COLOURS Charity Gig

Saturday 14th May

Tonights gig was in aid of Children North East and I hoped there was going to be a good crowd, as there was some cracking talent going to be adorning the stage. Having arrived just as the first act was finishing, my first real taste of the evenings' musical menu was a four piece called Stacie James. The band opened with Ceelo Greens' recent hit 'F... You', swiftly followed by 'Hella Good', another cover, this time by No Doubt. The female singer had a really powerful voice, and I would have liked to hear something that they had written themselves. The last song, old standard 'Stand By Me' was performed well, but I have to say that I'm not really into covers bands, and perhaps the next time I see them they will have something a little more original.

Next on stage was a six piece band from Newcastle, 'The Greeting Committee'. Once they got started, I recalled that I'd seen these guys perform before. They have just signed their first record deal and hope to release an album in the next eight months. With their psycedelic, bluesy rock sound, they reminded me of early Oasis. Singer Jon is a great frontman, confident with lots of energy and Ian Brown posturing. I looked around the crowd and noticed their approval in the form of mass nodding and foot tapping. They appeared to be going down really well. The singer also had a good bit of banter going on inbetween songs, reminding people that it was a charity gig, and to dig their hands in their pockets. Their third and fourth tracks, I thought, were reminiscent of Detroit Social Club. No disrespect to the band, but I thought the sound quality was quite poor. By the next track I was reminded of not only Oasis but Cooper Temple Clause. They dedicated the next track to 'Charlotte' and slowed the pace right down. I would really recommend going to see this lot if you get the opportunity. Although I've never been a massive Oasis fan, I really enjoy watching and lisening to this band and can't wait to catch them again.

Next to grace the stage was a band from Leicester, 'All the Young'. this four piece band hit the stage running, with masses of energetic drum and guitar, which really is my kind of thing. The singer was, perhaps ill-advisedly, sporting a pair of very dark Ray Bans in the dimly lit venue and reminded me of a young Roy Orbison, although I doubt this was the look he'd had in mind! Their next song 'Here to Stay' was reminisent of the Doves. I was looking around and was very disappointed to see that there wasn't a particularly good turnout. These lads. who are signed to Warner Brothers, played their new single 'The First Time'. Again, just as the previous band, the singer reminded people that it was a charity gig. I would really like to catch All the Young again, and hope that I don't have to wait too long.

Next up were local heroes, the 'Lake Poets' (and friends). This was going to be a treat for me. As a regular follower, I was excited to see who was going to be 'assisting'. Martin, aka Lake Poets, opened  with 'Rain'. The next song, 'Friends', saw the arrival of more people, and at Martins request, the crowd moved forwards. On the next song, Martin was accompanied by local singer/song writer, Morris Ford on guitar. By the following two tracks, 'Edinburgh' and 'Leaving Do' (a Nev Clay cover), harmonica player, Steve Calder, had joined the boys on stage. There was even more musical collaborations to join the now growing throng of musicians, and I couldn't believe how much of a transformation it made to the usually solo artists' songs. They went on to play a catalogue of Lake Poet songs including 'Shipyards', a song dear to Martin as he wrote this for his grandfather who had passed away. For the last tune the headliners of the night, Chased By Wolves, also joined the entourage on stage as they performed 'City By the Sea'. By this point there was a great buzz around the room and people seemed to be really enjoying themselves. It was great to see the mutual respect and support among these musicians without trying to upstage one another.

Just before the last act of the night, (the aforementioned Chased By Wolves), organiser Chris Atkinson, or Aky as he is known, thanked everyone for their support, to a hail of cheering. Finally, the last band entered the stage. These guys have a really unique sound and don't resemble anyone that is around at the moment. When listening to them with their American Southern style vocals, it is hard to believe that you're not in a bar in Louisianna, sipping bourbon. They opened with 'Black Horse', which got the crowd dancing around and really enjoying themselves. For the next number, 'Be My Love', Steve Calder once again took the stage for harmonica duties. The unique haunting guitar sound on this track makes the hairs on the back of my neck stand up. The last song of the evening 'Lost at Sea', a rockabilly, country number had several couples in the audience really going for it, in a dancing sense. A triumphant end to a superb nights' entertainment...and all for a great cause.

I can't recommend the local North East music scene enough and I feel very priveliged to be able to attend and support such wonderful talent.

Hyde & Beast

Saturday 7th May.

Tonight was the night that everyone had been talking about, albeit in excited, hushed tones. A "secret" gig at Independent, Sunderland. The much-awaited live debut of Hyde & Beast. The duo from Sunderland comprising of Futurehead drummer, Dave Hyde, and ex-Golden Virgins drummer Neil Bassett. However, word on the street was that they would be joined by several other well known local  musicians for this eagerly anticipated event. Swollen to a six piece on the Little Room's small stage, and heralded by trumpet, they played a majestic set showcasing tracks from their forthcoming first album, 'Slow Down', due for release in July. I immediately fell in love with their retro 70's psychedelic sound. It was great to see local singer/songwriter (and former Bassett bandmate), Lucas Renney on guitar duties, rocking out like I'd never seen before. The third track reminded me very much of T.Rex's 'Hot Love'. During this song Lucas was really going for it, and I don't think I've ever seen him so animated! It was great fun to watch.

It was good to see Dave Hyde as a frontman, and despite the first night nerves, he looked remarkably comfortable up front. And a revelation to see Neil back behind the drumkit as opposed to his usual sound desk! It was hard to imagine that these guys hadn't been playing together for centuries. They were all so laid back and just appeared so right together. It was also strange to see Futureheads frontman, Barry Hyde on keyboards (and aforementioned trumpet!). The next song was really upbeat, and had a country/rockabilly feel to it, reminiscent of Johnny Cash. 'Go to Sleep' the next song, was a really quiet number and the vocals reminded me of George Harrison. Dave made a bit of a joke about it being their "first AND last gig", much to the select crowds' amusement. Although this gig was mostly for friends and family, the band went down a storm and I can't wait for the release of the album, and to catch their particular and unique brand of live magic again.

Viva City Album Review

After reading my online blog, I was asked by Trev Cairns of Viva City, if I would review their new album 'Phobia'. Of course I agreed, my first album review! Having seen these guys play live on several occasions, some of the songs on the album were already familiar to me, the final track, 'Hot Wax', being a firm favourite. If you like to listen to dancey, electro tunes with a bit of indie mixed in for good measure, then this album should definitely be in your collection. Viva City really know how to take 80's electro sounds and turn them on their head to make them current, and this is exactly what this album achieves. And if you're a Depeche Mode fan, watch out for track six, 'Western Front'. Anyone could be forgiven for thinking this was Dave Gahan and the Basildon boys at work. This is the first album from the Newcastle Glam Punk band, and it deserves to be played in every pub and club that prides itself in providing great dance music for its punters. When listening to this album, which includes a substantial number of tracks, it is hard to believe that it is the guys' debut album. From track one, right through to thirteen, the raw passion exuded is positivly electric. If this a taster of what's to come, I'm hungry!

Beats Happening # 45

Friday 6th May

The venue, Ashbrooke Cricket Club. This was the third time that I had attended a gig here, in the Ditchburn Suite. The first band to hit the stage was James and the Wolf, a four piece band. Energetic and heavy on guitar and drums. They played quite a short set of around 4 songs, to the good size crowd which had, by now, gathered. I would definitely recommend giving them a listen, and I'll be sure to catch them live again.

The second band of the night was Young Liar, an instrumental five piece hailed by NARC magazine as 'The Best Band in Newcastle'. By the end of the first track, the audience was really going mad. The second song had a really interesting, hypnotic beat that automatically induced mass head-nodding and foot-tapping. While listening to them I was reminded of  'My Bloody Valentine', yet 'It's Your IQ That's In Danger', had a hint of mid-era New Order. As I glanced around the room, it was hard to see anyone standing still. I felt the music these lads played was uniquelly different to any thing else around right now, but just what you want to boogie to. If you get the chance to see Young Liar live - take it! You really won't be disappointed.

It was gone 10 o'clock and time for the main attraction. After a 12 day tour of Europe, headliners Coal Train were back on home territory and wasn't I pleased. Opening with 'Wish List', it was great to see them rejuvenated and full of energy. Especially frontman, Richard Amundsen, who had been off his feet for a while after a sporting injury. Not that you would ever have known from the way he was bouncing all over the stage!  Their second track, last years' single release 'Building Dens' is one of my favourites and it was going down great with the rest of the room. By this point, the crowd had all moved forward and were very receptive. The next song 'Black Dog', was requested and Richard announced that although they played it on tour they hadn't played it in Sunderland for some time.

For the next track, John Beattie left the familiar comfort of his keyboard and picked up a guitar. This I thought amazing as I had never witnessed this before. This was an instrumental track called 'Karma of Fractures', quickly followed by another new number, both of which went down really well with the audience, as it would appear that everyone gathered were big Coal Train fans. Richard went on to dedicate the next track 'Eight Hours', to Lake Poets, Martin Longstaff and his girlfriend, Laura, for their help that evening. The final song of the evening was new single 'Carry You on My Shoulders'. This track, although starting slower paced, once again had the hardcore fans nodding along in time to the music. I have to say, although I am a massive fan of the band,  and have seen them live many times, this for me was their best gig yet. If you haven't listened to Coal Train, get on board! Check them out on Myspace, Soundcloud or Last FM, and be prepared to be blown away.

Rejuvenation - Goth/Electro All-Dayer

Sunday 1st May

I arrived at the Riverside in Newcastle at 4.00pm. I was expecting to see lots of young goths and was ready to stand out from the crowd. I paid my money, entered the venue and made my way to the bar. The glances I received from the bar staff, convinced me that my 70's style print dress was not in keeping with the other punters in the room. Basically, I stood out like a sore thumb! I had already missed the first band and as I glanced around the room I was reminded of the 'Titty Twister' vampire bar from the film 'Dusk Til Dawn'. From what I could see of the crowd, there wasn't anyone who looked under the age of 25. This immediately made me feel at ease, oddly enough. It was then time for the next band, THELASTCRY, to take to the stage. These guys, a three piece Gothic rock band from Brighton, were not what I was expecting. They had a similar kind of sound to Thirty Seconds to Mars, which I liked. Heavy sounds of synths and drums, without either of these instruments appearing on stage, strangely. The last song they played was the title track to their album and could have very much been a  Depeche Mode song, as vocalist, Birchs' voice sounded so like Dave Gahan's. Birch was also interesting to watch, clutching at his head in a dramatic, tormented way, reminiscent of the singer from Linkin Park. I really enjoyed this band and I was now looking forward to see what was in store from some of the other acts playing.

Next on stage was the reason I was here in the first place. My husbands' cousin from Essex, a member of the five piece goth band, 'The Scary Bitches'. They opened up with the title track from one of their albums, 'Lesbian Vampires From Outer Space'. By now there was quite a crowd and they were starting to move forwards. This track went down really well, and it was obvious that they were popular with the audience. This band have a really fun element going on and don't take themselves too seriously, although they are by no means a novelty band. The next song was the title track to their new album 'Island of the Damned'. Most of the women in this band are of a certain age, with the exception of the younger drummer, and have great names such as Alma Geddon, Deadri Ranslid and Bet the Lincher. All taken from Coronation Street characters! Although mostly dressed in black, the singer was sporting a Victorian style dress and a red top hat and military style jacket.  The next track, 'The Woman who Killed Jack the Ripper', started with the bassist quoting from a letter by the Ripper himself and told the tale of a potential victim turning out to be a vampire. You can guess the rest! By this time, the younger members of the crowd were dancing around and really enjoying themselves. They played one of their old favourites, 'Piss all over your Grave'. Written about the person who ran off with the singers lover ("we're best friends now!"). As I looked around I thought that some of the people there wouldn't  have looked out of place in a Tim Burton film. They finished with another favourite, 'You'll end up Looking Like the Scary Bitches', their theme tune. Very entertaining!

The next band on stage - 'Death Boy', a four piece industrial band from London, were definitely not like any of the other bands that had played so far. They were a heavy guitar based band and unfortunately didn't appear to hold the attention of the crowd, as many took this opportunity to go outside for a cigarette (some, quite literally, turning to ash in the sunlight I imagined!) The second track started off with a bit of an oriental style sound to it, and there was very few members of the crowd watching. There was nothing gothic or punk like about this band. In fact I just couldn't find anything interesting about them.

The final band that I was able to stay and watch was 'Luxury Stranger', a three piece alternative, post punk band from Nottingham. When they started to play, the crowds started to wander back into the venue. Looking at their appearance, they reminded me of the Cure, as the singer had the same sort of look as Robert Smith. However, when he started to sing it was clear that he wasn't inspired musically by them. The bass player had a look of local musician, Trev Cairns, from Newcastle based Viva City! By the time they played their second track, 'Paradise Untouched', it was obvious that their image did not reflect their music at all as they had a sort of punk/electro image but sounded more 'pub rock'. We were told that the next song 'Empty Man' is to be their next single and the vocals on this track reminded me of a heavy metal come rock style tune.

Out of the bands that I watched I most definitely would like to hear more of Scary Bitches and TheLastCry. Although two very different bands, they were both very entertaining in their own way.

Frankie & the Heartstrings

Friday 22nd April

Well Good Friday and what a way to start the hols. Frankie & the Heartstrings were playing the newly refurbished Independent. A trip down memory lane going back to their early days. The first band up were The Eyes, a five piece from Sunderland. They had a raw, fast paced 60's sound, and it was obvious that they were influenced by the likes of The Doors, The Who and, more recently, Last Shadow Puppets. However, their first track had a very Shadows-esque guitar sound. Another of their tracks was reminiscent of Oasis' 'The Importance of Being Idle'. Although it was early, there was already a good crowd and the atmosphere was really upbeat. I did enjoy the opening act but, if I had any critisism, it would be that there wasn't much of a connection between band and audience, and the songs weren't clearly introduced. Having said that, I think once the singer gets a little more confidence that issue will be sorted. I would like to go and watch this band again as their style of music really appealed to me.

The next support were The Neat, a four piece group from Hull. These guys are already signed to the Chewing Gum record label, which was started by two members of The Kaiser Chiefs (and their influence was noticable). They launched straight into their first song without any introduction. The singers' voice reminded me a little of John Lydon. These guys had lots of energy from the off. Their second song 'In Youth is Pleasure' is their new single.

The singer had a great stage presence. They went on to play 'New Kids', and 'Doodle', both tracks quirky and punky, then slowed down the pace with their next track, 'Good in Bed'. Finally, they introduced their last song 'Hits' ("available on Itunes" we were duly informed). These guys went down really well with the now noisy crowd.

Finally it was time for the main attraction, local heroes, Frankie & the Heartstrings. The place was heaving for this, the band's homecoming gig, and the audience was studded with Sunderland rock royalty, including the odd Futurehead and Brewis brother (Field Music). They opened with the ever popular 'Possibilities', much to the crowds delight. Their second track, new single, 'That Postcard', saw Frankie doing his now classic, familiar dance moves. The frontman proudly explained that this was their first sell-out gig in their home town. The third song 'Tender' had the crowd going wild and singing along, Frankie holding the microphone out over the gathered faithful. Although I have watched this band several times, it was great to see them on a bigger stage with plenty of room for the singer to move around. During 'I Want You Back', Frankie was totally seducing the crowd. The band played 'Obvious' and then announced the first of the two new tracks they'd be debuting tonight. Always one for a bit of banter, the frontman apologised for his new "bad" haircut, at which point tunesmith and guitarist Michael commented on how important this was to the band, much to everyone's amusement. The next two tracks, 'Photograph' and 'Ungrateful' had the crowd bouncing and clapping along.

Before the second of their new tracks, Frankie thanked Field Music and the Futureheads for being an inspiration. He then made a special dedication to Ben and Paul from Independent for their support over the years. 'Don't Look Surprised' saw him once again playing to the crowd. Standing on a monitor, supporting himself on the low ceiling beams, his shirt buttons having gradually become undone, he looked every inch the modern day swashbuckler! He is a great, natural frontman and every bit the showman. It was then time for a Sunderland sing-a-long, with the crowd "Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, ohhhing" throughout album title track 'Hunger' and by the final song of the night, 'Fragile', the crowd were going absolutely beserk. The band left the stage, all except drummer, Dave Harper, who decided to dive into the throng for a spot of triumphant crowd surfing. What an amazing finish to a fantastic gig, and I have to say my all time favourite one from Frankie & the Heartstrings.