Swervedriver at Club AC30, Scala – Tuesday September 16, 2008

With a season long agenda of festivals, it was a welcome change to hear the swirling guitar drones and monumental drum rolls of the highly talented, utterly modest middle-aged, shoegazers that are, Swervedriver. Playing there toys with smiles on there faces - constantly flicking on one pedal and then flicking on another you could see these guys were doing what they have always done and what they have always believed in.

You couldn’t hear any words amongst the arsenal, but at the same time you didn’t care, these are the songs you get lost in, and you can make your own words. Hats off to Club AC30 and the Scala who pulled off an incredible sound and concreted my decision not to see My Bloody Valentine at Benicassim or the Roundhouse. Pulling off a sound that perfect is a real coup. The soundsystems at those other venues could not deal with the delicate textures of 6 strings being strummed frantically through a chain of effects.

Bring on the Shoegaze revolution!

Black Acid @ 93 Feet East, August 28, 2008

Formed in New York by Death in Vegas front man Richard Fearless with Oliver Ackerman from A Place to Bury Strangers Black Acid performed a rip roaring set amongst a minor celebrity crowd think Lily Allen and Miquita Oliver and various stragglers from the Mystery Jets.Supported by The Big Pink who where pretty dreary and just trying to pick up where Joy Division left off 20 years too late Black Acid proved to be a great bit of rock n roll sleaze on a muggy summers night.At their best on the more upbeat tracks when Fearless throws his all into wailing like a banshee Jagger style I was suitably impressed. Judging by the crowd it seems that proper rock n roll is back in fashion too. There were lots of bandanas, checked shirts and ripped skinny jeans in the crowd. Albeit in a kooky, too-cool-for-school Hoxton way but nevertheless I think we have a cock rock revolution on our hands. Bring on the Whitesnake.Highlights from the set included Glitter in the Gutter, Here She Comes and Fur- proper scuzzy, drugged out, garage rock…me likey.

Black Acid @ 93 Feet East August 28th 2008

I caught Black Acid last week at 93 Feet East. Formed in New York by Death in Vegas front man Richard Fearless with Oliver Ackerman from A Place to Bury Strangers performed a rip roaring set amongst a minor celebrity crowd think Lily Allen and Miquita Oliver and various stragglers from the Mystery Jets.

Supported by The Big Pink who where pretty dreary and just trying to pick up where Joy Division left off 20 years too late Black Acid proved to be a great bit of rock n roll sleaze on a muggy summers night.

At their best on the more upbeat tracks when Fearless throws his all into wailing like a banshee Jagger style I was suitably impressed. Judging by the crowd it seems that proper rock n roll is back in fashion too. There were lots of bandanas, checked shirts and ripped skinny jeans in the crowd. Albeit in a kooky, too-cool-for-school Hoxton way but nevertheless I think we have a cock rock revolution on our hands. Bring on the Whitesnake.

Highlights from the set included Glitter in the Gutter, Here She Comes and Fur- proper scuzzy, drugged out, garage rock…me likey.

Zeppelin to debut new material?

After the downright, terribly cheesey show from Mr Page in the Olympics closing ceremony with that talentless piece of poo poo Leona Lewis (I swear big ballad bollocks died when Ms Carey divorced big fat Tommy Mottola?) we now have some actual good Led Zepp news.

According to Jason Bonham, son of the late John Bonham - Zeppelin's Jimmy Page and John Paul Jones have been working on new material, Bonham told Detroit's WCSX radio station that he had been meeting with Page and Jones in England, filling in for his late father on drums.

In today's Guardian Bonham is quoted as saying"I've been over [to England] a couple of times, I've been working with Jimmy and John Paul and trying to do ... some new material and some writing. I don't know what it will be, but it will be something."

How exciting. Bonham played drums for Led Zepps O2 show earlier this year and although many fans hoped for a reunion tour, nothing has materialised, and band members have remained tight lipped about any upcoming plans.

Plant has been touring in support of a recent album with bluegrass singer Alison Krauss and interestingly Jason Bonham did not mention Plant's name during the interview.

Sadly before we get to hear any new material or indeed see our heroes "lots of politics [would need to] get ironed out".

Bonham has spent the past several years with Foreigner,but has said he will be leaving them on September 1.

Oooooo come on I absolutely HAVE to see Led Zepp before I die!!!

Radiohead @ Victoria Park June 25 2008

I was east side last night for the Radiohead gig at Vicky park. I got down there early as was well up for seeing Bat for Lashes who I was loving millions this time last year but who I still hadn't caught live. The sound was very good and Ms Khan sounded on form but then all the power cut after 3 songs. She then came back on after about 5 minutes and did I think 2 more songs...a little disappointing really:( But I have to say "Priscilla" did sound VERY good.

With no other support acts I think the ticket price was taking the mickey a bit. The standard price was £45 but touts were selling tickets outside 2 for £30!

If you compare that price top say a one day ticket at Reading or a day at some of the small festivals its not really very good value for money. All these things can really get on your nerves at a gig and set you up to not enjoy the main act so much.

However, Radiohead certainly lived up to their reputation as one of the best live bands. It's strange really as there is next to no communication between them and the audience in fact they seem incredibly distant. The hits are also few and far between and its bloody brave of them to do that. Thom Yorke sings and screams just like the "Creep" he claims to be. He is a haunting often quite frightening front man and when he sings “I get eaten by the worms and weird fishes,” on Weird Fishes/Arpeggi I genuinely felt a bit freaked out.

With the success of the latest offering "In Rainbows" it was pretty cool to hear a few of those tracks live for the first time. Most noticeable was the kickoff song "15 Step". With Yorke sounding extremely reminiscent of Mark E Smith. You know Tim Burton should call him up for one of his films!

The whole gig when put together definately did not get me going as anticipated but I think that's what radiohead strive for in a way. They are the only avant-garde stadium rock band and I suppose it means they can do what they damn well like!

60s Bopping at The New Cross Inn

It feels like ages since I wrote a live review! Jeez that PopJunkie TV malarkey is taking up way too much of my time (not really Ash and Sean). Last night I stayed south side and took a trip to the New Cross Inn for quite a cool little sixties night featuring Vinny Vinny, Organ Morgan and The Vinyl Stitches.

The Vinyl Stitches are a two boy, two girl sixties rock outfit kinda trying to emulate The Small Faces. The singer does a top impression of Steve Marriott. They were pretty good, raw but lacking a certain je ne sais quai. The drums need to be louder and a bit more reverb on the guitar. Plus they should get the girl with the tambourine to dance around a bit - she looks kinda lost sitting there tapping away.

Organ Morgan got me all excited as they had a real proper Hammond organ....mmmm little Vix loves that sound! Very Doors in style and a little bit psychedelic you know Haight-Astbury circa 1964. The problem is they didn't have Jim Morrison. They had a sound which would be cool with a really eccentric, flamboyant front man.

Last up were Vinny Vinny the pioneers of Nu Soul. I saw these lot in Ibiza last year after stumbling by there MySpace profile. They were ok but I seemed to remember digging them a lot more last year for some reason, they seemed a bit more passionate on that occasion - real foot stomping mania. They got all the ingredients for being a Vixter favourite but just fell short of the mark tonight. But don't let them put you off. The crowd were a little quiet and they do have some killer tunes esp: Doctor Says and Get Yourself On Me.

So this may sound like I didn't have all that good a time but I did. Very much so. The New Cross Inn is a proper friendly place with a wicked crowd. One tiny request...pls get some good cider on tap. Magners hurts my tum tum.

Sixty Second Silence at Bull and Gate

I am going here on FRIDAY...come and join me:)

Mani, Liquid Limousine and Dirty South

The lovely Liquid Limousine squirrelled me some tickets to their rebel rousing performance at Dirty South in Lewisham on Saturday night and it met with some mixed emotions.

The boys did good and even managed to pull off a tricky Beatles cover.Top tune of the night was "Shoot me Down" - I love that tune.

The mixed emotions come from a very below par venue which was pretty empty. First off charging £8 to get in! Admittedly I got in free but still if I'd paid boy would I have been annoyed. Next up two beers and one cider where off. Leaving you with the choice of Fosters and Budweiser. Note - Boy was not impressed.

Post bands - where I have to say Liquid Limousine stuck out like a sore thumb Mani arrives. In a flurry of sequin t shirt and dodgy looking sidekick he hit the decks. Playing I kid you not, not one tune post 1998. My god I thought he was just trying to be ironic but the joke just didn't stop. he played for probably an hour, with about 6 people on the dance floor at any one time. then flounced out.

Shame on you Dirty South! Brixton Jamm is an ace venue and I was thinking that being a sister venue you would have been not too bad.

Last off you are one of the few venues who also tries to rip bands off. I know someone who was approached recently to play at your venue and was told they needed to secure 50 people to play. there wasn't 50 people in there in total on Saturday night! I then found out that you made the bands who did play buy 30 tickets each up front. That is very naughty.

It's a big shame really as its not a bad venue in terms of size and probably has a lot of potential. Its also fairly local for me and I would love to have somewhere nearby I could go to.

Dirty South ain't it.

Due to popular demand...

Ok so there have been a few moans that I promoted The Exits signing party and then didn't review the gig.

This is mostly down to the fact that:

A) I don't want to look biased towards a certain band
and
B) It's hard to remember all the details as for those who where there may have noticed I was a little tipsy

Anyway it was fantastic night which over ran stupidly. Sixty Second Silence were mid sound check when we turned up at 8:30pm...we thought they were in the middle of their set and got quite excited but alas. Instead we had to endure the absolutely atrocious Sun. Somebody needs to tell those guys that it ain't1996 no more and impersonating Flea will definitely alienate any potential fans. As will posing and practising at the bar with your bass whilst the other bands are on.
Anyhow after maybe the 26th replay of The Exits upcoming single "Neon City" we got the rather lovely Sixty Second Silence for real. For the first time that night there was actually a crowd in front of the stage and a wicked atmosphere. Having seen these lot play a few times this was the best gig by far. They all looked so happy and up for it. The music flowed, people went crazy and a hip time was had by all. Someone needs to take a really good look at this cute little three piece before they are snapped up. Indie meets electro in a totally non-contrived way...just wicked little loops, rock n roll guitars and banging drums. A new song was added to the set, "Muse" which is following the same uptempo vein as "Insignificance", "Hinterland" and "Planet Utopia". Watch these guys I promise there is a lot more to come.

Honestly it really was this much fun....

Then onto the Kasabian loving The Exits. The frontman Ray Charlton is all northern swagger and Tom Meighan confidence. "Neon City" is a pretty decent tune and the set brought some other highlights including "3 Minute Warning" and "Fever". The main problem I guess was that you got the overwhelming feeling they didn't really want to be there. It must of been hard with it being their party and all and not really having much of a crowd etc but a good band has still got to be able to pull it out of the bag. They would have been happier having their signing party in Portsmouth methinks.

Bra stays on shocker! The Cult, Kentish Town Forum, 22/02/08

I went a bit early nineties on Friday by trudging up to the mighty Kentish Town Forum to catch probably one of my favourite groups of my youth, the very goth, very American, very hippy The Cult.

We waited ages for them to come on but when they did they didn't disappoint. Fire Woman, Rain, She Sell's Sanctuary and Edie (Ciao Baby) tore the house down. I was bopping up and down like a proper little rock chick and even decided to try and clamber up the outside of the staircase on the left hand side of the stage. Managed to keep my bra on which is good for me but did get shouted at by burly security man. Some people just don't know how to have fun.

One weird thing though. I have never, ever seen so many bald heads in one room at one time. I was very seriously the youngest person there so consequently had people old enough to be my Dad giving me the eye...wink* wink*. Sad really as I guess I'll be the same bopping away at an Arctic Monkey's gig with no teeth and a simmer frame. Still plenty of time till then hey?

LIQUID LIMOUSINE

Sometimes if people are extra special nice I'll write them up a lovely little review. This is often helped along by free tickets to gigs, alcohol and CDs. Obviously in the interests of being an ethical blogger this would never affect my opinion. So thanks Mr Clackett from Liquid Limousine who stashed me a couple of tickets to Liquid Limousine's most recent gig last Wednesday at the Camden Underworld plus their new E.P, "A London Minute" - here is your 'honest' review.

The guys stepped on stage and played the new E.P from start to finish. A good choice I thought as you often stand at gigs going, "Ooo I love that song, I wonder whats it called" blah blah. They kicked off with the chunky guitar of "Fire Up the City" and they aren't going to like this but the Oasis influences are obvious. That, however is not a bad thing. Oasis are a great band. There are other Brit Pop influences with the sounds of Ocean Colour Scene also not too far away.

They really come into their own on tracks like "Shoot me Down" which kicks off with a wicked drum and guitar intro. Rock n Roll at its best. They are all wicked musicians with Toby Parker's bass pulling everyone together.

Lead guitarist James Dwight sings on "One More Line" and it all goes strangely emo for a bit. I think best to stick to the guitar playing mate (which he is fucking great at). The next track on the E.P "Get Away" feels like a filler but the last two more than make up for it.

"Whatever makes Ya Feel Alive" sees singer Daniel screeching his heart out to maximum affect - I like. This is followed perfectly by "Tanks" a pounding track showing they aren't just a wannabe brit pop band.

It may not be 1992 but these boys are showing us the best from then can be combined with now to make a cool "new" Britainnia.

One to watch - Nada Surf

All jingly jangly guitars and swoonsome vocals the much lauded Nada Surf release their fantatsic new album, "Lucky" today. With 4 star reviews in Mojo, Uncut, Guardian, Independent, Metro and The Evening Standard they will be embarking on a three date tour this week having already sold out dates in London and Manchester.

Thursday 21 February – LONDON – Scala **(SOLD-OUT!)**

Friday 22 February – MANCHESTER – Academy **(SOLD-OUT!)**

Saturday 23 February – GLASGOW – Garage

Thursday 8 May – LONDON – KOKO **(NEW DATE)**

Tickets: £13.50

Guillemots anounce new album release and tour dates

The Guillemots’ second studio album, Red, is to be released by Polydor on March 24^th. with lead single, Get Over It, hitting the shelves a week earlier on March 17^th.

Apparently this album is extremely hot stuff.

The gang also have 3 live dates pencilled in across the UK. After seeing them at last year's Glastonbury I have to say they are a top, top live act.

March 9 - Ritz, Manchester
March 10 - Academy, Oxford
March 11 - Shepherds Bush Empire, London

Another Reading Result - The Bandini's

Victoria was lucky to catch yet another top Reading band this weekend at Islington's infamous Hope and Anchor.

To be frank The Bandini's pissed all over the other bands who performed - the last act seemed to have hired a rent-a-crowd to ensure a packed room but was blatantly made up of Dads, Mums and siblings. Although the drummer did have the sweetest face I have seen since watching the Hobbits in Lord of the Rings.

Anyway back to the job in hand - The Bandini's...Strokes sounding, guitary, rock around the clock groovsters with the coolest bass player I ever did see. Fronted by a strapping young man named Dave (you couldn't make it up) the best thing about this band is their enthusiasm - they spend the whole set grinning like chesire cats, singing along to all their own tunes even if not miked up. Its a beautiful thing being not too cool to enjoy.

In fact on Mobile Act Unsigned this weekend Alex James told favourites Mancini they had no groove - well thats because The Bandini's bloody well went and stole it all.

Double A-side Firm Young Things/Might as Well is available now from iTunes.

Ian Brown, Brixton Academy - Thursday 29th November *

Well its been a strange 7 days for gigs...last Friday Amy Winehouse gave an unexpected rebel rousing performance and the man I have been looking forward to seeing for about 6 months was a total let down.

He came storming onto the stage to "I wanna be adored" and I mistakenly thought I was in for a legendary performance but the problem is fairly simple. The man cannot sing live. I don't mean yeah he was just a bit of key, with the odd note, occasionally I mean the whole set was out...big time.

Despite being one of my favourite studio artists I just can't defend the performance. Ok he was full of energy, he engaged the crowd - he's a funny guy but honestly nothing can make up for this shambles of a set. Finishing on F.E.A.R I grabbed my dancing partner and left - I have never left a gig early in my whole 27 years and believe it is so so sad people had to witness such a shit gig from such an admired artist.

Its kinda like the moment you find out that Elvis died on the loo chronically obese - there is nothing left to say and no way you can defend it.

Amy Winehouse - Brixton Academy 23 rd November 2007 *****

So yes she did keep us waiting and yeah she was a bit pissed but forget all the hype in the papers as this was a truly magical performance. Backed by the tightest backing band including the coolest jazz drummer I have heard in a long time Mrs Winehouse proved all her critics wrong.

She now has an impressive set list but of course it was the big hits 'Rehab' and 'Back to Black' which got the most rapturous reception. She interspersed the set with ska and soul covers including an awesome cover of Sam Cooke's - Cupid, Draw Back Your Bow.

Yeah she was a bit delicate on her feet but you felt like you were witnessing something very special - seeing Etta James, Nina Simone or Bilie Holiday in their heyday must have felt the same.

In a world of plastic princesses a la Britney, leona Lewis et al this Camden Queen blows them out of the water.

Clap Your hands to the Silence

Saturday I was lucky enough to be invited to the first live night at the souped up Cavendish Arms in Stockwell. It's a wicked venue with a great crowd and some cool bands. The aim is to put on various nights to attract the crowds and judging by Saturday it looks set to be a prime location in my diary over the coming months. Think burlesque parlour cross smokey mens club - very chic.

I didn't get a chance to see all the bands but I did get to see this cute little three piece from London - Sixty Second Silence. Kind of an indie / electro fusion - you can hear the Cure and Smiths influences a mile off. Check out the track Insignificance - killer, killer sample.

Fronted by Christian Ruffy (seeing them live I am not quite sure how he manages to do so many things all at the same time) with bassist Shirley Errey and drummer James Walker they have a beautiful sound. Imagine walking across a frost covered forest floor at twilight - this would be your soundtrack. Live drums and guitar, haunting samples and beautful, heart wrenching vocals.

A little birdie tells me they are playing again this Saturday so get your heels on and head over to Stockwell.

Is it wrong to fancy Seasick Steve? Scala, last night *****

Swoon*** Seasick Steve...a very handsome man indeed.

Right now Iv'e got that out of the way lets get down to the nitty gritty. Last night's gig at the Scala was awesome. Seasick Steve transports you to the sweaty, dirty, filth of hobo Americana. The grooves are slick, stomp your feet barn dance hard and the voice is full of pain, love and wisdom. One minute your splitting your sides with laughter chanting "We know about you Sherman" and the next your heart melts as he recounts the story of his step daddy beating the hell out of him. This gig is not just a gig. That would be underselling it. Its an experience. The great hobo storyteller taking his audience on a train ride through beatnik USA. He has gotta be the closest thing we have left to the Beats and a real life fairytale story.

And any man who picks my bra up when I fling it on stage ( I was overcome with excitement...I couldn't help myself), sniffs it and then wears it round his neck is a legend.


Do not miss his next UK gig on January 24th at the Astoria. Get your tickets here. Its a shame it just took us so long to discover him. Long live Seasick Steve!

Kill Your Darlings - check out Ed Laurie

Kill Your Darlings is the new club night from Bella Union and Curious Generation. This week's kicked off with Ed Laurie, The Monroe Transfer and Peter von Poehl.

Ed Laurie is a genius. He has a voice like syrup on pancakes and strums the most delicate, heartfelt chords on his nylon stringed guitar. The back up from cello, double bass, keyboard and percussion adds an eerie, haunting feeling to the Latin tinged songs. It’s a Dylan in a Cubanesque landscape with a punchy baritone voice…lush.

Unfortunately the night went down hill from there. The Monroe Transfer are 6 people playing viola, violins, double bass, drums, guitars, glockenspiel, trombone, ukulele, samples, effects & distorted recordings, all played with a range of picks, bows, mallets, sticks, screwdrivers and electronics. The hype is that The Monroe Transfer are already drawing comparisons with the likes of Sigur Ros, Do Make Say Think and our Explosions in the Sky. They wish. It was nothing but overkill. The strings cancelled out the guitars the songs were wishy washy with no lead, nothing to grab hold of. If I was in this band I would have fallen asleep before I learnt the first chord. Sorry guys.

Last up was Peter von Poehl Bella Union’s newest signing and apparently one of the most intriguing artists to emerge this year. Now I must say sometimes you just don’t get an artist or band because you can’t stomach their voice. It’s a very personal thing and not that the singer is necessarily bad. Think about ACDC - great guitars but terrible voice. I have heard the same said about Led Zeppelin and Bob Dylan. File Von Poehl here. Now as I am open to other people’s opinions I am gonna link to his new video, “The Story of the Impossible” here.

Let me know what you think.

KILL YOUR DARLINGS will take place on a monthly basis at Soho Revue Bar and will feature an eclectic mixture of new signings as well as cool upcoming artists (both signed and unsigned).

Screw Fiddy and West - LED ZEPPELIN ARE ARE PLAYING A GIG!

So Led Zeppelin to reform? This quite possibly the greatest news since my flatmate fixed my kettle (I’m quite partial to a cup of tea). But my god why oh why does the website you have to register on keep crashing? It is sooooooooo annoying!

Fingers crossed they do a wee tour. Even though they are saying no there is one snippet on the NME site keeping me going…

Promoter Harvey Goldsmith said at the moment the band "have no plans to tour but hopes they will". He added they were enjoying working together again and were currently planning a two-hour set for the gig.

Get those fingers crossed.