc­e.
51_a43MOJO33 Headline of the night 4 Below lifted the roof off. The superb, rich bass-fuelled alternativ­e rock from Andy, Claire and Dougie ended the night with an awesomely crafted performanc­e.
 ?? 51_a43MOJO02 ?? Liam Somerville, the only solo artist, gave a real gutsy, energised performanc­e which kicked off the night superbly.
51_a43MOJO02 Liam Somerville, the only solo artist, gave a real gutsy, energised performanc­e which kicked off the night superbly.
 ?? 51_a43MOJO15 ?? Cool and classic rock from Stephen Skinn charmed the audience on to the dance floor.
51_a43MOJO15 Cool and classic rock from Stephen Skinn charmed the audience on to the dance floor.

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