Viarosa - Night and Day, Manchester, 10/12/2006
by Helen Tipping
published: 7 / 1 / 2007

intro
In a show at the Night and Day in Manchester Helen Tipping finds forthcoming Pennyblackmusic Bands Night headliners Viarosa's unique brand of dark alt. country an encapsulating experience
The Night and Day is all ready for Christmas. Their tree is decorated and the fairy lights are twinkling. The tables are set out as if for a cabaret and each has a candle. It's very civilised. Viarosa are Richard Neuberg on vocals and guitars ; Emma Seal on vocals (not in attendance tonight) ; Josh Hillman on violin and viola ; Rob McHardy lap steel, guitars, mandolin and banjo ; Mick Young on stand up and electric bass and Nick Simms on drums. Nick Simms has lots of add ons on his drum kit, so it looks as though this could be interesting. They play a dark country style, with well crafted material, although some of the quieter bits are not so suited to live performance at this time of year when it can get a bit rowdy. Viarosa use the full kit available to them, and the variety makes it especially enjoyable. They've got the sound of the moment really, as alt. country seems to be increasing in popularity, yet none of Viarosa's music sounds cloned. Much of the band consist of musicians who have been around for years, with lots of experience to draw on, and it really does shine through. It's a shame that we miss Joss T Pearson, who Viarosa are supporting, but public transport isn't geared up for people on an evening out, especially on a Sunday in Manchester, but Viarosa alone were well worth the journey. Viarosa will be headlining the Pennyblackmusic Bands Night at the Spitz in London on Saturday 3rd March
Picture Gallery:-


interviews |
Interview (2005) |
![]() |
London alt. rockers Viarosa have just released their debut Ep 'Porous' and have an album on the way. Frontman Richard Neuberg talks to John Clarkson about the influence his one-time Catholic faith and personal tragedy has had on his songwriting |
live reviews |
Borderline, London, 11/4/2007 |
At the Borderline in London, Olga Sladeckova watches rising alt. country bands Viarosa and Hey Negrita, the latter playing its first gig in a new line-up, play stunning sets |
Luminaire, London, 20/1/2006 |
reviews |
Send For The Sea (2008) |
![]() |
Staggeringly life-affirming and diverse second album from London-based Americana project, Viarosa |
Where The Killers Run (2005) |
most viewed articles
current edition
John McKay - InterviewCathode Ray - Interview
Robert Forster - Interview
When Rivers Meet - Waterfront, Norwich, 29/5/2025
Spear Of Destiny - Interview
Fiona Hutchings - Interview
Carl Ewens - David Bowie 1964 to 1982 On Track: Every Album, Every Song
Chris Wade - Interview
Shrag - Huw Stephens Session 08.12.10 and Marc Riley Session 21.03.12
Brian Wilson - Ten Songs That Made Me Love...
previous editions
Heavenly - P.U.N.K. Girl EPBoomtown Rats - Ten Songs That Made Me Love....
Manic Street Preachers - (Gig of a Lifetime) Millennium Stadium, Cardiff, December 1999
Allan Clarke - Interview
Oasis - Oasis, Earl's Court, London, 1995
Barrie Barlow - Interview
Beautiful South - Ten Songs That Made Me Love...
Pixies - Ten Songs That Made Me Love...
Chuck Prophet - Ten Songs That Made Me Love...
Dwina Gibb - Interview
most viewed reviews
current edition
Peter Doolan - I Am a Tree Rooted to the Spot and a Snake Moves Around Me,in a CircleVinny Peculiar - Things Too Long Left Unsaid
Garbage - Let All That We Imagine Be The Light
Vultures - Liz Kershaw Session 16.06.88
John McKay - Sixes and #Sevens
Little Simz - Lotus
HAIM - I Quit
Pulp - More
Lapsley - I'm a Hurricane, I'm a Woman In Love
Billy Nomates - Metalhorse
Pennyblackmusic Regular Contributors
Adrian Janes
Amanda J. Window
Andrew Twambley
Anthony Dhanendran
Benjamin Howarth
Cila Warncke
Daniel Cressey
Darren Aston
Dastardly
Dave Goodwin
Denzil Watson
Dominic B. Simpson
Eoghan Lyng
Fiona Hutchings
Harry Sherriff
Helen Tipping
Jamie Rowland
John Clarkson
Julie Cruickshank
Kimberly Bright
Lisa Torem
Maarten Schiethart