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.
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