Review and Images by Alastair and Kirsty Middlemist
When you hear that a Mexican restaurant is doubling as a live music venue, it can spark curiosity and perhaps even a little scepticism. Yet Poco Loco, tucked away with its colourful décor and intimate setting, has been steadily gaining a reputation as a haven for live music enthusiasts. For us, it was a first visit, and we didn’t know quite what to expect beyond decent food and some loud guitars. But as soon as the amps fired up, it became clear that this small, bijou space is more than capable of hosting serious rock bands.
The atmosphere was electric even before the first note rang out. The crowd wasn’t the largest we’ve seen, but it was certainly one of the most enthusiastic, and the closeness of the venue created a sense of togetherness that you rarely get in larger halls. To borrow from Spinal Tap, both bands turned it up to eleven, and Poco Loco’s walls barely contained the sound.
Gianni Scalera and The Jury
The evening opened with Gianni Scalera and The Jury, a hard rock trio from Medway, Kent, formed in 2022. The line-up is lean but powerful: Harley on drums, Liam on bass and backing vocals, and Gianni himself on lead guitar and vocals. From the very first song, there was no gentle easing in; the band hit the stage with full force, launching straight into a wall of sound that demanded attention.
Their 40-minute set was a showcase of both energy and craftsmanship. The originals included Make Things Right, Pleasure, Fools Parade, Flip the Script, Easy Target, and their latest single No More. Each track carried its own identity, but all shared the same commitment to uncompromising hard rock energy.
The only cover of the evening, Led Zeppelin’s Immigrant Song, was a standout moment. It’s a track that many vocalists would shy away from, given Robert Plant’s near-mythical range, but Gianni rose to the challenge with astonishing ease. The infamous “aaah-ah-ah” section was nailed with precision and passion, drawing wide smiles and approving nods across the crowd. It was less imitation and more homage, and it worked beautifully.
What was striking about The Jury was not just their ability to play tightly as a unit, but also the individual contributions that elevated their sound. Liam’s bass lines were far from pedestrian – inventive, melodic, and at times almost playful, weaving in and out of the guitar with flair. Harley’s drumming was solid and commanding, driving the set forward without ever overcomplicating matters. Together, they created the perfect foundation for Gianni’s guitar work and vocals to soar.
Among the originals, No More stood out with its infectious, chant-like chorus that had the audience singing along almost instantly, even those who had never heard it before. Easy Target offered a more melodic side, while Flip the Script was pure defiance – an anthem that practically demanded headbanging and fist-pumping. It felt like a statement song, one that encapsulates the band’s “take no prisoners” attitude.
The physical limitations of the venue could easily have restricted their performance. The stage area is modest, to put it kindly, yet the band never once appeared confined. Liam in particular seemed to spend the entire gig in motion, roaming the stage with restless energy, while Gianni made repeated ventures into the audience and even towards the bar, guitar in hand, blurring the line between performer and crowd. It created a sense of spontaneity and excitement – exactly what a live gig should deliver.
It’s no exaggeration to say that this is a band destined for bigger things. Their sound, their energy, and their stage presence all demand a larger platform, whether that be Leos in Gravesend, Dover Booking Hall, or even festival slots. Having seen them more than once, we knew what to expect, but The Jury still exceeded expectations. As support acts go, they were exceptional, and it’s easy to imagine them headlining their own shows in the very near future.
Big River
After a short break – enough time for the audience to catch their breath, grab a drink, and prepare for round two – it was time for the headline act.
Big River is a four-piece blues-rock outfit also hailing from Medway, Kent. Formed in 2016, they have gone through several line-up changes over the years, with Damo on guitar the sole original member. The current line-up includes Becky on drums, Simon on bass, and Adam on vocals. It’s a configuration that works superbly, delivering a polished yet heartfelt take on blues-infused rock.
From the moment they launched into their opener Hometown Hustler, it was evident that Big River intended to take the audience on a journey through the many shades of the blues. The set leaned heavily on original material, showcasing the breadth of the band’s songwriting. Don’t Hold Out offered a lighter, more whimsical touch, while Devil’s Whiskey conjured imagery of the American South, smoky bars, and endless highways. Beautiful Trauma lived up to its name, with emotive lyrics and a hauntingly melodic delivery, while Dancing with the Devil was irresistibly infectious, coaxing movement out of even the most reluctant dancers.
To keep things balanced, a couple of covers were woven into the set. Their rendition of Stevie Wonder’s Higher Ground injected a funk-driven groove, while Free’s Fire and Water paid homage to one of rock’s most respected outfits. Both covers provided familiar touchpoints for those less acquainted with Big River’s own songs, allowing everyone in the room a chance to join in.
Musically, the band were on strong form. Damo’s guitar work was expressive, rich in tone, and always tasteful – never straying into self-indulgence but offering plenty of moments for admiration. Becky’s drumming was a revelation, precise and punchy, anchoring the set while also adding texture. Simon on bass provided the glue, locking in with Becky to create a rock-solid rhythm section.
At the centre of it all was Adam, a charismatic frontman whose stage presence was undeniable. His ability to engage with the audience – joking, storytelling, encouraging participation – elevated the performance from a simple gig to an experience. With his imposing stature and commanding energy, he exuded what could only be described as “Viking vibes”, a combination of power and approachability that made him impossible to ignore.
Like The Jury, Big River are a band whose performance cries out for a bigger stage. Adam’s theatrical energy alone deserves a venue with space to match it, and yet there was also something uniquely special about seeing them in such close quarters. It felt like a privilege – a chance to witness a seasoned band in a way that few audiences get to experience.
Final Thoughts
Both bands delivered outstanding performances, each bringing their own style and strengths to the night. Gianni Scalera and The Jury delivered raw, unapologetic hard rock with youthful energy and precision, while Big River offered a more mature, blues-tinged journey with storytelling and musical depth.
The turnout could have been better – the talent on display certainly deserved a larger audience – but those who were there were rewarded with an unforgettable evening. There was a sense of being part of something slightly underground, slightly secret, as though everyone in the room shared in a collective discovery.
In a time when live music is still rebuilding its footing, venues like Poco Loco play a vital role. They give emerging acts the platform to cut their teeth and established bands the chance to connect more closely with audiences. Both The Jury and Big River proved they belong on bigger stages, but their performances here also demonstrated the unique magic that only small, intimate gigs can offer.
For anyone with a passion for live music, both bands are well worth seeking out. They perform regularly across Kent, and their music can be found on Spotify – though as always, nothing compares to seeing them live. We wholeheartedly recommend catching either band when the opportunity arises.
A night of great company, and above all, great music – Poco Loco proved to be the perfect setting for a memorable gig.
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