by Glen Screeton
Brickhaus was the venue for the welcome return of Winachi last Saturday and looking relaxed, the band took to the stage around 10 pm to a warm reception from local fans who were clearly eager to dance!
With roots steeped in funk and electronic music the bands tight musicianship coupled with frontman Liam Croker’s charismatic energy, captured the audience from the very first note.
Pulsating synths, grooving basslines, and soulful vocals are the order of the day for Winachi and even the worst dancer can’t help but fire out a quick shuffle! I personally feel the band brings a sense of unity and celebration to every gig and if this was their first venture out from the recording studio in a while then they did an excellent job.
Playing familiar tracks from the excellent ‘Sympathy for the Future’ album amongst others , Winachi were on solid ground and continue the legacy of this popular genre of music from its early 80’s inception with bands like ‘ Brothers Johnson and Brass Construction , to the more household name of Chic and Nile Rogers , the latter’s famous riffs being adopted by 90’s band ‘ Daft Punk ‘ . Of note, something you didn’t often see in a funk band of the 80’s was the mesmerizing technique of a percussionist out in front and Winachi have one of the finest with Inder Goldfinger (previously with Ian Brown). What an asset it is for a band to have that visual spectacle in action – loved it!
For fans of British music seeking something fresh yet familiar, Winachi represents the next wave of creative innovation. Their performances not only entertain but also invite audiences to lose themselves in a kaleidoscope of rhythm and sound and if you feel like you ‘missed out’ don’t worry. You can catch the band headlining the Warrington Music Fest on Saturday 6th June on the Golden Square stage and it’s free!
