- Live Reviews
The CB2 cafe is a special place for gigs and really is the closest to the Glastonbury Green field’s tent experience you can get indoors. Scatted cushions all over the floor of the basement venue, tiny stage and fifty people and the place is packed. Good food / beer / wines and a very pleasant crowd, the evening is set.
Greg McDonald and Gemma Gaynor (She was battered and bruised from falling off her bike earlier in the week) put on a delightful set of folk tunes. A debut record from the pair is currently being recorded with the guy’s from Slow of Hands, in the West Country.
Next up was Ethan Ash. A jolly fellow with a great collection of songs. I guess you would say pretty much in the Ed Sheeran mode and from the look of his hand-outs a master of social networking. Boundless energy and free jelly babies for the audience, he was well received.
- Live Reviews
They know what love is .....
IN THE centre of the obtuse triangle that has pointy bits called Bob Dylan and Mr Mister and New Order – this is a Bermuda-sized triangle – there was an unimagined wasteland. It is now filled by the majestic and stomping beauty that is The War On Drugs.
If TWOD had employed Ladyhawke on a second keyboard,
TWOD are so enjoyable it's hard to be critical. Within the opening few minutes they go all Tom Petty meets Supertramp - the sound is wondrous. People smile, people melt. But at around 10.45pm it starts to cloy a little.
Guitars rule with TWOD - not in the bucket-load Band of Horses style - but theirs is a jaw-achingly pleasing loudness and intricacy. The bassy backbone is firmly 70s and 80s electro-sensibility, but there’s special warmth, perhaps like a Floridian open-top road trip with Britney Spears covering The Eagles’ greatest hits.
- Live Reviews
The Leisure Society / Dan Michaelson -
Saturday night music starts off with Dan Michelson and the Coastguards (well Coastguard, ‘Horse’ as he's known in the band). Dan is a very talented songwriter, who plays in the band Absentee (currently “on a long lunch”) and well as producing a number of solo albums. Sudden Fiction is the latest gem.
Dan has a deep sing voice and when I say deep, let’s just say he makes Leonard Cohen sound like a soprano. The songs all carry emotion and require concentration so you do find yourself getting drawn in quite quickly. A sizeable and very quiet crowd listened intently for an all too short 30 minutes set.
This Leisure Society date should have been here last October but, a prestigious support slot on the Laura Marling tour meant the rearrangement. A Christmas show at the Barbican with a 30 piece Orchestra meant that the band are brimming with confidence on this tour.
- Live Reviews
A bitter Monday evening ... a church filled with half tramp / half hipster figures ... an absence of women is notable. Apparently this was a rendition of Ravedeath 1972 but I would have no idea, as have often tried to 'like' Hecker's output, but so far not persuaded. But a gig in a church is hard to refuse.
Lights out, hush, street lights through stained glass ... a slowly building cloud of vibrato pipe organ via a multitude of effects pedals (I guess) resulting in a quite beautiful undulating fuzzed up noisy mass ... for my liking the extended peaks of deep bass driven drones could have been even louder, but that would be straying into pure noise ... but then who doesn't like pure noise ...
'Too many notes ... ' on occasion in my opinion, but the majority of the 45 minutes or so of rising, swelling, falling, wheezing, distorted, maltreated organ sounds, with a little decay / echo in places were quite a joy. Not so sure those fans expecting his more ambient efforts would have appreciated the sometimes almost industrial evening. Certainly, an event if not, a concert.
Martin
- Live Reviews
We weren’t at the venue in time for Gil Karpas, but the main act, Ana Silvera, was highly anticipated, after high praise for her from the ‘Late Junction’ on BBC Radio 3. The small and intimate show, at the Cambridge Junction 2, featured Nick Mulvey (ex Portico Quartet) as the co-headliner.
With a wonderful voice - clear, clean and crisp - perhaps as a result of her teenage years performing with the English National Opera, classical training seemed to be evident in Ana’s performance.
Ana played keyboards and an occasional guitar, and was accompanied by another vocalist and a cello player. She varied throughout her fifty-minute set, starting with nervousness, then at points being rather too ‘high art’, but also bringing really touching moments into some of the songs.
Certainly when harmonising with her compatriot on stage, the vocals had added depth. Imogen Heap and perhaps Rachel Sage (with less flamboyance) would be a loose starting point sound wise. Some songs I thought were perhaps more suited to a stage show rather than a gig, but Ana certainly has musical talent. Upcoming dates with the Estonian Television Girls’ Choir and Imogen Heap should provide a perfect setting.
In February 2011, Ana wrote and performed a seven-part song cycle with the Roundhouse Experimental Choir and we were treated to a song from that, as well as her new record which is on the horizon. The debut album, 'The Aviary' is released on 12th March and it will, on reflection, be interesting to hear the studio versions of these very ‘wordy’ songs.
- Live Reviews
A cold wet and dark Monday night, but a trip to the bright lights of (The Cambridge)
In the (previously mentioned) lovely intimate Junction 2 venue, the evening kicks off with the return to
All of Darren’s songs have ’sing at the top of your voices’ sing-a-long lyrics and his fun interaction with the crowd means the night gets off to a great start.
A short gap and then it's the turn of King Creosote and Jon Hopkins to delivered a serious, powerful and sublime complete run though the album ‘Diamond Mind’. No talking from the stage or audience, the song are delivered with much grace and patience.
Being such a small venue you can hear every change in pitch as Kenny sings, every piano note played by Jon. As each song fades gently away, the audience is still to the very, very last note, so that they can capture every moment. Really, it’s just a stunning 30 minutes.
Once Diamond Mine is completed, the reverent spell is happily broken and the fun begins. A “muck around” though some ‘greatest hits’ over the next 45 minutes is superb. Much humorous banter between songs with on the road stories and more. A cover of Simon & Garfunkel’s 'The Only Living Boy in New York' even appears during the set.
It’s like watching two separate concerts and the evening is rounded off with the affable threesome at the ‘Merch desk’ more than happy to chat with everyone.
Ahhh .. see .. Monday nights, can be special!
Pete
Please let us know your thoughts if you were there, via our Message Boards
- Live Reviews
One half of electro duo F*** Buttons, Benjamin John Power’s ‘job on the side’ is Blanck Mass. A reasonable sized crowd, ‘early doors’ in a freezing Academy, saw Mr Power deliver an ambient delight of layered sounds that were at times delicate and, at others, thunderously loud. The light show enhanced the set as the only other onstage activity was Benjamin crouched behind his lap top and effect pedals, swigging on his beer.
Having only seen Explosions In The Sky at festivals before, I was looking forward to experiencing the indoor power of the band. As they took the stage at 9.30pm the venue, now pretty much full, at last held some heat. The band said they were amazed that their music can fill this particular venue, and thanked everyone for coming. They graciously thanked Blanck Mass and Lanterns On The Lake. Done with the niceties, they reminded the audience, “We are Explosions In The Sky from,
Being up close you can feel the gentle moments and see the intricacies of the music (I even spotted a tambourine a couple of times) as well as feeling the barrage of sound that they unleash. Expanded to a five piece for the live show, we got a good selection from the entire band’s career and a very satisfying set. Ninety minutes is just not enough though, so perhaps next tour we could do without the support (even though they were both excellent tonight) and have a three hour set…if our ears can handle it.
Pete
Postcard From 1952 (Take Care, Take Care, Take Care)
Catastrophe and the Cure (All of a Sudden I Miss Everyone)
The Only Moment We Were Alone (The Earth is not a Cold Dead place )
Be Comfortable, Creature (Take Care, Take Care, Take Care)
Greet Death (Those Who tell the Truth)
Six Days at the Bottom of the Ocean (The Earth is not a cold dead place )
Let Me Back In (Take Care, Take Care, Take Care)
The Birth and Death of the Day (Reclaiming the Blade Soundtrack)
The Moon Is Down (Those Who Tell the Truth Shall Die, Those Who Tell the Truth Shall Live Forever
Please let us know your thoughts if you were there, via our Message Boards
- Live Reviews
BROOKLYN Mexican Summer Indie ‘REAL ESTATE’ @ 11:45pm with ‘The Babies’ @ 10:30pm - The shows are coming fast and furious and its time to check off another off the list!
On a cold and snowy night in Toronto, the Babies and Real Estate play Lee's Palace in Toronto, a sold out show that is pretty much a must see as Real Estate have yet to confirm their appearance at SXSW.
Babies are the side project of Cassie Ramone (of Vivian Girls) and Woods bassist Kevin Morby. They have this Melodies/Anti-Melodies style similar to Thurston and Kim of Sonic Youth. As a sweet melodies fan, this meant that for about 25% of their show, I would simply appreciate the musicianship. but for 75% of the show, the melodies and sonic/no wave sound really came through to draw me in.
These guys are a really solid band and a great way to warm up for Real Estate. A lot of Vivian Girls shirts in the crowd so that would explain why the crowd are so responsive to the band and they put on a great show.
Real Estate had toured fairly recently as openers for Kurt Vile but this was their show and there was very little they could do that was wrong with this crowd. Their polyester shirts and youthful smiles greet the sold out crowd with some beautiful guitar picking and some stunning melodies...these guys work really well together. For fans of their self titled debut, they were rewarded with a couple of songs from there but for most, they were waiting for songs from "Days”. Another top of the year album for me!
Lead guitarist/Singer Martin Courtney is a very talented lead and he does command attention though it’s very subtle! With a lo-fi style and a whispering voice. its easy to spend the whole show watching him but the whole band is fun to watch. They are true to the sound on their album and its clear the crowd have their favourite songs.
About mid way through the set they jump into a great version of "Its Real" which really sparks a response from the sold out crowd and there is no letting up with classic tracks like "Out of Tune" and "Municipality". It’s only now that singer Martin smiles and he can tell there will be very few leaving the show disappointed. If you like a show with lots of noise and in your face singing, this is not one for you but if you enjoy their sound on their releases, the live shows adds to that a new element that makes the trip out on this snowy cold night even more worthwhile.
Jim
- Live Reviews
Friday night seems to be the night for gigs so far in 2012. Last Friday, it was down to the local Portland Arms (Winter beer festival next weekend 28-30 Jan) for a short of indoor indietracks festival. Three bands started off with an ever improving Model Village, who, from being a bit too twee a year ago (could have been an off night), really sounded great on Friday, delivering some really nice songs in a Rock/Americana type of way.
Tiger Cats where the high light of the evening. This is a sparking band full of fab tunes, in a Vampire Weekend, Modest Mouse vibe. Lead singer Duncan (in bare feet) has a David Byrne type voice so the songs are sharp clean and hip swaying. Keep an eye on this lot.
Standard Fare are on the more the serious (tune wise) side, the songs were darker and the delivery more grungier from this 3 piece. The audience more stood and listened rather than, jigged around. The first gig for the band in a while and I think in a few places that showed. Certainly though, the potential is there, to be a really interesting band. A great show for a fiver!
Pete
- Live Reviews
First gig of the year brings us to what is becoming one of our most regular and favorite gig venues in London - The Lexington on Pentonville Road. With its well stocked bar (40 different types of bourbon, Camden Pale Ale on tap) and decent food you could happily spend all evening downstairs, however we were there for the music. So after a few rounds the seven of us (it had turned into a bit of a gathering) moved upstairs for the gig (which was an extremely reasonably priced £6 per ticket).
Woman's Hour were up first - a four piece with a female singer, two guitars and a bass - with no drummer they used a drum machine for their beats. Having heard nothing of the beforehand I have to say that they were pretty excellent - certainly one of the best supports I've seen for a while. Sounding quite a bit like The XX, but also with hints of The Cocteau Twins , they easily held our attention throughout their set - definitely a band you should check out.
For Trailer Trash Tracys this was an album launch gig, as their debut release 'Ester' came out on Monday. Another four piece also with a female vocalist, they did however, have a real drummer, who at times also used electronics.
The songs from the album came over really strongly live, especially 'Wish You Were Red' and 'Candy Girl', although the set did lose a bit of momentum as it went on. I thought they'd finished without playing one of my favorites, but they quickly returned to play what was apparently their first ever encore, a great version of 'Dies in 55'.
Overall a really good night out, and I'm sure you'll hear more about both of these bands as 2012 gets older.
Russell
- Live Reviews
My first gig of the year and, in one of my favourite intimate venues. The Junction 2 in Cambridge is a delightfully small, acoustically fine theatre and just ideal for tonight’s soundscape of a concert.
Fuzzy Lights actually hail from Cambridge itself but, should be a lot better known on the UK music scene. The band really grew into their set last night and. seem increasingly confident every time I see them. With a catalogue of fine songs that as the set progresses, just seep into the mind as you find yourself becoming more and more engrossed.
The band hope to record a new album this year in the meantime, their fine debut album Twin Feathers released in 2010 is still available as is more music on their Bandcamp site. The band’s website is here .
- Live Reviews
BSP are taking a break from their usual incessant touring schedule for the first half of 2012 but are hosting a monthly club night in Brighton under the title 'Krankenhaus', billed as 'Nocturnal music and arts for all sexes and ethnic profiles'.
A prompt 8.20 start saw BSP perform one of their increasingly renowned acoustic sets. In truth 'acoustic' isn't quite the correct description as the band were fully 'plugged in' but the six song set comprised a selection of laid back numbers. Delivering their songs in this style showcases this band in a different way and emphasises the craft in their song writing and musicianship, an aspect that is easily and frequently overlooked as commentary so often focuses on the anarchic nature of their live performances.
Y Niwi sadly had to cancel so local band Savages played a support set. This was their first ever gig as a band though it was clear these four girls were no newcomers to the stage. With classic guitar, bass, drums and vocal line-up the band played some rockin tunes and the fronting lady certainly could sing.
Next up was Jock Scott, rapidly becoming a fixture at BSP events. Jock's lyrical and 'tongue-in-cheek angst' poetry was tonight accompanied by three of the band on drum, guitar and keys providing an entertaining additional dimension for this humorous interlude.
The Haunt is not a big venue, so with little option than to wander to the well-stocked merch table, the crowd remained largely packed into the main auditorium so there was a real feeling of camaraderie and we certainly renewed acquaintance with a number of people we'd only hitherto met at BSP events. Everyone was certainly up for it.
Consequently the main BSP set was a thoroughly enjoyable canter through the Kranknhaus EP and the Do You Like Rock Music album, albeit not played in order. With the band reverting to their traditional full-on style any newcomers that happened to be there (not sure there were many) were witnessing the band in their pomp.
A note on the bar arrangements - Having supped tins of Stella on the way to the gig a tin of Orangeboom was not a great initial choice so we were forced to move on to highly- priced bottles of Calsberg Export. On the plus side the hour immediately after the band left the stage was Happy Hour so the vodka flowed, easing us into the club night phase that saw BSP guitarist Noble attempting manfully to organise a drunken crowd in a mass ping-pong game. Completed Rallys: 1/10, Noble's efforts: 10/10, Bizarre Fun: 10/10.
Each of the ensuing five nights (Feb to June) promise to comprise different sets. Having today just realised I have 94 BSP songs on my i-pod my mouth is watering already!
Si
Future dates and tickets here
