Check out our new review of our gig at the Elm Tree in Chiseldon :

I have heard so much about Dropstone over the past couple of years. Most of it by Dropstone. I have never been a big fan of 'hype', especially when it comes from the band itself! However, having now met them and seen them play, they mean business.

It was a shame most of the 'kids' that had come to see The Raah! had gone because they were outstanding. They almost knocked me off my feet.

As you know, I like bands that build their music with layers. Everybody has a part to play and they all played their parts perfectly. One of the tightest bands I have ever seen.

Ben led from the front adding theatricals to every song. It's quite refreshing seeing a band performing songs with real belief. They could have played all night and I would have been happy to let them but alas, the licencing laws got in the way. We had lights, smoke and a stunning performance. They would be assisted in their performance with a bigger stage, Johnny almost venturing into the other bar!

I was proved wrong with Dropstone. Sometimes you just have to believe the hype. Catch them at The Bell in Old Town, Swindon on March 8^th. I'll be there!

Ben Thomas – vocals/theatricals, Chaz Paxford – guitar, Johnny Rayner – guitar, Jim Mann – bass, Glenn Stephens – drums.

Sean "Rhythm Master"

www.myspace.com/seancjt

pictures taken by Stuart Ackling from Dropstone's gig at The Jericho Tavern in Oxford on 25 January 2008.

Stuart Ackling has taken on the role as Dropstone's lighting engineer and roadie after stepping into the role at their last gig and doing such a great job he was asked to take on the job permanently.

A sample of pictures taken by Abi Pepper prior to Dropstone winning Heat 3 of the MEMM Ltd Battle of the Bands 2007