Cambridge Rock Festival 2007

Review by Dave Hunter for GRTR!
Having recently self-released the album 'Shake' to critical acclaim, Sacred Heart deservedly took their place as the headliners and closers of the Rising Stars stage. Drawing heavily from this recent release, guitarist/vocalist Paul Stead led the band through a set oozing class - obviously grasping this opportunity with both hands.

In contrast to tonight’s other headliners, Sacred Heart trimmed any fat from their set, cutting the chatter and crowd participation delivering exactly what people want to hear, the music. Even lead guitarist Mark Stephenson’s solo was kept to the absolute minimum, much to the amusement of the rest of the band.

The seven opening songs lifted from 'Shake' gradually built up a head of steam, culminating in the storming "1000 Tears", before the promised “cheesy ballad” of "Maybe" slowed the tempo once more. The first non-'Shake' track "Lay It On The Line" is next up, a real crowd pleaser followed by two more 'Shakers’; "Paradise" and the wonderful "Tonight". Anthemic "Rock 'n' Roll Away" closes the main set to great applause.

Maybe, it’s because the band mentioned they wanted to catch Thunder, that the calls for an encore were the loudest witnessed over the weekend, though more likely the audience were simply showing appreciation for what was indeed a fine display by a band destined for great things. Either way, they were rewarded with a show-stopping rendition of Promise. Great stuff!

Review by Bill Leslie of Rock Of Ages
Supporting the recent release of their excellent "Shake" album, four piece melodic rock outfit SACRED HEART more than justified their headline status on the GET READY TO ROCK! stage.

Extremely well received by an appreciative audience they obviously stuck to the new disc for the majority of their set. "Lost", the title track "Shake" itself, "Perfect" and "Afraid" made for a fine opening salvo, firmly establishing the bands live credentials and proving them to be a bit grittier and harder edged in the flesh.

This in turn helped transform the albums more pop orientated moments, with power ballad "Maybe" faring especially well. Guitarist MARK STEPHENSON demonstrated his considerable abilities, the rhythm section sounded tight and powerful and in PAUL STEAD they possess a frontman with a fine voice and a personable, enthusiastic nature that ensured anyone witnessing the band live for the first time soon warmed to them.

The inclusion of a couple of non-album cuts in the shape of main set closer "Rock 'N' Roll Away" and surprising set highlight "Lay It On The Line" were welcome additions whilst calls for an encore, satisfied with "Promise", were definitely well deserved.

What next for this band? Hopefully a higher profile support slot somewhere that gets them in front of a much bigger audience as it appears they have the songs and the ability to carry it off.