- Live Reviews
It's not easy to open the bill at an EofE gig, whose partisan fans are twitter legends, however The Fuse took advantage of a home town venue to provide a sizable following of their own, and it's not hard to see why.
Launching into the powerful ‘Oxygen’ this four piece quickly had the full attention of one and all. Alex Lato is a charismatic front man, at times a thoughtful and poetic rock Morrissey and others a chanting Dave Grohl, certainly entertaining.
The band are experienced, previously touring with Foreigner and UB40, and regulars at European festivals and shows. The thoughtful guitar prowess of Simon Bowker and the towering presence of 5 string bassist SJWRocks grind through a balanced and enticing 6 song set that built throughout impressing all present.
It was never a doubt that the set would climax with Black Lion, the title track from the new ep (see our review). The feeling at review time was that this would be a killer live track and so it proved, with the full band chanting and skinsman Ed Thorne beating the way forward, it was never going to be anything other than a power delivery of the tribulations of selling your soul.
The Fuse are a great night out in their own right, their tunes are brilliantly written, well produced and expertly delivered, the ep was a nice surprise earlier this year, the experience of them live is validation of the passion and belief they have in themselves. The final chord was far too soon and without a doubt the night will make my years best list.
If you can't get to see them live, check out the EP, you won't regret it, here’s looking forward to seeing this band’s next move in 2015.
11/11 Iain
@docswallow
Set list:
Oygen
Paint This Town
3 AM
Phantom
Airspace
Black Lion
- Live Reviews
EofE are becoming a very hot property, 2014 has seen them tour with McBusted and The Vamps. Their twitter account has around 24,000 followers as does Facebook. So it was nice to finally be able to meet the guys and see them do their stuff.
The Borderline is a perfect venue for EofE, their lets get in the face of our fans approach is genuine and something they all appear comfortable with, very few of the crowd were first timers and all keen to participate, from the meet and greet beforehand to the we'll sing our hearts out for you gig.
Lust started the set and new single Bridges closed it. From first to last it was an amazing balanced performance from 5 enthusiastic and very accomplished musicians. Front man Tom quickly had the crowd hooked with his amazing vocal range, and to be fair none of the band are makeweights the line up, now settled with Dan (Lead Strings) Luke (Bass) Reece (Rhythm Strings) and Nicky (Drums) all play well and contribute vocally.
The gig focused on new music rather than the old Contagion album (originally released as Audio Disease) all of which was enthusiastically received by their legion of followers. There was even time for a quirky, but brilliant version of smells like teen spirit sung with the Lyrics of MJ's Billie Jean (titled Jillie Bean) raising the crowd to a whole new level of excitement.
This is a band that has clearly learned a lot from the bigger tours they supported on this year, and have used it to build a loyal fan base. The next challenge I would say is to get an album out there to tour with.
They are an exciting band riding the crest of a McBusted/Vamps wave and the momentum could see them become hugely successful, the new single Bridges is a you tube smash and both prior singles Kiss me like you mean it and Lust have had some good radio time. All in all a great night, certainly an experience that leaves you grinning throughout. You may want to take your teenage daughter as an excuse to go, but it will definitely be worth it.
Iain
@docswallow
Set list:
Lust
Kiss Me/Sugar
Save The Night
Rollin'
Piece of You
Buck Rogers
Stars in Hollywood
Jillie Bean
Bridges
- Live Reviews
- Live Reviews
It seems that the majority of Aussies living in London descended on Hackney last night, to see their local singer-songwriter hero Josh Pyke on his solo UK tour at Oslo.
Support came from Pylo, a well drilled band with some pretty impressive facial hair, and alt-rock tunes to make you contemplate what you've done with your life thus far. A soulful approach to some heavy hitting tunes, they have a sound similar to a mashup between Dry The River and Vancouver Sleep Clinic. A band well worth checking out.
Josh Pyke was also on top form, playing songs from his entire back catalogue during his hour and twenty(ish) minute set. Armed with his guitar and more loops you can shake your fist at, this was an accomplished set, proving what a good songwriter he is. A songwriter that has a huge female following that is. Quite seriously, I haven't seen that many ladies, who filled the first two rows, look doughy eyed at someone for so long since the last time I wore a suit.
Personally I hadn't seen Josh since 2007, and it was good to see that he hasn't lost any of his charm and is continuing to play the old crowd pleasers. With a new album due to be released in 2015, it will be interesting to see what turn he takes next.
Joe
@thejoeeley
- Live Reviews
The evening started with Jocie Adams and her troupe Arc Iris. It seemed a pretty prog rock, Gentle Giant influenced set tonight. Just still trying to get my head around these songs that do still to me anyway, sound better recorded than keeping up with the live show, and just what is the cat suit all about? Still it all gave people something to talk about at half time.
8.30pm sharp and Jeff with son Spencer on drums and friends, Jim Elkington on guitars, Darin Gray on bass and Liam Cunningham on keyboards take to the stage and proceed to entertain, enthrall and enlighten us over the next two and a half hours.
The first hour was all about the album Jeff made with Spencer, ‘Sukierae’ (nickname of Jeff’s wife and Spencer’s Mum). I have really enjoyed the album and the live renditions did not disappoint. One new song (from the next album) and a cover of Diane Izzo’s ‘Love Like a Wire’ were also included.
Almost sixty minutes exactly and the band depart for Jeff to perform a solo set of classic Wilco, Uncle Tupelo and even Loose Fur songs. Just Jeff on a darken stage with acoustic guitar for another hour. Nice chat and an intimate performance.
The band return for the encore making this just a brilliant night. Dates on sale now for Dublin, Glasgow and Manchester at the end of January. Don’t miss out!
Tweedy Set List
01 - Nobody Dies Anymore
02 - Flowering
03 - Summer Noon
04 - World Away
05 - New Moon
06 - Honey Combed
07 - Desert Bell
08 - Why Why Why
09 - High As Hello
10 - Fake Fur Coat
11 - Diamond Light Pt. 1
12 - Wait For Love
13 - Love Like a Wire (Diane Izzo cover)
14 - Low Key
15 - I Am Trying to Break Your Heart
16 - One Wing
17 - New Madrid [Uncle Tupelo]
18 - Hummingbird
19 - You And I
20 - Passenger Side
21 - The Ruling Class [Loose Fur]
22 - Please Tell My Brother
23 - Born Alone
24 - Jesus, Etc.
25 - I'm the Man Who Loves You
26 - A Shot in the Arm
Encore:
27 - Please Don't Let Me Be So Understood
28 - Only The Lord Knows (Mavis Staples cover)
29 - You Are Not Alone
30 - Give Back The Key To My Heart (Doug Sahm cover)
31 - California Stars
- Live Reviews
Kongos are really a sight for sore ears, if you know what I mean; four brothers from South Africa based in Arizona. Johnny - keyboards and accordion, Jesse - drums, Dylan - bass guitar and Daniel lead guitar. As a band they nearly tore the roof off the cosy Hoxton Bar and kitchen last week.
The four guys are the sons of John Kongos (Tokoloshe Man gets a run out in the encore) Most songs on the night came from their current album 'Lunatic' and they really mixed up the sound, heavy rock jams with great guitar riffs., strong drumming and vocals. Shades of the Felice Brothers when Johnny’s accordion kicks in.
They played two Beatles numbers; 'Come Together' and 'Get Back', but as heavier rock versions which sounded great. Their song 'Its A Good Life' sounded pretty John Lennon influenced.
'Come With Me' Now is a great rock number which they played at the end of the set with everybody rocking along. The official video is definitely worth a look on the band’s website
Support for the gig was Hidden Charms with a great raw retro sound; they are well worth checking out!
Photos of Kongos and Hidden charms are HERE
Ken
Kongos Set List
Hey I Don’t Know
Sex On The Radio
Take Me Back
Kids These Days
Escape
I Don’t Mind
Freedom Jazz Dance
I’m Only Joking
This Time I Won’t Forget
Come Together
I Want To Know
Take It From Me
It’s A Good Life
Come With Me Know
_____
Tokoloshe Man
Get Back
- Live Reviews
Last on the bill at Surya's 5 band offering last Sunday saw Yorkshire’s loudest Road to Horizon take stage.
Setting the tone with the clever use of an intro/atmoshere track the band launched into their signature strutting metalcore power cords to open the set with the excellent Sirens. Vocalist Ben Flockton has the perfect voice to balance a surprising melodic hook before thundering into a full post-hardcore chorus scream. Wonderful to hear, and considering the close confines of the unseasonally warm Surya club, and delivered with a great deal of style.
This band are clearly well rehearsed, excellent musicians and loving being on the road. The tour set up to coincide with the release of their Faultlines ep mainly showcased it's tracks all, of which play superbly well live, Tonight is our Night being a particular favourite of mine from the set. That said, there were no fillers just a fabulous, all to short, set that delivered exactly what the audience wanted, power, power and more power, culminating in the title track Faultlines.
The band has no weak links, the drums of Sie Gordon and Oli Parkinson's bass keep the band on point and are a great compliment to the guitars of Benji Wilson and Chris McIntosh. Fans of StoneSour should check these guys out as a good home grown alternative. I'm a fan and highly recommend you find out for yourself if they pass your way.
9/10 Iain
@docswallow
Set list:
Intro
Sirens
Victimised
Keeping Hope Alive
Tonight is our Night
Faultlines
- Live Reviews
Unfortunately on the night in question lead Singer Mykl Barton had a stinker of a cold, speaking to him prior to the set it was touch and go if he could start. That said they took an earlier slot and on the bill and Enter the Lexicon blew everyone away. This Geordie 3 piece are the real deal, with a simple drum, guitar and bass set up they deliver their lyrical rock with style. Opening with New Addiction prior to the brilliant Do You Feel the Same? they have a great delivery and very appealing stage presence.
Mykl's vocal range is impressive and was ably supported by bassist Danny Pitson during the set. Surya is a warts and all basement club, with a less than sophisticated soundscape, but the quality of ETL's performance raised them above and beyond its limitations.
All their tracks are quickly picked up, sing with the band, nuggets. For all the melody and musicianship in the band ETL are no shrinking violets, they have range and confidence to crank it up and deliver a full blooded powerhouse performance that you normally expect from larger bands.
This Band are certainly greater than the sum of their parts, Ben Hardy in particular is one of the best drummers I have seen for quite a while. To sum up I would challenge anyone not to enjoy the experience of ETL live, I can only wonder how good it would have been with a germ free Mykl. If they come your way, get yourself there. Seeing them now will definitely give you the kudos of saying I saw them before they went massive, which with their LA label backing, they most certainly will.
10/10 Iain
@docswallow
Set list:
New Addiction
Do You Feel the Same?
Lo-Fi
Can't Fight Back
Stars
The Right God
- Live Reviews
Five piece Blackberry Smoke blew into Cambridge from Atlanta to be greeted with a packed out crowd at the Junction 1. Paul Jackson, Charlie Starr, Brandon Still, Brit Turner and Rich Turner have actually been tearing up the U.K. for the past week as part of a European tour on the back of this year's live album, 'Leave a Scar, Live: North Carolina'.
Formed in 2000 the band are three studio albums old. 'Bad Luck ain't No Crime (2004), Little Piece of Dixie (2009) and The Whippoorwill (2012) and their fan base is growing.
This was a rip-roaring rocking set (circa 1977). Nearest comparison and one which the band seem to encourage is their home town heroes Lynyrd Skynyrd (Workin' for MCA appears in the encore) and it really is time machine stuff if like me anyone experienced mark 1 Lynyrd Skynyrd in their prime.
By no means are Blackberry Smoke any sort of tribute band however, they have a growing rich catalogue of original songs in that 'Southern Rock style'. A cross selection of songs are played tonight from all three albums, those that lead singer Paul Jackson says are popular back home. Well they are certainly popular this side of the water as well now!
A couple of slower paced country style ballads sprinkled the set and 'The Whippoorwill' a ballad itself was pretty much sung word for word by the audience.
After the gig there were bootleg T-Shirt sellers outside which is always a sign of popularity, unless they thought it was Black Cherry Smoke playing at the venue!
Pete
Set-list
Like I Am
Leave a Scar
Pretty Little Lie
Scare the Devil
Six Ways to Sunday
Good One Comin' On
Crimson Moon
Sleepin' Dogs
Everybody Knows She's Mine
The Whippoorwill
Sanctified Woman
Up in Smoke
Ain't Got the Blues
Who Invented the Wheel
One Horse Town
Ain't Much Left of Me
Encore
Workin' for MCA
Shakin' Hands with the Holy Ghost
- Live Reviews
A Monday night following a gig on a Sunday needs some determination, particularly at the start of a working week but, the chance to catch these two bands in a small venue on our doorstep was too great an opportunity to pass up.
Alvvays from Toronto are a bright, sparky, fun indie band. One album released this year meant the 30 minute set was just fine, Lead singer Molly Rankin had a good between song patter and they just blasted though the album. Molly at one stage commenting how they usually play in beer soaked noisy venues. She got quite a culture shock at the Junction 2 then! A great band and a festival favourite to come.
Real Estate hail from New Jersey and are three albums into their career. An incredibly tight 5 piece outfit, their 90 minutes on stage was very rewarding on the ears. There is a Steely Dan proficiency to the songs and a West Coast smoothness to the overall sound.
All albums are covered as well as an EP released sometime in the past (which seems difficult to track down). The current tour follows some summer festival shows and the venue was pretty much full.
No lengthy conversation with the crowd (they did experience Nandos for the first time that evening apparently) meant that the music just flowed.
The tour continues and a show headlining at the Shepherds Bush Empire next week indicates just how far the band have come already.
A really great show!
Pete
Ones Who Love You
Next Of Kin
The Agency Group
Atop A Cake
Dives
Your Type
Party Police
Adult Diversion
Archie, Marry Me
Green River
Had To Hear
Municipality
Past Lives
Horizon
Green Aisles
Talking Backwards
Fake Blues
Beneath The Dunes
April's Song
The Bend
How Might I Live
Crime
Encore:
Basement
It's Real
All The Same
- Live Reviews
A week-long series of concerts to celebrate the tenth anniversary of the Full Time Hobby record label continued with a gala gig featuring The Leisure Society playing their entire 'Sleeper' (debut) album, The Smoke Fairies and Samantha Crain at the Queen Elizabeth Hall on the Southbank. This rather comfortable and intimate seated venue was in fact, just the place for a gig at the end of a sunny autumn day.
Samatha Crain was first on, solo with a acoustic guitar having just hopped off a plane. The new album must be due next year and the 30 minutes or so she was on stage, she crammed with songs old and new. A very talented singer-songwriter, whose reputation is growing.
Last time I saw the Smoke Fairies live must have been at the End of the Road festival around the release of their first LP; Katherine Blamire and Jessica Davies, two acoustic guitars and sweet smoky harmonies. Fast forward a few years and tonight it's a full on 5 piece band with the electric guitars plugged in and, the amps turned up to max. Add to that a powerhouse drummer, bass and keyboards and you can imagine the spectacular effect! Still the same great harmonies just with Uncle Jack's (White) influence's to 'crank it up' looming large perhaps.
To wind up the evening it's the best toe tapping, feel good band in Britain next up. The Leisure Society are here tonight with at one point a ten piece band (mainly 9) to play though their entire debut album 'Sleeper' which itself was celebrating its 5th anniversary.
I defy anyone to leave a Leisure Society gig without that feel good factor. Nick Hemming's songs are a delight, intelligent, interesting and err .. well, toe tappers! The band injects the life into the songs with a myriad of instrument's and harmonies and general good humour.
Throughout the gig the video backdrop showed various artwork from the band's career, including a previously unseen cover for 'The Sleeper' ably described by Christian Hardy. Post the album run through The band played a couple of new songs from their currently being recorded 4th LP, which showed the rich vein of song writing still continues, together with some non - Sleeper songs, including an energetic 'Dust on the Dancefloor' that saw the gig conclude in fine style just over three hours after it started.
Pete
Photos HERE
- Live Reviews
I've long since given up counting how many British Sea Power gigs I've been to. But one things for sure, I'm still a rank amateur. BSP have a cult following that contains in its ranks individuals who continue to take in countless shows the length and breadth of the UK, and abroad.
So whilst my BSP attendance-record is ok but not one to boast about, they remain by a long way the band I've seen most. So this begs the perennial question: what is that makes them such an attractive proposition? The answer is simply that this band has a real knack of keeping things fresh, if not by what they deliver but by the sheer interest in the venues they play.
Tonight's event, part of Bournemouth Arts Week was right up the BSP alley: a gig on the National Trust owned nature reserve Brownsea Island. So there we were, gathered in the heavy rain at a mostly deserted jetty between Bournemouth and Poole to catch the specially-chartered ferry (included in the ticket price). As we waited in the gathering dusk sheltering under an umbrella it definitely felt like an event that'd be good to talk about afterwards but not enjoyable at the time.
Things changed as we made ourselves onto the boat and broke out beers and started swapping BSP stories with the party-faithful. 15 minutes later saw us moored at the island with a short walk up the jetty, through the National Trust cafe for further refreshments. I suspect the cafe shifted more of their staple 'Brownsea Ale' than they had done in a while - in fact they had sold out by the time I got to the bar. Fortunately the 'BSP Shop' had extended their range tonight to include San Miguels.
The gig was in an adjoining marquee and with everyone safely ensconced BSP took to the stage at 7.00 pm after a support slot from a local brass band.
A slow start in the chilly evening but how did this set warm up. In all truth probably not a set for BSP first-timers but from my point of view it was as near perfect as I could experience. I have four favourite BSP numbers; The Lonely (first ever BSP song I ever heard, on an NME 2003 sampler, rarely played live); Blackout (from first album 'Decline'); True adventures (off 'Open Season'); Radio Goddard (off latest CD 'Machineries of Joy but usually overlooked live). Incredibly they included all four in the set.
Sprinkled around these were better known songs 'Waving Flags', 'Remember Me' plus a selection from their 'rarities' catalogue 'Moley And Me' and 'Bear' - definitely ones for the die-hard. The middle section of the set was accompanied by the brass band, giving fantastic colourful depths to the melodies, and making up for the absence of viola-player Abi who is recovering from an injury.
And so to the ferry traversing the waves back to the mainland truly, a wonderful Sea Power experience.
Si
