Friday 25 March 2011

Beats Happening # 44

Saturday 18th March

Well this was the night that I had waited for. The venue was Ashbrooke Cricket Club and from the minute the doors opened, people flooded in, soon filling the Ditchburn Suite to capacity. There was an exceptional buzz about the place that I hadn't really felt at any other gig. The support for the night was "We Beat the System". A local band, whom I never tire of watching perform. They opened with their now familiar "Karma Culprits", which went down really well with the audience. Every time I listen to this band perform, I actually forget that they are all under 18 years old, as Daniel's voice has a maturity way beyond his years. They are influenced by bands like Delphic and Editors and have an anthemic synth sound. They finished with "Exit", where it has become a ritual for Singer Daniel to leave the stage, and allow the band to conclude. If you haven't seen this band, I would definitely recommend that you go and see them when they next play. In my opinion, this band surely, are destined for greatness.

Finally it was time for the main event. I was really excited about this as it was the first time that I had seen them perform. Suddenly the screen on the back wall came alive with a visual display of seagulls and pigeons(as well as city commuters), going about their daily business, flying, eating and pecking (the birds that is!). First on stage to take his place at the drums was Red Rooster. The rest of the roost, consisting of Blue Tit, Green Gannet, Yellow Belly and White Swan soon followed. They were accompanied by two guests, Silver Sparrow on sax and Black Crow on a second set of drums. The crowd where going mad. Feathers had been given out by White Swan and Yellow Belly, which were quickly finding their way into peoples hair. Several of the audience were wearing finger puppets, the colours emulating our musical feathered friends.

I was really enjoying this experience which, for me, was made even more memorable by the onscreen visuals. I found myself being drawn into it, feeling that I was the bird flying around, over pylons and between telephone wires. The music and images complimented each other so well. During the performance, White Swan and Silver Sparrow made frequent visits out into the crowd, which went down really well, with chants of "Get Ya Beak On", echoing around the room. Old favourites as well as new tracks such as "Diving for Mackerel" from their recent free download "The Red Edition" went down a storm.

I really had enjoyed the evening (it was obvious the band were in their element too) and I can't wait to see B>E>A>K, with their unique, uplifting instrumental sound, play again. If you missed them you can check them out at Middlesbrough Empire in April. You won't be disappointed.

Thursday 24 March 2011

Neville Staple

Friday 18th March

The venue was an old restaurant, currently being used to host gigs put on by Sunderland based promoters, Skinny Twins. As we went in we could already here music, which made us aware that the first band was already on stage. When we went downstairs I wasn't too surprised to see that there wasn't that many people in. The band playing were called "We are the Don" and are, as far as I am aware, a local band. I'm sad to say that the only thing that was memorable about them was that they had a female drummer. It wasn't that they were bad musicians or anything, there was just no atmosphere and they really failed to get the small crowd going.

Next to take the stage was a band from London called Krakatoa. As soon as this band started I just knew that I was going to enjoy them. There was now a slightly bigger crowd and people were cheering. As the band kicked off with their first song I was transported back my youth in the late 70's. This band really reminded me of the Undertones. There was something quite punky about them. This did however make me think that they were a bit of an unlikely support for Rude Boy Neville Staple. However, my theory was turned on its head by the time they started to play their third song as a familiar reggae beat started to burst its way through. I was really impressed with this band and one of their songs had a "heavily borrowed" basline from the Clashes "Guns of Brixton". This band had a more energetic vibe about them and really had the crowd going. If you like Ska Punk I would definitely recommend that you check these guys out on Myspace.

Finally, the moment had arrived. The original Rude Boy was taking the stage. I looked around and could not believe how small the crowd was. I had been at this venue a couple of months previous to see the Beat, and the place had been jumping. The crowd may have been small but the cheering and chants of "Rude Boy" did not depict that of a small crowd. Neville launched into a collection of ska standards and Specials favourites. Every song brought the participation of the crowd, each shouting out their favourite ska song. Neville and his band continued to keep the crowd entertained and although he's no spring chicken, his energy on stage could be felt, as it passed through the crowd. He took the time to have a bit banter with the crowd, which went down well, and returned to do two encores, much to the crowds delight.

I was lucky enough to get back stage and meet Neville, who signed my husbands copy, of his autobiography. He also stopped to take the time to chat to fans and was more than happy to have his photograph taken. Very much a showman I would more than recommend seeing Neville and his band play, even if you're not into that kind of music. It's the man himself and his persona that made the night memorable. I for one, am really looking forward to seeing them play Skinny Twins Festival at Rainton Meadows Arena, in June.

Monday 21 March 2011

Primal Scream Screamadelica

Wednesday 16th March

It was the gig that I had least been interested in seeing, as I am not a big Primal Scream fan. I had seen them when they had toured a couple of years ago, and frankly they just didn't do it for me. But as my husband is a big fan, I had decided to go with him. As we arrived to take our seats,(could only get seated tickets), the place was buzzing full of people, mostly men, all around a certain age. The lights dimmed and the first band, The Sexual Objects, came on stage. As they started belting out their tunes I found myself thinking how like a ramshackle, early T Rex they sounded. They played half a dozen songs or so and seemed to go down well enough with the audience. I will certainly be keeping my eyes open for any more gigs by this bunch as I really enjoyed their sound.

Finally it was time for the main attraction. The roadies left the stage and the crowd went wild. Bobby Gilespie came on stage dressed in a black suit and red shirt. On first impression I was reminded of the child catcher from Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. All he was missing was a large net and a black top hat.

As he came on stage he asked "Are you ready to testify? Are you ready to move on up?". At this the rest of the band, having taken their places launched into album opener "Moving on Up". I had been listening to the album all day and had decided that I actually did like this album, which has been quoted as "The record that changed rock'n'roll forever", because for the first time indie rock and dance music had "come together". The band were accompanied on stage by a huge screen displaying a spectrum of visual delight, including the now iconic cover art, that left me feeling that I had been on acid. During "Inner Flight" the visuals made me feel like i was floating around in a giant lava lamp!

They didn't play the album in order as they were keeping the hits like "Come Together" and "Loaded" until the end. During "Don't fight it, Feel it", there was a spectacular laser show, which only enhanced the already 'glad I came' feeling that I was now enjoying, and totally delighted the crowd, transporting them back to early 90's acid house clubland

The mainly instrumental tracks from the album were embellished by Bobby launching into old American standard "Who do you Love", during "Loaded" and incorporating the 'Farley mix' vocals into their rendition of "Come Together". As they went off stage the audience went wild. Upstairs in the seated area, everyone was on their feet cheering and applauding. The security just couldn't handle the crowd and finally gave up telling them to sit down. For their encore, Bobby explained that although it was "Screamadelica", thay had played the whole album, so asked if we wanted to "hear some rock n roll?" before launching into later hits, "Country Girl","Jailbird" and "Rocks". Although it's been nearly 20 years since "Screamadelica" was first released, it was obvious that this album is still as popular now as it was back then.

Tuesday 15 March 2011

Detroit Social Club

Saturday 12th March

Welcome to my new look blog, showcasing the results of my recent photo shoot with photographer Ian West, whom I would like to thank for making me look so good I nearly didn't recognise myself! You can check out Ians work at www.ianwestphoto.com

Well Saturday was finally here. I'd been looking forward to this for weeks. Two of my favourite North East bands on the same stage. It was going to be magical. The venue was Durham Live Lounge, an old cinema where I had previously seen Viva City. The lights went down and Sonner, the first band, came on stage, to the chants of the crowd. These guys describe their music as "rock and roll with heart and soul", and they're not wrong. They draw inspiration from bands like Manic Street Preachers and the Small Faces, which is recognisable in vocalist Micheal Corkhill's husky voice. They played some new tracks, "The Call" and "We Go Forth Tonight",standing out in particular. These tracks are both featured on the new EP, to be launched at the O2 Academy in Newcastle on 29th April. By the time they launched into their final track of the night,old favourite "Green Park"
the place was jumping. It was a real pleasure to see these guys on a bigger stage, where they looked more than at home.

Next on stage was North East based, Moonlight Valentino. This band, were for me, reminiscent of Nickleback, but without the vocals of Chad Kroeger. These guys didn't really continue to keep the crowd entertained and engaged and I found their American soft rock approach ok, but forgetable.

It was 9.20,and the roadies had set up and left the stage. As Detroit Social Club came on, the gathered faithful erupted, with chants of "DSC". From where I was standing, I was struggling to hear frontman, David Burn, over the cheers of the crowd. This was to be the first of two home gigs to be played on the last leg of their tour. They started their set with their first single, "Rivers and Rainbows" taken from their debut album, "Existence", which was well received.
As they belted out one track after another from the album, the audience were at fever pitch, trying to grab vocalist David as he moved around the stage, in his now familiar, trademark style. As they played "Northern Man", it was obvious that this tune was a favourite with the masses. All too quickly it was time for the final track of the night, a psychadelic,blues,rock number, "I Am Revolution", their forthcoming new single, which is accompanied by some amazing artwork,by my hubby. This track was as well received as anything that DSC have produced in the past and went down a storm. Although I love this track, as with every band, we all have our favourites, and as I'm no exception, mine is still "Black and White". Also check out their version of the Neil Young classic, "Heart of Gold", which I can't recommend enough. Their final homecoming gig is to be played at Plugged Inn, Sunderland on 8th April. So hurry up and if you're lucky there may be tickets left, but if there are, it won't be for long.
Although the evening was fantastic, I did feel that the venue didn't lend itself, on this occassion, to the acoustics. At times the vocals were muffled and unclear, and this was definitely not the fault of the vocalists. Whether this was due to the sound engineer or the building, the question remains unanswered.

Sunday 13 March 2011

The Naked and Famous

Monday 7th March

The Riverside in Newcastle was the venue, somewhere that i hadn't been before. The first band of the night were Newcastle based Viva City. These guys are a four piece electo indie band,and have been described as "glam Punk upstarts", very different and unique to any of the other local bands, and had soon captured the attention of the crowd. I have seen these guys on several occassions and they never fail to impress me. They played some new tracks,"Brother" and "Western Front" which for me were amazing. They finished with a track that had been mixed with Willow Smiths, "Whip My Hair". It went down a storm. Look out for their new album,"Phobia", due to be released this month.
Next on stage were London based Wolf Gang. I first saw these guys at a small intimate gig in Sunderland, and I was really looking forward to seeing them at a larger gig. They didn't disappoint and were well received. Wolf Gang is actually a guy called Max and I would definately recommend you check them out on Youtube, especially his rendition of Radioheads "Pyramid Song". I'm not a huge Radiohead fan, but my husband is and we both thought it was fantastic. Also look out for a track called "Lions in Cages". I guarentee you'll love it!
Finally it was time for the headline band, The Naked and Famous. As they came on stage the place erupted. This New Zealand band were clearly a big hit. I enjoyed their electro pop sound, but I wasn't madly excited by them. Perhaps if i listen to them a bit more they may grow on me, but it will be a long process.

Tuesday 8 March 2011

Old Friends Book Ends

Saturday March 4th
Old Friends Book Ends is a unique folkie, indie evening about once a month that is held at Independent in Sunderland. What it provides is the chance to listen to local and international musicians, in a small, friendly environment.
Saturday saw the 8th of these evenings and what a musical extravaganza it was. First of all the evening kicked off with North East based band, Chased by Wolves. This five piece band are absolutely amazing with more than a hint of bluesy rock. The vocals are shared between frontman guitarist Richard and female vocalist Elfy. The harmonising tones of their voices had me thinking i was sitting in a club in the deep south of the US. They went down a storm.

To follow was four piece band The Wooden Sky, from Ontario, Canada. I first saw these guys about 4 months ago at the same venue, where they just blew me away. I was excited to see if they lived up to my expectations and memories of their previous visit. And boy did they. I sat waiting with anticipation for them to play "Oh My God", a song that I have listened to so much and couldn't wait to hear live. They announced "this is our last song". At last my wait was over. They'd played it during sound check, so i knew this was it. It wasn't. I spoke to drummer Kip, who explained they didn't have time to play them all and had to lose a song. Never the less, they were still amazing, and were received with as much enthusiasm as they had when I first saw them.

The final act of the night was London based band, Dan Michaelson and the Coastguards, whose vocalist Dan used to be with band Absentee. I had heard one of their tracks,as it had been played on Radio 2's Radcliffe and Maconie show, but nothing had prepared me for how low and intoxicating his voice was. He reminded me of Leonard Cohen, or Tom Waits, slow and hesitant with a velvety undertone that draws the listener in to songs that are delivered, in an effortlessly, layed back fashion. Puting the finishing touches to an all together mind blowing evening.

I couldn't recommend any of these bands enough. If you see them playing anywhere, please take the time to check them out.

Wednesday 2 March 2011

Dutch Uncles

Sunday 27th February

What an end to a great month of musical talent, currently hitting the pubs and clubs in Sunderland. The venue isn't the best, but at short notice it was available. First to hit the stage was Vintage Revolution, a four piece band from Sunderland. These guys didn't appear to have one main vocalist, as they swapped around depending on the style of song.

Next on stage was We Beat the System.These five young guys were absolutely amazing. Lead Vocalist Daniel Mason has a phenomenal voice. He stood on stage and as the band started to play and he started to sing, there was an instant buzz. I have heard these guys before and i was worried that the venue would restrict the sound of Daniels voice. But i wasn't disappointed. These guys are definately the ones to watch. They draw you in like a magnet.

The third band to stand up was Young British Artist. Not my sort of thing really and a bit none descript. Then at 11.15 Dutch Uncles were on stage. There was a resounding cheer as they burst into song. As each song ended there was rapturous applause from the audience, who included Barry Hyde, from the Futureheads and Frankie and the Heartsrings frontman Frankie Francis, drummer Dave Harper and guitarist Michael McKnight. Dutch Uncles are always well received in Sunderland and if you haven't heard them check them out on you tube. And whatever you do you must keep your eyes peeled for We Beat the System, as these guys are going to be massive.