Tiscali Showcase - Rick Oliver

Rick Oliver played second at the fourteenth Tiscali Showcase at the Carling Bar Academy Islington on Friday October 21st 2005, and you can see exclusive video performances from the night after the event. Rick played a storming fullband set with a particularly powerful and memorable performance of opening track 'Canonball'.

Set list on the night:

1. I'm a Cannonball
2. Man of the Year
3. Love is Cruel
4. I'll Be the Death of You
5. Recurring Song
6. Stop
7. Parachute Jump

No frills, no fuss... Imagine songs with a bear-hug intensity, songs delivered with a straightforward and workmanlike blow. Nothing avant garde, or knowing but resonating a humble self-assuredness and an intimate if robust poignancy.

Songs about everyday emotions observed simply and arrestingly. The voice that carries these songs hints at a young Elvis Costello, the music behind these songs nods to the Lemonheads.

Raised in Essex, on the outskirts of London, Rick Oliver's life was always steeped in music. There's a home studio in the back garden and records and instruments all over the house. Rick's father plays guitar; brother Nick plays drums. Listening to and playing music is the momentum that drives the Olivers' lives.

So writing, performing and recording his own music was a natural step in young Rick's life and is an irrepressible force in his adult life.