Symphonic Pictures

Wednesday 10th August

I was really looking forward to this gig, as all of the artists playing I had seen before and enjoyed. First up was The Matadors, a four piece band from Newcastle. I first saw these guys supporting Detroit Social Club, at Plugged Inn earlier in the year. With an almost flamenco guitar-driven sound reminiscent of Last Shadow Puppets/Arctic Monkeys, I was reminded how much the singer sounded like Alex Turner, so much so that the second song in their set could have easily been an Arctic Monkeys tune. Although the crowd was small, the band semed to be well received. These guys don't have much between-song banter, they just dive from one song to another with a minimum of fuss. When they went into their 5th number, I was reminded of a cross between the Doors and Nick Cave, neither being a bad thing as I am a fan of both. They finished with a new one, 'Face Like Thunder' which was brilliant. Well worth checking out.

Next up was Sunderland singer/sonwriter, The Lake Poets, to whom I am no stranger. Martin opened with 'Rain' and then went on to play my favourite, 'Windowsill'. Next up was 'Friends' (about "friends who are
tossers"). Martin always likes to have a bit of banter between songs usually explaining the inspiration behind the lyrics. For the last few songs he was joined on stage by a bass player and  finished with 'City By the Sea', which has become his regular set closer and always gets the audience going as it is a really catchy number.

The next act on stage was duo Gallery Circus, who I had only seen for the first time a few weeks earlier, and was I excited about seeing them again as they had totally blown me away first time around. The duo are obviously influenced by Muse, who just happen to be one of my favourite bands. When listening to Gallery Circus, it is hard to believe that there are only two of these guys. I didn't know one drum kit and one guitar could create so much beautiful noise. Launching into 'Outlaw Killer', the frontman announced that the song was due out on video soon. This song reminded me of a Darkness hit (of which the name escapes me!). These lads have great stage presence, and are fantastic showmen. I've never seen anyone take command of  drums the way this drummer does, sitting at, standing up and running around his kit like a man posessed, whilst his twin brother attacks the guitar and belts out the vocals. The next song, 'Hands up for the Hipsters', was slightly different to the previous songs, with an underlying funky beat. You can check these guys out at gallerycircus.com, and I would strongly recommend that you give them a listen. Even better, catch them live.

It was now time for the headline act - Symphonic Pictures, and there was a really good crowd in the room. Two of the band are former members of the now defunct Detroit Social Club, but there is no detectable DSC influence. In fact, there sound is really psychedelic and very late era Beatles with guitarist Johnny and keyboard player Dale, sharing vocal duties. This was the third time that I had seen this band and, their number swells each time. Tonight being joined by a saxophinist, who also contributed vocals on the third song. For me, the saxophone really brought another dimension and some depth to the songs and worked well. Next they played 'Bootstrap Paradox', which has become my favourite, and could have come straight from a Beatles album. This trippy tune makes me feel like I'm on something! An imaginary, accompanying video featuring spinning psychedelic wheels goes through my mind whenever I hear it! This band is just so different from any other act around right now. Again, I can't recommend them enough.

It has to be said that, for me, this gig showcased some cracking north east talent, which seems to be flourishing and getting stronger all the time. And long may it continue.