The first act up was one that I wasn't unfamiliar with, Newcastle five-piece Tissue Culture. Catchy opener 'Bleak Northern Beaches' went down well with the intimate crowd and set the pace for a storming set. These guys play LOUD, almost at odds with the singers unique, understated vocal which hints, ever so slightly, at Interpol's Paul Banks. This was the first time I'd seen them play with the new drummer and the onstage chemistry worked as well as ever, with great onstage presence for such a young band. At one point, and rather unseemingly, their riffing even recalled Thin Lizzy, a big plus for me, and something I wouldn't have associated them with! Finishing with a song called 'Jack', it was fairly evident that they were a deserved hit with those gathered.
Next on stage was Liverpool's Thomas McConnell. Flanked by additional bassist, keyboard player and seemily phantom drummer. Straight away I liked the look, (early Beatlesque). Although very 60's influenced, they were nothing like Beady Eye or such contrived bands (which I just don't get). The singers banter between songs was very Lennon-esque and some of his mannerisms were classic McCartney. I liked his tunes - short, catchy with a real good upbeat feel to them. One of the tracks remined me of the Bob Dylan's 'Subterranean Homesick Blues'. Will be keeping an eye out for him playing again.
Headliners, The Matadors, a four piece from Newcastle took to the stage to the strains of Gene Wilder's Willy Wonka and opened with a brooding slow burner reminiscent of House of The Rising Sun. I'm no stranger to this band as I've seen them as support on several occassions, so it was good to see them take the headline slot for a change. There are influences of late 60's, early 70's in their music with almost flamenco-esque guitar bat times, but the band have a very contemporary sound. For me the drums are the foundations on which the rest of the band are built, but it makes their sound really strong. Imagine The Animals meets Arctic Monkeys. Really worth checking out.
Monday 20 August 2012
Tuesday 7 August 2012
Weekend Musical Extravaganza
Friday and, finished work, I was excited for the musical extravaganza of a weekend that lay ahead. First stop was Richmond Live, a small and friendly enough festival in a park on the river. Although I'd specifically travelled to see one of my favourite bands, headliners The Chapman Family I was pleased to catch fellow Tynesiders, Athletes in Paris' earlier set. The five piece (a kind of Little Comets meets Maximo Park meets Friendly Fires) moved energetically about the stage, the singers distinctive North East accent apparent in all songs. These guys are a great festival band and well worth catching live.
Although the clouds had looked threatening all evening, it was only when The Chapman Family took to the stage that the heavens opened. Black-clad singer Kingsley, who had dispensed with the ruffles in favour of a Pop Sex Ltd t-shirt had predicted (and possibly hoped for) as much. This was the first time that I'd seen the band play a big stage and, looking more than comfortable, it was obvious that this is where they belong. Tracks from new EP 'Cruel Britannia', firm favourites from album 'Burn Your Town' and the odd new tune were all delivered masterfully. As some of the young crowd surged forward a select few danced around in the rain, mostly oblivious to the band, but transfixed by a flying glowstick.
Sunday saw a trip to Stockton Weekender. Unable to go on both days, I was determined to get there early and took my place on (not at) the bar, as Goy Boy McIlroy were setting up on the smaller Vela stage. From the off, I knew they were going to be my kind of thing. The frontman-posessed jumped from the stage, scaled speakers and rolled the floor, all the while his amazing vocals unfaltering, bearing an uncanny sonic resemblance to one of my musical heroes, Jim Morrison of The Doors. I noticed quite a crowd that had gathered, some definitely firm followers. Throughout the day, favourites of mine, Hyde & Beast and Symphonic Pictures impressed as always. As did local lads Weird Shapes. Not so, though, The Milk and Ocean Colour Scene who left me rather cold on a hot summer's day. But headliner's James played to an enthusiastic and appreciative crowd, myself included and ended the weekend on a real high. I must thank Kingsley Chapman for recommending Goy Boy McIlroy to me, as they made the whole Stockton experience one I will not forget. But don't take my word for it, check them out live and thank me later!
Although the clouds had looked threatening all evening, it was only when The Chapman Family took to the stage that the heavens opened. Black-clad singer Kingsley, who had dispensed with the ruffles in favour of a Pop Sex Ltd t-shirt had predicted (and possibly hoped for) as much. This was the first time that I'd seen the band play a big stage and, looking more than comfortable, it was obvious that this is where they belong. Tracks from new EP 'Cruel Britannia', firm favourites from album 'Burn Your Town' and the odd new tune were all delivered masterfully. As some of the young crowd surged forward a select few danced around in the rain, mostly oblivious to the band, but transfixed by a flying glowstick.
Sunday saw a trip to Stockton Weekender. Unable to go on both days, I was determined to get there early and took my place on (not at) the bar, as Goy Boy McIlroy were setting up on the smaller Vela stage. From the off, I knew they were going to be my kind of thing. The frontman-posessed jumped from the stage, scaled speakers and rolled the floor, all the while his amazing vocals unfaltering, bearing an uncanny sonic resemblance to one of my musical heroes, Jim Morrison of The Doors. I noticed quite a crowd that had gathered, some definitely firm followers. Throughout the day, favourites of mine, Hyde & Beast and Symphonic Pictures impressed as always. As did local lads Weird Shapes. Not so, though, The Milk and Ocean Colour Scene who left me rather cold on a hot summer's day. But headliner's James played to an enthusiastic and appreciative crowd, myself included and ended the weekend on a real high. I must thank Kingsley Chapman for recommending Goy Boy McIlroy to me, as they made the whole Stockton experience one I will not forget. But don't take my word for it, check them out live and thank me later!
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