Hello. I’ve been in a trance. These pages have become a distant dream.
I need a new mission. I have been waiting for inspiration to hit. This entry is really just “dot dot dot”. The sentence trails off. Then a new and exciting one begins.
It will come...
Wednesday, 27 April 2011
Tuesday, 1 February 2011
Gig Review: Searching for the Puritan Work Ethic
These New Puritans, Audio Brighton, 1st February 2010
On this day last year, These New Puritans played live at Audio
Audio is a small venue. It's tucked away in the basement of an almost seaside bar. It's not pretty. It's not clever. It's a space where bands can play. At Audio, there's a barrier to separate audience and stage. Its only purpose is to tempt. Any old fool can unlink the barrier. I like to unlink the barrier. I like to watch others take temptation's offer, to breakthrough and climb that low-mounted rostrum.
These New Puritans have had a good twelve months. Eight months after Audio, they played live at The Barbican Centre. Giant steps for thin artists. Their second album, Hidden, was awarded album of the year by NME. This is a band that exceeds its bandwidth. At the end of each month, their online home fills with the clutter of screaming advertisements. A small notice says this website is offline. Success can come in many forms.
How you simulate the sound of a human head being smashed? You glue cream crackers onto a melon. Then you hammer the shit out of it. Employing such techniques made Hidden what it is. At Audio, there was no melon. No one smashed a human head. The brass and woodwind ensemble was noticeably absent. Perhaps the children's choir wasn't allowed in.
In place of hired help came samples; wonderfully discordant samples. And the amazing boom of drums, bouncing off the walls and echoing onwards. Yet, this was no high rate night.
Jack Barnett's vocals lacked strength and gravitas. The man looked moody. These New Puritans offered little in the way of presence; stage, rostrum or otherwise. Meekly displayed in a dirty newsagent window, a scruffy filofax card says: "Urgently Required: odd instruments, orchestral musicians and the eager voice of youth." Something to draw the eye and everything to distract.
On 1st February 2010, I felt sorry for Jack. For once, the barrier at Audio looked limp and uninviting.
These New Puritans went on to claim the year as their own. They showed me.
Fabpants Recommends:
The Lovely Eggs have a fabulous new song and video. It makes me very happy. I'm seeing The Lovely Eggs this weekend. I bought tickets last December. This video has made me excited.
I also found out about an amazing Darren Hayman project. With some help from his friends, Darren Hayman wrote, recorded and released a song every day during January 2011. You can enjoy a multimedia diary of his journey at http://januarysongs.tumblr.com. Below are the videos for day ten and day twenty-six.
On this day last year, These New Puritans played live at Audio
Audio is a small venue. It's tucked away in the basement of an almost seaside bar. It's not pretty. It's not clever. It's a space where bands can play. At Audio, there's a barrier to separate audience and stage. Its only purpose is to tempt. Any old fool can unlink the barrier. I like to unlink the barrier. I like to watch others take temptation's offer, to breakthrough and climb that low-mounted rostrum.
These New Puritans have had a good twelve months. Eight months after Audio, they played live at The Barbican Centre. Giant steps for thin artists. Their second album, Hidden, was awarded album of the year by NME. This is a band that exceeds its bandwidth. At the end of each month, their online home fills with the clutter of screaming advertisements. A small notice says this website is offline. Success can come in many forms.
How you simulate the sound of a human head being smashed? You glue cream crackers onto a melon. Then you hammer the shit out of it. Employing such techniques made Hidden what it is. At Audio, there was no melon. No one smashed a human head. The brass and woodwind ensemble was noticeably absent. Perhaps the children's choir wasn't allowed in.
In place of hired help came samples; wonderfully discordant samples. And the amazing boom of drums, bouncing off the walls and echoing onwards. Yet, this was no high rate night.
Jack Barnett's vocals lacked strength and gravitas. The man looked moody. These New Puritans offered little in the way of presence; stage, rostrum or otherwise. Meekly displayed in a dirty newsagent window, a scruffy filofax card says: "Urgently Required: odd instruments, orchestral musicians and the eager voice of youth." Something to draw the eye and everything to distract.
On 1st February 2010, I felt sorry for Jack. For once, the barrier at Audio looked limp and uninviting.
These New Puritans went on to claim the year as their own. They showed me.
Fabpants Recommends:
The Lovely Eggs have a fabulous new song and video. It makes me very happy. I'm seeing The Lovely Eggs this weekend. I bought tickets last December. This video has made me excited.
I also found out about an amazing Darren Hayman project. With some help from his friends, Darren Hayman wrote, recorded and released a song every day during January 2011. You can enjoy a multimedia diary of his journey at http://januarysongs.tumblr.com. Below are the videos for day ten and day twenty-six.
Sunday, 16 January 2011
Gig Review: Thank You For The Music
HTRK, Freebutt Brighton, 20th January 2009
On December 9th 2002, Stereolab vocalist Mary Hansen died in a cycling accident in London. She was 36 years old. I had seen Stereolab playing at Reading Festival in 1999. I stood at the front, transfixed by the connection that Mary had with fellow vocalist Lætitia Sadier. They concentrated on each other with great intensity. The dual vocals were simply tremendous. The news of Mary's death stayed with me. My memory of that live show and the news of Mary's death are married in my mind. As a cyclist, the news hit me hard. It echoes with every near miss. I saw her so alive.
Cycling makes me vulnerable, but cycling is a wonderful. While I have never cycled across the majestic landscape of Moab, Utah (oh, I wish!), the film '127 Hours' presents and portrays what I fail to describe: the feeling of immense freedom that comes with riding on two wheels.
Living makes us vulnerable, but living is wonderful.
I return home, fresh from cinematic adventures. I turn on the PC. I read a message sent to me via Soulseek. Trish Keenan from Broadcast has died. She died from complications with pneumonia. She died on Friday, 14th January 2011.
I listened to Broadcast's latest album - in which they collaborate with The Focus Group - the day before Trish died. That day, I was thinking about how amazing Trish was at All Tomorrows Parties. Thank you, Matt Groening, the curator that provides. Broadcast in 2009 and Stereolab in 1999: live performances with a similar intensity. Some artists are astonishingly inventive; and surprisingly brilliant live.
I had plans for this entry a long time ago. What with being so behind with gig reviews, I entertained the idea of first anniversary recall. I'm 4 days off.
The HTRK gig that I saw on 20th January, 2009, has finally made print. This is it. It's not that HTRK weren't good. They really were. The lead singer, Jonnine Standish, was absolutely mesmerising. Playing in our local fleapit to about 12 people, she reminded me of Juliette Lewis in Natural Born Killers. The visual image is clear in my mind: ripped tights, short skirt, slack blazer and spelling-binding composure. No, Jonnine is not supermodel gorgeous. She transcends that with immense and intense presence. Her single drum took a slow, fierce and rhythmic bashing and I developed the rigid gawp of fascination. Our captor's warm brooding and seductive vocals set themselves against a dark, distorted, bass heavy soundscape. The set was choreographed to perfection. While it was Jonnine that made a visual mark, it was the band as whole that made it great.
Two months later I read that HTRK's bassist, Sean Stewart, had killed himself. Yeah, that's what's been sitting in my head every time I've thought about writing this review.
The band wrote: "Sean tragically ended his life in London, on Thursday 18th March 2010. We are utterly heartbroken. Sean's basslines and ideas set the scene for every HTRK song. He explored pleasure and pain with an intensity so rare. He was as charming as he was strange and beautiful. We truly loved him - he will be so dearly missed."
I want to thank Mary Hansen, Trish Keenan and Sean Stewart for sharing their live performances with me. I can honestly say that all three sets exemplify why gigs hold a place of significant importance in my life. I exalt in the immense emotional freedom that comes with a great gig.
Death is sad beyond words. Living is wonderful beyond measure.
Fabpants Recommends:
Download MP3: Broadcast & The Focus Group – The Be Colony (courtesy of swanfungus.com)
Download MP3: HTRK – HA! (courtesy of unpiano.com)
And to cheer you up, here's bleak combined with funny. This track really tickles me. It features comedian Alan Parker: The Urban Warrior (aka Simon Munnery)
Download MP3: The Orb and Alan Parker - Grey Clouds (courtesy of mike.teczno.com)
On December 9th 2002, Stereolab vocalist Mary Hansen died in a cycling accident in London. She was 36 years old. I had seen Stereolab playing at Reading Festival in 1999. I stood at the front, transfixed by the connection that Mary had with fellow vocalist Lætitia Sadier. They concentrated on each other with great intensity. The dual vocals were simply tremendous. The news of Mary's death stayed with me. My memory of that live show and the news of Mary's death are married in my mind. As a cyclist, the news hit me hard. It echoes with every near miss. I saw her so alive.
Cycling makes me vulnerable, but cycling is a wonderful. While I have never cycled across the majestic landscape of Moab, Utah (oh, I wish!), the film '127 Hours' presents and portrays what I fail to describe: the feeling of immense freedom that comes with riding on two wheels.
Living makes us vulnerable, but living is wonderful.
I return home, fresh from cinematic adventures. I turn on the PC. I read a message sent to me via Soulseek. Trish Keenan from Broadcast has died. She died from complications with pneumonia. She died on Friday, 14th January 2011.
I listened to Broadcast's latest album - in which they collaborate with The Focus Group - the day before Trish died. That day, I was thinking about how amazing Trish was at All Tomorrows Parties. Thank you, Matt Groening, the curator that provides. Broadcast in 2009 and Stereolab in 1999: live performances with a similar intensity. Some artists are astonishingly inventive; and surprisingly brilliant live.
I had plans for this entry a long time ago. What with being so behind with gig reviews, I entertained the idea of first anniversary recall. I'm 4 days off.
The HTRK gig that I saw on 20th January, 2009, has finally made print. This is it. It's not that HTRK weren't good. They really were. The lead singer, Jonnine Standish, was absolutely mesmerising. Playing in our local fleapit to about 12 people, she reminded me of Juliette Lewis in Natural Born Killers. The visual image is clear in my mind: ripped tights, short skirt, slack blazer and spelling-binding composure. No, Jonnine is not supermodel gorgeous. She transcends that with immense and intense presence. Her single drum took a slow, fierce and rhythmic bashing and I developed the rigid gawp of fascination. Our captor's warm brooding and seductive vocals set themselves against a dark, distorted, bass heavy soundscape. The set was choreographed to perfection. While it was Jonnine that made a visual mark, it was the band as whole that made it great.
Two months later I read that HTRK's bassist, Sean Stewart, had killed himself. Yeah, that's what's been sitting in my head every time I've thought about writing this review.
The band wrote: "Sean tragically ended his life in London, on Thursday 18th March 2010. We are utterly heartbroken. Sean's basslines and ideas set the scene for every HTRK song. He explored pleasure and pain with an intensity so rare. He was as charming as he was strange and beautiful. We truly loved him - he will be so dearly missed."
I want to thank Mary Hansen, Trish Keenan and Sean Stewart for sharing their live performances with me. I can honestly say that all three sets exemplify why gigs hold a place of significant importance in my life. I exalt in the immense emotional freedom that comes with a great gig.
Death is sad beyond words. Living is wonderful beyond measure.
Fabpants Recommends:
Download MP3: Broadcast & The Focus Group – The Be Colony (courtesy of swanfungus.com)
Download MP3: HTRK – HA! (courtesy of unpiano.com)
And to cheer you up, here's bleak combined with funny. This track really tickles me. It features comedian Alan Parker: The Urban Warrior (aka Simon Munnery)
Download MP3: The Orb and Alan Parker - Grey Clouds (courtesy of mike.teczno.com)
Thursday, 23 December 2010
Festival Review: Michael Eavis and His Magical Tea Party
Glastonbury Festival 2010
The modern world as we know it has gone. After a year of living in a bunker, deep below the sea, I emerge. I hear of a place near the Mendips; a refugee city. There, I am told, several clans have formed. They live in peace, side-by-side, in this post-apocalyptic planet. There are the magpie-machinists, creating new machines from the old. There are the enviro-futurists, seeking new solutions to the ever present energy deficit. There are tribes within tribes.
These clans have hubs within the city, and blend harmoniously into its ever dominant cohesive force: entertainment. I go there to join each clan briefly, in search of reconciliation with society and this place we call Earth. I seek solace and elation with the sound-scapers, the jibe-jokers, the stilt-walkers, the enviro-futurists and the magpie-machinists.
And that was the message I sent around work on Tuesday 22nd June...
Glastonbury Festival stitched together all the little holes in my soul. I had the most perfect time. I grinned and I grinned. On seeing my delight, the populous grinned back. It was magic. It was like Christmas.
Here are the notes I made at the time. Most of them were typed in July!
Rating system (from very best to very worst):
Fucking Awesome, Ear Candy, Thumbs Up, Not for Me Thanks, Hideously Awful
*** Thursday 24th June, 2010 ***
Tankus for Henge
Greenpeace Stage
Ear Candy
Tankus for Henge create pure festival music. This was the perfect way to kick off the musical adventures in cow land. How a band manages to sound like jolly summer fun, living in tents and eating soya sausage rolls I have no idea.
Seize the Day
Greenpeace Stage
Not for Me Thanks
Seize the Day have this thing they do at Glastonbury. They put circular stickers in toilets advertising their shows. I think they may have done this since before the Big Bang. Although I have frequented the festival for the last 19 years, I hadn’t seen the band before. I’m sorry to say that I don’t intend to see them again. They make earnest political folk with cereal box lyrics, aimed at people who are barely awake, with simple thought processes. They veered into a la de da da da, occasionally got jazzy, and are probably incredibly lovely people. Bastard Card MasterCard indeed. I left early.
Egyptian Hip Hop
The Queens Head
Not For Me Thanks
Perhaps this band has been thrust into the limelight too soon. They offered one firm track, and I could hear promise in two others. The ‘one’ firm track was instrumental. Perhaps the lack of vocals is telling. I suggest they use samples instead of vocals, or sort out the singing. Based on this performance, as ‘genre magpies’ Egyptian Hip Hop are a very poor man’s version of Super Furry Animals or Casio Kids. The genre fusion kings are streaks ahead of Egyptian Hip Hop, and fusion is far from new or uncommon.
Rosie Wild – Why I became a New Age Traveller
Speakers Forum
Thumbs Up
My own prejudgement of this act led me to believe that Rosie Wild was a New Age Traveller who was going to present documentary style coverage of her life and life choices. In reality, she is a researcher for The Children’s Society. They boast a fantastic project called New Travellers, Old Story. The online resources are far more informative than the talk was, but it was good to see the travellers role in making what Glastonbury Festival what it is recognised. Their input is what has made Glastonbury Festival so different and far more special than any other. Hats off to them! A million thanks from me.
Chapel Club
The Queens Head
Thumbs Up
Chapel Club offer polished brooding goth-pop, with silky deep vocals. The lead singer swapped rapidly from charming cheeky geezer to emotional crooner in a confusing manner. They often sounded formulaic instead of inspired.
The Cheek
The Queens Head
Ear Candy
I caught 3 songs from The Cheek before Local Natives came on. I was pleasantly surprised. The end of set cheeky indie dance tunes sounded pretty damn good.
Local Natives
The Queens Head
Ear Candy
This Americana style Indie Folk offered nectar for fans thirsty for live music. Much crowd jostling demonstrated one thing: this music is ‘IN’. It makes 17 year olds go wild. Respect to the new generation. Jostling to melodic folk is odd. It is also quite wonderful.
*** Friday 25th June, 2010 ***
Rolf Harris
The Pyramid Stage
Fucking Awesome
Rolf Harris is an absolute one-off, which is fucking brilliant and a damn shame. Why can’t we all be like Rolf? 80 years old and as cool as fuck. Yes, he does warrant all this swearing. He was fucking ace. We were grinning and singing and glee was all round. Two Little Boys indeed.
Debate: Climate Change
Leftfield
Not For Me Thanks
The debate was Personal Responsibility versus Government Responsibility. I admit I stayed for 20mins only. The earnest preaching to the earnest doesn’t float my boat. An inspiring, rallying speech is what’s needed: one that makes you think twice about your next holiday flight or inspires you to grow a forest, for real.
O.Children
East Dance
Ear Candy
If Interpol fall apart following the loss of Carlos D, O.Children are waiting in the wings. The deep rumble of depression was immensely uplifting.
The Greening of Glastonbury Festival
Speakers Forum
Thumbs Up
Emily Eavis was supposed to be speaking, but she couldn’t (too much K perhaps!). Nonetheless, it was interesting and good to see that alongside the corporate takeover of Glastonbury, the organisers invest considerable time, thought, organisation and money into ‘being green’.
Bombay Bicycle Club
John Peel Stage
Fucking Awesome
The tent was as hot as hell itself. Despite the inhumanity, we stayed because BBC were worth every trickle of sweat and every gasp for air. In the last year, their live show has blossomed. I loved the acoustic set last year, but I no longer demand ‘unplugged’. All the same, I am gutted that the acoustic performance heading for Brighton is sold out. I tried to buy a ticket...
Steve Mason
The Park
Fucking Awesome
Mr Beta Band himself played songs from his various personas, including himself, The Beta Band and King Biscuit Time. His new material is wonderful. Please do listen. Steve Mason was on absolute form. I’m sad that I missed the start whilst hiking up the hill, but very happy to have witnessed such greatness. According to the NME he played these gems: Lost And Found (Steve Mason), Am I Just A Man (Steve Mason), All Over You, The Letter, Boys Outside, All Come Down, C I Am, Dr Baker, I Walk The Earth. I am tempted to listen to them all in that order now and just might. Oh, he also tempted us to petrol bomb parliament in a call to arms!
Vampire Weekend
The Pyramid Stage
Thumbs Up
They offered summery fun, there is no doubt, but how does a relatively new band already sound so old? The sun was shining directly at our eyes. Maybe the sun was to blame. The blinded and dazed looked on without awe.
Fanfarlo
Queens Head
Ear Candy
Fanfarlo met us with an offering of dreamy wistful youth folk. Facial hair is in. I am sure of this now.
Hot Chip
The Other Stage
Fucking Awesome
This was a gritty bouncy set, which only veered off course once and amusingly so. What was going on with those guest vocals? Even the band took to giggling, which made it all okay.
Broken Bells
The Park
Thumbs Up
I only watched 2/3s of this set, as I needed to head down the hill to see The Flaming Lips. Mostly I felt unsure, but there were a couple of good little tunes.
The Flaming Lips
The Other Stage
Ear Candy
Wayne Coyne has gone toy mad and the toys are both ridiculous and awesome. Unfortunately, gadgets and playthings led to a stilted set, with clumsy breaks between songs. The set suitably dipped in and out of the various reincarnations that have shaped The Flaming Lips long career. While it was wonderful, the Flaming Lips Soft Bulletin set in the New Bands Tent – yes, before John Peel died – trumps the 2010 set hands down. Both events included a crowd lovingly singing and grinning along to ‘She Don't Use Jelly’. Ten year on... still tip top.
Arcadia All Stars
Arcadia
Fucking Awesome
Insect-like acrobats crawled around the Palace of Arcadia. Jets of Fire belched upwards. Bolts of electricity left the hands of humans and conjoined. The throb of the bass united the All Stars, the populous and me. Eyes wide with wonder were all about.
Mathilda
The London Underground
Fucking Awesome
Playing inside an imposing building with a London Underground train embedded into its front, art installation and music combined. Surprisingly like a small underground club, the fields were a thousand thoughts away. With an international vibe and lyricism, this was hard jungle. There was only one choice: dance.
Rufus Hound
Cabaret
Thumbs Up
Well, he started with dick jokes, and they weren’t funny. Apparently, all guys think about is ‘blow jobs’. This is their reason for doing anything ever: blow jobs. Okay, it’s meant to be funny, divide the sexes with man’s amusing secret. A simple premise indeed, but not for me Marcus Brigstocke walks on stage, hugs Rufus and as if by magic the material improves. Rufus has read from the Book of Bill (Hicks). He offers a watered down version, but when he drops the dick jokes, he becomes quite endearing.
*** Saturday 26th June, 2010 ***
Here We Go Magic
The Park Stage
Thumbs Up
I only caught the last three songs. They were pleasant.
The Ballad of Broken Britain with Special Guests
The Park Stage
Thumbs Up
While the three acts did not play music to suit my tastes, I loved the medieval touch. A female Morris Dancer in ‘The Belles of London’ wore a horse’s head. The collective end song was far lovelier than the sum of its parts.
Frankie and the Heartstrings
The Park Stage
Thumbs Up
50s garage indie. The lead singer had a quiff to match his swagger.
Hidden Orchestra
Arcadia
Ear Candy
I stumbled across Hidden Orchestra, stopped and allowed my jaw to drop. A dark and broody immensely cool sound came from Arcadia in the middle of the day. With 2 drum kits, samples, a bass, keyboards and violin, the sound was heavy but bouncy. The sun soaked revellers grew in numbers, drawn towards this sonic offering. Little by little, many feet found the beat. They took to moving to its rhythm.
Beach House
The Park Stage
Ear Candy
They boast some lovely tunes, but sound difficulties, intense heat and sleep deprivation, led to a comatose if happy mood in The Park.
Chiddybang
West Dance
Not For Me Thanks
The reason this isn’t rated Hideously Awful is due to a freestyle interlude that was reasonably impressive. Chiddybang offered absolutely awful samples overlaid with bland and constant rapping. The two seemed completely discordant. I only saw the full set because the show was running late. I didn’t intend to see it at all.
Giggs
West Dance
Thumbs Up
This is a man with talent. A memorable hook or two could take him the extra yard. Then again, memorable hooks could undermine his strength.
United Vibrations
Busking
Ear Candy
Busking at the intersection of Pyramid, Dance and Other, I admired their ingenuity and their masks. They sounded pretty good too.
The Cribs
The Other Stage
Fucking Awesome
Oh Johnny Marr and your low slung guitar! There were a couple of weak moments but who cares. The Cribs pulled it out of the bag and to be honest I doubted they would. Indie wins.
Billy Bragg
Leftfield
Fucking Awesome
Does what it says on the tin. Top form. We all had a great sing-a-long and wondered where to start marching. The BNP losing all their seats in Barking and Dagenham should have us all jumping up and down with delight and believing that people power can work. The Milkman indeed! We drank well on his offerings.
Jamie T
John Peel Stage
Fucking Awesome
I love Jamie T. A lot of people love Jamie T. He told us that playing Glastonbury had made him feel like doing a little poo. He was as great as great can be. Both times that I’ve seen Jamie T playing Glastonbury, I’ve been gobsmacked by how many people know every single word of his complex lyrics and can sing along accurately when they’re delivered at such pace. I have weeks of homework just to catch up!
Bluescreen Short Film Festival
Groovy Movie Picture House
Ear Candy
I particularly enjoyed Little Face, starring Adam Buxton and his imaginary friend.
Mr B The Gentleman Rhymer
Croissant Neuf
Ear Candy
I liked his version of the Prodigy’s Out of Space. He’s a posh comedy rapper and has an amusing show.
*** Sunday 27th June, 2010 ***
The Joy Formidable
Other Stage
Fucking Awesome
The Joy Formidable boast the coolest front woman on earth. She gets away with gleeful guitar shredding when she probably shouldn’t.
The Bees
West Holts
Ear Candy
The Bees are still going, providing proper middle-age, middle-class festival music fodder. The set was bouncy, summery and bright and just right for a lunch time pick me up.
Avi Buffalo
The Park
Fucking Awesome
AMAZING. Avi has made a beautiful album. He was a little shy and a little worried about the sound, but it was a lovely set. Even the guitar shredding - perhaps he saw The Joy Formidable earlier - was glorious. At half my age, this band is brill. I stood in awe.
Temper Trap
Other Stage
Not For Me Thanks
No, no, no! I had to walk away quite quickly. This review is based on 1.5 songs.
The Black Eagles
Circus
Fucking Awesome
The Black Eagles are acrobats from Tanzania. They have been on Blue Peter. They are pretty special and definitely have the “Wow factor”.
Routledge and Bailey
Circus
Ear Candy
Routledge and Bailey cuddle on a rope, moving gently from one position into another.
The Wall of Death
It’s Own Pit
Fucking Awesome
Please throw money into the pit. No one will insure the bikers that ride the wall of death. We climbed to the top and peered down. We quickly raised our heads as tyres raced up the wall and offered us a quick ‘n’ rough shave.
Robin Ince
Cabaret
Ear Candy
Robin Ince rants with the best of them. It was fun. It was also a lovely sit down.
Get Up Stand Up with Isy Suttie, Marcus Bridgstock and Tony Benn
Blazing Saddles
Ear Candy
The Weapons of Mass Destruction Awareness show offered an odd mix, but was pleasant enough. Marcus and Tony are always a delight to watch.
MGMT
Other Stage
Fucking Awesome
I may be swimming against the tide, but MGMT have grown from a band with a couple of amazing tracks to being an amazing band. There is a difference. The un-coordinated liggers disco was ace. Liggers like being onstage.
The Middle East
Queens Head
Ear Candy
Is this Aussie Americana? It sounds nice. I felt that the female vocals should be utilised more. More lead female vocals please.
No Fit State Circus
The Common
Not For Me Thanks
This act was running very late. This meant waiting in a cold and dark field while a terrible house band did my nut in. The acrobatics were good enough, but the show was slow and lacked coherence. I had to leave before it finished. Late start band clash syndrome kicked in and, well, it hadn’t lived up to expectations.
Dan le Sac Vs Scroobius Pip
Queens Head
Fucking Awesome
I found a mound and the perfect view. I have no doubt that this was the best headliner to end Glastonbury 2010 with. The crowd was bouncing. The crowd was singing. I could see and I was grinning. Again, I got to celebrate the BNP losing all their seats in Barking and Dagenham. Pip’s nod of honour to Billy Bragg’s positive rallying cry said it all. At Glastonbury Festival everyone’s in it together. And if you're feeling the hippy spirit by the end of Sunday, you're a cold hearted bastard!
I closed the festival with a dance in Shangri-La’s Body Shop. I think the DJ was called Fuckrad McGrinty. If he's not, he should be. It's an ace name. The sound was hard and dirty. Shangri-La is an amazing place. It’s like walking into a sci-fi film from the 70s / 80s. Technology has taken over, but the world has gone to shit. It’s a fantastic slum and a true piece of art. Dark humour abounds. Glastonbury Festival, we love you.
Have a humble crumble festive time and see you at Glasto next year!
Fabpants Recommends:
A celebration of the above.
Download MP3: Avi Buffalo - What's It In For (courtesy of thefmly.com)
Download MP3: Bombay Bicycle Club - Ivy & Gold (courtesy of devotionmagazine.se)
Download MP3: Steve Mason - All Come Down (courtesy of stereogum.com)
The modern world as we know it has gone. After a year of living in a bunker, deep below the sea, I emerge. I hear of a place near the Mendips; a refugee city. There, I am told, several clans have formed. They live in peace, side-by-side, in this post-apocalyptic planet. There are the magpie-machinists, creating new machines from the old. There are the enviro-futurists, seeking new solutions to the ever present energy deficit. There are tribes within tribes.
These clans have hubs within the city, and blend harmoniously into its ever dominant cohesive force: entertainment. I go there to join each clan briefly, in search of reconciliation with society and this place we call Earth. I seek solace and elation with the sound-scapers, the jibe-jokers, the stilt-walkers, the enviro-futurists and the magpie-machinists.
And that was the message I sent around work on Tuesday 22nd June...
Glastonbury Festival stitched together all the little holes in my soul. I had the most perfect time. I grinned and I grinned. On seeing my delight, the populous grinned back. It was magic. It was like Christmas.
Here are the notes I made at the time. Most of them were typed in July!
Rating system (from very best to very worst):
Fucking Awesome, Ear Candy, Thumbs Up, Not for Me Thanks, Hideously Awful
*** Thursday 24th June, 2010 ***
Tankus for Henge
Greenpeace Stage
Ear Candy
Tankus for Henge create pure festival music. This was the perfect way to kick off the musical adventures in cow land. How a band manages to sound like jolly summer fun, living in tents and eating soya sausage rolls I have no idea.
Seize the Day
Greenpeace Stage
Not for Me Thanks
Seize the Day have this thing they do at Glastonbury. They put circular stickers in toilets advertising their shows. I think they may have done this since before the Big Bang. Although I have frequented the festival for the last 19 years, I hadn’t seen the band before. I’m sorry to say that I don’t intend to see them again. They make earnest political folk with cereal box lyrics, aimed at people who are barely awake, with simple thought processes. They veered into a la de da da da, occasionally got jazzy, and are probably incredibly lovely people. Bastard Card MasterCard indeed. I left early.
Egyptian Hip Hop
The Queens Head
Not For Me Thanks
Perhaps this band has been thrust into the limelight too soon. They offered one firm track, and I could hear promise in two others. The ‘one’ firm track was instrumental. Perhaps the lack of vocals is telling. I suggest they use samples instead of vocals, or sort out the singing. Based on this performance, as ‘genre magpies’ Egyptian Hip Hop are a very poor man’s version of Super Furry Animals or Casio Kids. The genre fusion kings are streaks ahead of Egyptian Hip Hop, and fusion is far from new or uncommon.
Rosie Wild – Why I became a New Age Traveller
Speakers Forum
Thumbs Up
My own prejudgement of this act led me to believe that Rosie Wild was a New Age Traveller who was going to present documentary style coverage of her life and life choices. In reality, she is a researcher for The Children’s Society. They boast a fantastic project called New Travellers, Old Story. The online resources are far more informative than the talk was, but it was good to see the travellers role in making what Glastonbury Festival what it is recognised. Their input is what has made Glastonbury Festival so different and far more special than any other. Hats off to them! A million thanks from me.
Chapel Club
The Queens Head
Thumbs Up
Chapel Club offer polished brooding goth-pop, with silky deep vocals. The lead singer swapped rapidly from charming cheeky geezer to emotional crooner in a confusing manner. They often sounded formulaic instead of inspired.
The Cheek
The Queens Head
Ear Candy
I caught 3 songs from The Cheek before Local Natives came on. I was pleasantly surprised. The end of set cheeky indie dance tunes sounded pretty damn good.
Local Natives
The Queens Head
Ear Candy
This Americana style Indie Folk offered nectar for fans thirsty for live music. Much crowd jostling demonstrated one thing: this music is ‘IN’. It makes 17 year olds go wild. Respect to the new generation. Jostling to melodic folk is odd. It is also quite wonderful.
*** Friday 25th June, 2010 ***
Rolf Harris
The Pyramid Stage
Fucking Awesome
Rolf Harris is an absolute one-off, which is fucking brilliant and a damn shame. Why can’t we all be like Rolf? 80 years old and as cool as fuck. Yes, he does warrant all this swearing. He was fucking ace. We were grinning and singing and glee was all round. Two Little Boys indeed.
Debate: Climate Change
Leftfield
Not For Me Thanks
The debate was Personal Responsibility versus Government Responsibility. I admit I stayed for 20mins only. The earnest preaching to the earnest doesn’t float my boat. An inspiring, rallying speech is what’s needed: one that makes you think twice about your next holiday flight or inspires you to grow a forest, for real.
O.Children
East Dance
Ear Candy
If Interpol fall apart following the loss of Carlos D, O.Children are waiting in the wings. The deep rumble of depression was immensely uplifting.
The Greening of Glastonbury Festival
Speakers Forum
Thumbs Up
Emily Eavis was supposed to be speaking, but she couldn’t (too much K perhaps!). Nonetheless, it was interesting and good to see that alongside the corporate takeover of Glastonbury, the organisers invest considerable time, thought, organisation and money into ‘being green’.
Bombay Bicycle Club
John Peel Stage
Fucking Awesome
The tent was as hot as hell itself. Despite the inhumanity, we stayed because BBC were worth every trickle of sweat and every gasp for air. In the last year, their live show has blossomed. I loved the acoustic set last year, but I no longer demand ‘unplugged’. All the same, I am gutted that the acoustic performance heading for Brighton is sold out. I tried to buy a ticket...
Steve Mason
The Park
Fucking Awesome
Mr Beta Band himself played songs from his various personas, including himself, The Beta Band and King Biscuit Time. His new material is wonderful. Please do listen. Steve Mason was on absolute form. I’m sad that I missed the start whilst hiking up the hill, but very happy to have witnessed such greatness. According to the NME he played these gems: Lost And Found (Steve Mason), Am I Just A Man (Steve Mason), All Over You, The Letter, Boys Outside, All Come Down, C I Am, Dr Baker, I Walk The Earth. I am tempted to listen to them all in that order now and just might. Oh, he also tempted us to petrol bomb parliament in a call to arms!
Vampire Weekend
The Pyramid Stage
Thumbs Up
They offered summery fun, there is no doubt, but how does a relatively new band already sound so old? The sun was shining directly at our eyes. Maybe the sun was to blame. The blinded and dazed looked on without awe.
Fanfarlo
Queens Head
Ear Candy
Fanfarlo met us with an offering of dreamy wistful youth folk. Facial hair is in. I am sure of this now.
Hot Chip
The Other Stage
Fucking Awesome
This was a gritty bouncy set, which only veered off course once and amusingly so. What was going on with those guest vocals? Even the band took to giggling, which made it all okay.
Broken Bells
The Park
Thumbs Up
I only watched 2/3s of this set, as I needed to head down the hill to see The Flaming Lips. Mostly I felt unsure, but there were a couple of good little tunes.
The Flaming Lips
The Other Stage
Ear Candy
Wayne Coyne has gone toy mad and the toys are both ridiculous and awesome. Unfortunately, gadgets and playthings led to a stilted set, with clumsy breaks between songs. The set suitably dipped in and out of the various reincarnations that have shaped The Flaming Lips long career. While it was wonderful, the Flaming Lips Soft Bulletin set in the New Bands Tent – yes, before John Peel died – trumps the 2010 set hands down. Both events included a crowd lovingly singing and grinning along to ‘She Don't Use Jelly’. Ten year on... still tip top.
Arcadia All Stars
Arcadia
Fucking Awesome
Insect-like acrobats crawled around the Palace of Arcadia. Jets of Fire belched upwards. Bolts of electricity left the hands of humans and conjoined. The throb of the bass united the All Stars, the populous and me. Eyes wide with wonder were all about.
Mathilda
The London Underground
Fucking Awesome
Playing inside an imposing building with a London Underground train embedded into its front, art installation and music combined. Surprisingly like a small underground club, the fields were a thousand thoughts away. With an international vibe and lyricism, this was hard jungle. There was only one choice: dance.
Rufus Hound
Cabaret
Thumbs Up
Well, he started with dick jokes, and they weren’t funny. Apparently, all guys think about is ‘blow jobs’. This is their reason for doing anything ever: blow jobs. Okay, it’s meant to be funny, divide the sexes with man’s amusing secret. A simple premise indeed, but not for me Marcus Brigstocke walks on stage, hugs Rufus and as if by magic the material improves. Rufus has read from the Book of Bill (Hicks). He offers a watered down version, but when he drops the dick jokes, he becomes quite endearing.
*** Saturday 26th June, 2010 ***
Here We Go Magic
The Park Stage
Thumbs Up
I only caught the last three songs. They were pleasant.
The Ballad of Broken Britain with Special Guests
The Park Stage
Thumbs Up
While the three acts did not play music to suit my tastes, I loved the medieval touch. A female Morris Dancer in ‘The Belles of London’ wore a horse’s head. The collective end song was far lovelier than the sum of its parts.
Frankie and the Heartstrings
The Park Stage
Thumbs Up
50s garage indie. The lead singer had a quiff to match his swagger.
Hidden Orchestra
Arcadia
Ear Candy
I stumbled across Hidden Orchestra, stopped and allowed my jaw to drop. A dark and broody immensely cool sound came from Arcadia in the middle of the day. With 2 drum kits, samples, a bass, keyboards and violin, the sound was heavy but bouncy. The sun soaked revellers grew in numbers, drawn towards this sonic offering. Little by little, many feet found the beat. They took to moving to its rhythm.
Beach House
The Park Stage
Ear Candy
They boast some lovely tunes, but sound difficulties, intense heat and sleep deprivation, led to a comatose if happy mood in The Park.
Chiddybang
West Dance
Not For Me Thanks
The reason this isn’t rated Hideously Awful is due to a freestyle interlude that was reasonably impressive. Chiddybang offered absolutely awful samples overlaid with bland and constant rapping. The two seemed completely discordant. I only saw the full set because the show was running late. I didn’t intend to see it at all.
Giggs
West Dance
Thumbs Up
This is a man with talent. A memorable hook or two could take him the extra yard. Then again, memorable hooks could undermine his strength.
United Vibrations
Busking
Ear Candy
Busking at the intersection of Pyramid, Dance and Other, I admired their ingenuity and their masks. They sounded pretty good too.
The Cribs
The Other Stage
Fucking Awesome
Oh Johnny Marr and your low slung guitar! There were a couple of weak moments but who cares. The Cribs pulled it out of the bag and to be honest I doubted they would. Indie wins.
Billy Bragg
Leftfield
Fucking Awesome
Does what it says on the tin. Top form. We all had a great sing-a-long and wondered where to start marching. The BNP losing all their seats in Barking and Dagenham should have us all jumping up and down with delight and believing that people power can work. The Milkman indeed! We drank well on his offerings.
Jamie T
John Peel Stage
Fucking Awesome
I love Jamie T. A lot of people love Jamie T. He told us that playing Glastonbury had made him feel like doing a little poo. He was as great as great can be. Both times that I’ve seen Jamie T playing Glastonbury, I’ve been gobsmacked by how many people know every single word of his complex lyrics and can sing along accurately when they’re delivered at such pace. I have weeks of homework just to catch up!
Bluescreen Short Film Festival
Groovy Movie Picture House
Ear Candy
I particularly enjoyed Little Face, starring Adam Buxton and his imaginary friend.
Mr B The Gentleman Rhymer
Croissant Neuf
Ear Candy
I liked his version of the Prodigy’s Out of Space. He’s a posh comedy rapper and has an amusing show.
*** Sunday 27th June, 2010 ***
The Joy Formidable
Other Stage
Fucking Awesome
The Joy Formidable boast the coolest front woman on earth. She gets away with gleeful guitar shredding when she probably shouldn’t.
The Bees
West Holts
Ear Candy
The Bees are still going, providing proper middle-age, middle-class festival music fodder. The set was bouncy, summery and bright and just right for a lunch time pick me up.
Avi Buffalo
The Park
Fucking Awesome
AMAZING. Avi has made a beautiful album. He was a little shy and a little worried about the sound, but it was a lovely set. Even the guitar shredding - perhaps he saw The Joy Formidable earlier - was glorious. At half my age, this band is brill. I stood in awe.
Temper Trap
Other Stage
Not For Me Thanks
No, no, no! I had to walk away quite quickly. This review is based on 1.5 songs.
The Black Eagles
Circus
Fucking Awesome
The Black Eagles are acrobats from Tanzania. They have been on Blue Peter. They are pretty special and definitely have the “Wow factor”.
Routledge and Bailey
Circus
Ear Candy
Routledge and Bailey cuddle on a rope, moving gently from one position into another.
The Wall of Death
It’s Own Pit
Fucking Awesome
Please throw money into the pit. No one will insure the bikers that ride the wall of death. We climbed to the top and peered down. We quickly raised our heads as tyres raced up the wall and offered us a quick ‘n’ rough shave.
Robin Ince
Cabaret
Ear Candy
Robin Ince rants with the best of them. It was fun. It was also a lovely sit down.
Get Up Stand Up with Isy Suttie, Marcus Bridgstock and Tony Benn
Blazing Saddles
Ear Candy
The Weapons of Mass Destruction Awareness show offered an odd mix, but was pleasant enough. Marcus and Tony are always a delight to watch.
MGMT
Other Stage
Fucking Awesome
I may be swimming against the tide, but MGMT have grown from a band with a couple of amazing tracks to being an amazing band. There is a difference. The un-coordinated liggers disco was ace. Liggers like being onstage.
The Middle East
Queens Head
Ear Candy
Is this Aussie Americana? It sounds nice. I felt that the female vocals should be utilised more. More lead female vocals please.
No Fit State Circus
The Common
Not For Me Thanks
This act was running very late. This meant waiting in a cold and dark field while a terrible house band did my nut in. The acrobatics were good enough, but the show was slow and lacked coherence. I had to leave before it finished. Late start band clash syndrome kicked in and, well, it hadn’t lived up to expectations.
Dan le Sac Vs Scroobius Pip
Queens Head
Fucking Awesome
I found a mound and the perfect view. I have no doubt that this was the best headliner to end Glastonbury 2010 with. The crowd was bouncing. The crowd was singing. I could see and I was grinning. Again, I got to celebrate the BNP losing all their seats in Barking and Dagenham. Pip’s nod of honour to Billy Bragg’s positive rallying cry said it all. At Glastonbury Festival everyone’s in it together. And if you're feeling the hippy spirit by the end of Sunday, you're a cold hearted bastard!
I closed the festival with a dance in Shangri-La’s Body Shop. I think the DJ was called Fuckrad McGrinty. If he's not, he should be. It's an ace name. The sound was hard and dirty. Shangri-La is an amazing place. It’s like walking into a sci-fi film from the 70s / 80s. Technology has taken over, but the world has gone to shit. It’s a fantastic slum and a true piece of art. Dark humour abounds. Glastonbury Festival, we love you.
Have a humble crumble festive time and see you at Glasto next year!
Fabpants Recommends:
A celebration of the above.
Download MP3: Avi Buffalo - What's It In For (courtesy of thefmly.com)
Download MP3: Bombay Bicycle Club - Ivy & Gold (courtesy of devotionmagazine.se)
Download MP3: Steve Mason - All Come Down (courtesy of stereogum.com)
Tuesday, 7 December 2010
Gig Review: The Snowy Adventures of a Viking Moses
Golden Ghost featuring Viking Moses, The Marlborough Brighton, 13th February 2010
Due to snow, the Viking Moses gig was cancelled last Friday. Boo hoo.
All is not lost! We can re-live a sweet unforgotten night, ten months yonder, instead. That's when I last saw the wandering minstrel. Boy, can he bellow a belting tune.
Let's set the scene. It's February 2010, the land is white and the air has a nip to it. A Viking on tour brings a gargantuan freeze. Yep, snow fell in inches instead of sprinkles and the UK reacted in traditional form. Transport halted. Wellies were donned. Beings made out of snow crept up from the ground. A great national skive took hold. Snow creatures with wonky eyes and missing arms became our icy leaders. The masses moaned about disruption. Communities came together. The British enjoyed a long-winded grumble about spending a day or two off work and the risks of skidding on temporary ice. The pretence of hardship and suffering, combined with slightly unusual weather, provided high grade conversational fuel. It provided new, but not fancy, common ground for discussion, with no threat or promise of personal disclosure.
By the time of the gig, the snow had just melted. The 'snow beings' had sunk into the soil. The water table sat beneath us, enjoying the cold smiles of those that briefly and pleasantly governed. I was living in dry rot removal hell and any reprieve was welcome. While I had a place to rest my head, it wasn't resting easy. The place I called home was not a home. Fortunately, when an evil force - in this case, uncaring, mean and idiotic landlords - unnecessarily attacks a core element of life, the good in this world can still twinkle brightly.
Shhh! Promotions provided a night of twinkling and sparkling wonder. It was Shhh! Promotions first venture into the world as providers of musical entertainment. With monumental effort and a loss of £50, they hosted a night to remember. We sat in cosy rows in the upstairs of The Marlborough Theatre, Shhh! Promotions gushed forth with several small speeches and 3 bands provided us with a night of warm and welcoming songs, from the heart instead of hell.
While those that made up Golden Ghost were a delight, and Viking loves them dearly, we were there to worship the vocal output of a mock Norseman. We had one thing on our minds. The rest to us was lovely wrapping, holding together the precious gift within. An entourage is no doubt good for a man that wanders the world. Viking Moses draws an audience to those he holds dear and he does it every time. Laura Goetz (Golden Ghost) and Brendon Massei (Viking Moses) drift from venue to venue, from city to festival, side by side, happy propping each other up, with barely a penny to get by.
With Viking Moses taking his place at the drums, the Golden Ghost feature show was ready to go. Laura Goetz took centre place, casually dressed in blue jeans and a yellow vest. She looked so naturally pretty, it hurt. She had the same shy and sweet friend along as at End of the Road (2007). Despite having seen her perform twice, I can find no record of 'the girl that sweetly hums backing sounds' anywhere online. Her voice and presentation sits in perfect contrast to Brendan's. It sits softly against Laura's.
The set was as about as informal as those who performed it. Laura Goetz wove gentle tales to the sound of her acoustic guitar and Sweetly Humming Girl sweetly hummed. Viking Moses added a rumbling drone and then, from out of nowhere, his voice exploded. Who needs a microphone? Not Brendon. His perfect harmonies, in deep baritone, vibrated throughout the room and echoed on for eternity. He owns a tremendous warble.
At the show’s end, Brendon Massei complimented the promoter, "If this is your first night, how you gonna beat it?" We left the venue with a warm glow to fill our hearts. Cold and evil were kept at bay.
Fabpants Recommends:
Active Child finally has a video to support the leading track of the wonderful Curtis Lane EP. It's one of those EPs that you can listen to like an album, playing it over and over again. I've been treating myself to its beauty in lovely little interludes over the past few months. The website tells me that NME have declared that 'She Was A Vision' is one of the Best Tracks of 2010. I have no reason to argue! See what you think.
Download MP3: Active Child - She Was A Vision (courtesy of stereogum.com)
Due to snow, the Viking Moses gig was cancelled last Friday. Boo hoo.
All is not lost! We can re-live a sweet unforgotten night, ten months yonder, instead. That's when I last saw the wandering minstrel. Boy, can he bellow a belting tune.
Let's set the scene. It's February 2010, the land is white and the air has a nip to it. A Viking on tour brings a gargantuan freeze. Yep, snow fell in inches instead of sprinkles and the UK reacted in traditional form. Transport halted. Wellies were donned. Beings made out of snow crept up from the ground. A great national skive took hold. Snow creatures with wonky eyes and missing arms became our icy leaders. The masses moaned about disruption. Communities came together. The British enjoyed a long-winded grumble about spending a day or two off work and the risks of skidding on temporary ice. The pretence of hardship and suffering, combined with slightly unusual weather, provided high grade conversational fuel. It provided new, but not fancy, common ground for discussion, with no threat or promise of personal disclosure.
By the time of the gig, the snow had just melted. The 'snow beings' had sunk into the soil. The water table sat beneath us, enjoying the cold smiles of those that briefly and pleasantly governed. I was living in dry rot removal hell and any reprieve was welcome. While I had a place to rest my head, it wasn't resting easy. The place I called home was not a home. Fortunately, when an evil force - in this case, uncaring, mean and idiotic landlords - unnecessarily attacks a core element of life, the good in this world can still twinkle brightly.
Shhh! Promotions provided a night of twinkling and sparkling wonder. It was Shhh! Promotions first venture into the world as providers of musical entertainment. With monumental effort and a loss of £50, they hosted a night to remember. We sat in cosy rows in the upstairs of The Marlborough Theatre, Shhh! Promotions gushed forth with several small speeches and 3 bands provided us with a night of warm and welcoming songs, from the heart instead of hell.
While those that made up Golden Ghost were a delight, and Viking loves them dearly, we were there to worship the vocal output of a mock Norseman. We had one thing on our minds. The rest to us was lovely wrapping, holding together the precious gift within. An entourage is no doubt good for a man that wanders the world. Viking Moses draws an audience to those he holds dear and he does it every time. Laura Goetz (Golden Ghost) and Brendon Massei (Viking Moses) drift from venue to venue, from city to festival, side by side, happy propping each other up, with barely a penny to get by.
With Viking Moses taking his place at the drums, the Golden Ghost feature show was ready to go. Laura Goetz took centre place, casually dressed in blue jeans and a yellow vest. She looked so naturally pretty, it hurt. She had the same shy and sweet friend along as at End of the Road (2007). Despite having seen her perform twice, I can find no record of 'the girl that sweetly hums backing sounds' anywhere online. Her voice and presentation sits in perfect contrast to Brendan's. It sits softly against Laura's.
The set was as about as informal as those who performed it. Laura Goetz wove gentle tales to the sound of her acoustic guitar and Sweetly Humming Girl sweetly hummed. Viking Moses added a rumbling drone and then, from out of nowhere, his voice exploded. Who needs a microphone? Not Brendon. His perfect harmonies, in deep baritone, vibrated throughout the room and echoed on for eternity. He owns a tremendous warble.
At the show’s end, Brendon Massei complimented the promoter, "If this is your first night, how you gonna beat it?" We left the venue with a warm glow to fill our hearts. Cold and evil were kept at bay.
Fabpants Recommends:
Active Child finally has a video to support the leading track of the wonderful Curtis Lane EP. It's one of those EPs that you can listen to like an album, playing it over and over again. I've been treating myself to its beauty in lovely little interludes over the past few months. The website tells me that NME have declared that 'She Was A Vision' is one of the Best Tracks of 2010. I have no reason to argue! See what you think.
Download MP3: Active Child - She Was A Vision (courtesy of stereogum.com)
Wednesday, 1 December 2010
Gig Review: Teen Dream and Adult Wonder
Beach House, Concorde 2 Brighton, 25th November 2010
We have lots of beach huts in the city of Brighton and Hove. They're extremely expensive sheds, with no water, no electricity and no privacy. A dash of colour, and their location (along the prom, no less), makes them iconic. At the moment they'll be covered with a shelf of snow, sat squat to the ground, just being. Stationed in neat lines, they are - in all seasons - stunning.
While the beach huts are a prominent feature of our fair town, the band of a similar name, Beach House, prefer to stay in the shadows. Beach House are from Baltimore, a somewhat imposing city. Perhaps it's the kind of place where the indie kids stand in dark corners, hide every facial expression, and present with effortless cool. A house is harder to veil than a hut, but for the individuals compromising this house, the veil proves a huge success.
The dominance of three radiant pyramids, and a wall of small twinkling stars, set the scene for subtle backlighting and a band of rakish musicians shown only in silhouette.
The music began with the smooth, gentle surf of Gila, a track now three years old, and - as it would all night - Victoria Legrand’s voice stole the room with a commanding ethereal force. Without a hint of wishy-washy trilling or excruciating warbling, Legrand delivers a vast vocal range with frighteningly beautiful transfixing power. The dramatic rhythmic sway of thick brown hair bestowed a persuasive reminder that Beach House offer music to grind your soul too. The band remembered to move and shake when the audience forgot. Hundreds of spellbound faces looked forward in rapture. I let my soul go. And, yes, I moved.
The set covered all bases, a best of collection from 2004 to 2010, demonstrating that Beach House can hold their own as headliners and deserve to sell out shows across the world. We all know that Teen Dream is the best album. It's a 2010 scorcher. It deserved to steal the show.
Beach House Set List:
Gila (Devotion)
Better Times (Teen Dream)
Walk in the Park (Teen Dream)
Norway (Teen Dream)
Silver Soul (Teen Dream)
Master of None (Beach House)
Astronaut (Devotion)
Lover of Mine (Teen Dream)
Used to Be (Teen Dream)
Zebra (Teen Dream)
Heart of Chambers (Devotion)
Take Care (Teen Dream)
Encore:
Real Love (Teen Dream)
10 Mile Stereo (Teen Dream)
Fabpants Recommends:
Let’s take one from each album...
Download MP3: Beach House - Gila (courtesy of thelineofbestfit.com)
Download MP3: Beach House - Zebra (courtesy of weeklytapedeck.com)
Download MP3: Beach House - Master of None (courtesy of saladdaysmusic.net)
We have lots of beach huts in the city of Brighton and Hove. They're extremely expensive sheds, with no water, no electricity and no privacy. A dash of colour, and their location (along the prom, no less), makes them iconic. At the moment they'll be covered with a shelf of snow, sat squat to the ground, just being. Stationed in neat lines, they are - in all seasons - stunning.
While the beach huts are a prominent feature of our fair town, the band of a similar name, Beach House, prefer to stay in the shadows. Beach House are from Baltimore, a somewhat imposing city. Perhaps it's the kind of place where the indie kids stand in dark corners, hide every facial expression, and present with effortless cool. A house is harder to veil than a hut, but for the individuals compromising this house, the veil proves a huge success.
The dominance of three radiant pyramids, and a wall of small twinkling stars, set the scene for subtle backlighting and a band of rakish musicians shown only in silhouette.
The music began with the smooth, gentle surf of Gila, a track now three years old, and - as it would all night - Victoria Legrand’s voice stole the room with a commanding ethereal force. Without a hint of wishy-washy trilling or excruciating warbling, Legrand delivers a vast vocal range with frighteningly beautiful transfixing power. The dramatic rhythmic sway of thick brown hair bestowed a persuasive reminder that Beach House offer music to grind your soul too. The band remembered to move and shake when the audience forgot. Hundreds of spellbound faces looked forward in rapture. I let my soul go. And, yes, I moved.
The set covered all bases, a best of collection from 2004 to 2010, demonstrating that Beach House can hold their own as headliners and deserve to sell out shows across the world. We all know that Teen Dream is the best album. It's a 2010 scorcher. It deserved to steal the show.
Beach House Set List:
Gila (Devotion)
Better Times (Teen Dream)
Walk in the Park (Teen Dream)
Norway (Teen Dream)
Silver Soul (Teen Dream)
Master of None (Beach House)
Astronaut (Devotion)
Lover of Mine (Teen Dream)
Used to Be (Teen Dream)
Zebra (Teen Dream)
Heart of Chambers (Devotion)
Take Care (Teen Dream)
Encore:
Real Love (Teen Dream)
10 Mile Stereo (Teen Dream)
Fabpants Recommends:
Let’s take one from each album...
Download MP3: Beach House - Gila (courtesy of thelineofbestfit.com)
Download MP3: Beach House - Zebra (courtesy of weeklytapedeck.com)
Download MP3: Beach House - Master of None (courtesy of saladdaysmusic.net)
Tuesday, 23 November 2010
Gig Review: Mr Pip and Friends
Dan Le Sac vs Scroobius Pip, Concorde 2 Brighton, 29th March and 31st October 2010
I've had myself a wee shindig with Dan Le Sac vs Scroobius Pip three times this year. They were my headline band of Glastonbury 2010. The combined effort between audience and artist equalled electric and don't let anyone tell you different.
29th March 2010, Concorde 2: I acclaim this also. Dan Le Sac vs Scroobius Pip had just released their album 'The Logic of Chance'. Their enthusiasm emanating from the duo was piping. It spread virally to the support acts, Sound of Rum and B. Dolan, and to the fine new loos at this mid-league venue.
What a perfect night. I hadn't seen such a friendly moshpit extend so far back since The Cribs took the Concorde 2 back in 2006. For Dan and Scroob the room bounced the whole night. Sound of Rum kicked ass, B. Dolan kicked the world, and the headliners kicked back. Buzz buzz buzz. Oh I do like a good gig.
Now, I must tell you about Sound of Rum. They are fronted by Kate Tempest, who wears a young face, holds an easy manner, carries an old skool rapper stance and offers an incredible way with words. I was suitably stunned. You should have seen my face when I saw her drill poems later on in the year. Awestruck, was I.
And what about B. Dolan with his 'George Bush of Evil' mask and boiler suit? Stage presence or what? The guy is a one man art form and completely unique. The suit was stripped off to reveal Dolan dressed like Evil Kenevil on shrooms. Even when a volunteer got on stage for him to jump over, we hadn't reached the height of this surreal stage cabaret. He saved that for his finale. 'We Built this City', is probably the lame-ist song ever to be recorded (sorry Starship), but there is no doubt that it lifted the room. Sample away bad boy Dolan. Hip hop rocks.
The night was sheer delight.
31st October 2010, back at the Concorde2! 'The Logic of Chance' had come back round again, this time 7 months old. Dan Le Sac vs Scroobius Pip made their stage their home and slipped in and out of album 2 like cosy jumper. Okay, the set felt a little shambolic, but it owned charm. The boys were at ease. No bad thing governor. Daft banter makes the world go round.
The set combined tracks from both The Logic of Chance and Angles. I have to say, I was thrilled. Angles is the better album, but The Logic of Chance aint no sleeper. I prefer Concorde2 when it's not sold out and the punters haven't been drinking since noon. It was and they had, but I got to go to the loo with a smiling skeleton. Yes, it was Halloween and, although the night's entertainment had bollocks all to do with ghouls, some people know how to make an effort!
Dan Le Sac vs Scroobius Pip were in a room full of friends and they knew it. They've been doing it all year. What did we do? We bounced, bounced, bounced.
Fabpants Recommends:
As I recently recommended a Dan Le Sac vs Scroobius Pip track, they can saunter off for this section. Go make some new tunes boys.
I'm liking the Best Coast album 'Crazy for You', so let's enjoy a stoner fuelled track instead.
Download MP3: Best Coast - When I'm With You (courtesy of gvsbchris.com)
And what about a little 6 Day Riot?
Good, eh? It's from an ace album called Have a Plan. I've been loving it all year.
I've had myself a wee shindig with Dan Le Sac vs Scroobius Pip three times this year. They were my headline band of Glastonbury 2010. The combined effort between audience and artist equalled electric and don't let anyone tell you different.
29th March 2010, Concorde 2: I acclaim this also. Dan Le Sac vs Scroobius Pip had just released their album 'The Logic of Chance'. Their enthusiasm emanating from the duo was piping. It spread virally to the support acts, Sound of Rum and B. Dolan, and to the fine new loos at this mid-league venue.
What a perfect night. I hadn't seen such a friendly moshpit extend so far back since The Cribs took the Concorde 2 back in 2006. For Dan and Scroob the room bounced the whole night. Sound of Rum kicked ass, B. Dolan kicked the world, and the headliners kicked back. Buzz buzz buzz. Oh I do like a good gig.
Now, I must tell you about Sound of Rum. They are fronted by Kate Tempest, who wears a young face, holds an easy manner, carries an old skool rapper stance and offers an incredible way with words. I was suitably stunned. You should have seen my face when I saw her drill poems later on in the year. Awestruck, was I.
And what about B. Dolan with his 'George Bush of Evil' mask and boiler suit? Stage presence or what? The guy is a one man art form and completely unique. The suit was stripped off to reveal Dolan dressed like Evil Kenevil on shrooms. Even when a volunteer got on stage for him to jump over, we hadn't reached the height of this surreal stage cabaret. He saved that for his finale. 'We Built this City', is probably the lame-ist song ever to be recorded (sorry Starship), but there is no doubt that it lifted the room. Sample away bad boy Dolan. Hip hop rocks.
The night was sheer delight.
31st October 2010, back at the Concorde2! 'The Logic of Chance' had come back round again, this time 7 months old. Dan Le Sac vs Scroobius Pip made their stage their home and slipped in and out of album 2 like cosy jumper. Okay, the set felt a little shambolic, but it owned charm. The boys were at ease. No bad thing governor. Daft banter makes the world go round.
The set combined tracks from both The Logic of Chance and Angles. I have to say, I was thrilled. Angles is the better album, but The Logic of Chance aint no sleeper. I prefer Concorde2 when it's not sold out and the punters haven't been drinking since noon. It was and they had, but I got to go to the loo with a smiling skeleton. Yes, it was Halloween and, although the night's entertainment had bollocks all to do with ghouls, some people know how to make an effort!
Dan Le Sac vs Scroobius Pip were in a room full of friends and they knew it. They've been doing it all year. What did we do? We bounced, bounced, bounced.
Fabpants Recommends:
As I recently recommended a Dan Le Sac vs Scroobius Pip track, they can saunter off for this section. Go make some new tunes boys.
I'm liking the Best Coast album 'Crazy for You', so let's enjoy a stoner fuelled track instead.
Download MP3: Best Coast - When I'm With You (courtesy of gvsbchris.com)
And what about a little 6 Day Riot?
Good, eh? It's from an ace album called Have a Plan. I've been loving it all year.
Tuesday, 16 November 2010
Gig Review: Believe the Hype
The Vaccines, Audio Brighton, 15th November 2010
Sometimes the hype is right! Last night, I went to see The Vaccines. I'd read a little of the hype. It was the tunes and live reviews that sealed it for me. An abundantly positive vibe easily bore its way through my crusty husk and I wanted it bad. Give to me Vaccines, ah ha, ah ha.
I often take a gamble with gigs and rarely anticipate the outcome. It's not oft that the air tastes so right. As the night approached, I felt very little doubt and great expectation. Something rather special was heading my way. I was not wrong.
I took my place, right down the front, and - from the moment Pete Robertson (drummer) landed his first beat - I couldn't stop bouncing. Opening with Wreckin' Bar, The Vaccines took to the stage and stomped straight through it. Ra Ra Ra! Wreckin' Bar! Start with the one we all know lads. Aim, fire and - yep - spot on target.
Break-Up Sex followed and if break up sex could boast such a sustained rhythm, even for 90 seconds, human beings might spontaneously combust. No chance for another break up. Leave the world in an ecstatic flame fest. Nutty fast drums and jangly guitars on a Billy Whizz ride to the crack den. Take me, I'm yours.
The band may not actually stomp, for the most part they move very little, but the few tunes they have are dirty little belters, even the slow ones, such as Blow It Up. Think 'Is This It' (The Strokes) blended with 'Up The Bracket' (The Libertines), with some understated nonchalance to boot. The Vaccines pull off moving very little on stage far better than The Strokes. The tunes have more poke and occasionally the three guitarists line themselves up like a rather pretty version of Status Quo. Axe men ahoy!
Every song leaves you wanting more. Short, gritty and bouncy: The Vaccines know how to pack a cracking punch. Go drums, go guitars! Fill me with your buoyant energy and allow me not a chance to think.
What freedom! Helpless dancing, with no room for an 'if' or a 'but', let alone a random notion.
Yeah, the set was shorter than a long poo and there was no encore. What do you expect from a band touring on the strength of a few demos?
If they’re heading to a town near you, don't go for a poo, you might miss them.
Here's The Vaccines set list:
Wreckin' Bar
Post Break Up Sex
All in White
If You Wanna
Blow it Up
European Sun
Wet Suit
A Lack of Understanding
Norgaard
I have to say, the Brighton audience needs a bloody big kick up the arse. It was like being trapped in a room full of ironing boards. I counted just six people that allowed the music to steal their hearts enough to dance. Hoorah to the six of us! I bet you they go wild in Stoke. Stoke will put Brighton to shame. I heard great things about the indie scene in Stoke from a very enthusiastic couple at Glasto. If you starve a town of culture they go mad for it. Too right!
Fabpants Recommends:
Download MP3: The Vaccines - If You Wanna (courtesy of mbvmusic.com)
Download MP3: The Vaccines - Wreckin' Bar (Ra Ra Ra) (courtesy of poptartstunes.com)
Download MP3: The Vaccines - Blow It Up (courtesy of poptartstunes.com)
Yes, they’ve already met Jools. They played all three of the songs that I've included above on the tele. Here's one to get you going:
If you're hooked, MTV have a Blow It Up video exclusive too.
Sometimes the hype is right! Last night, I went to see The Vaccines. I'd read a little of the hype. It was the tunes and live reviews that sealed it for me. An abundantly positive vibe easily bore its way through my crusty husk and I wanted it bad. Give to me Vaccines, ah ha, ah ha.
I often take a gamble with gigs and rarely anticipate the outcome. It's not oft that the air tastes so right. As the night approached, I felt very little doubt and great expectation. Something rather special was heading my way. I was not wrong.
I took my place, right down the front, and - from the moment Pete Robertson (drummer) landed his first beat - I couldn't stop bouncing. Opening with Wreckin' Bar, The Vaccines took to the stage and stomped straight through it. Ra Ra Ra! Wreckin' Bar! Start with the one we all know lads. Aim, fire and - yep - spot on target.
Break-Up Sex followed and if break up sex could boast such a sustained rhythm, even for 90 seconds, human beings might spontaneously combust. No chance for another break up. Leave the world in an ecstatic flame fest. Nutty fast drums and jangly guitars on a Billy Whizz ride to the crack den. Take me, I'm yours.
The band may not actually stomp, for the most part they move very little, but the few tunes they have are dirty little belters, even the slow ones, such as Blow It Up. Think 'Is This It' (The Strokes) blended with 'Up The Bracket' (The Libertines), with some understated nonchalance to boot. The Vaccines pull off moving very little on stage far better than The Strokes. The tunes have more poke and occasionally the three guitarists line themselves up like a rather pretty version of Status Quo. Axe men ahoy!
Every song leaves you wanting more. Short, gritty and bouncy: The Vaccines know how to pack a cracking punch. Go drums, go guitars! Fill me with your buoyant energy and allow me not a chance to think.
What freedom! Helpless dancing, with no room for an 'if' or a 'but', let alone a random notion.
Yeah, the set was shorter than a long poo and there was no encore. What do you expect from a band touring on the strength of a few demos?
If they’re heading to a town near you, don't go for a poo, you might miss them.
Here's The Vaccines set list:
Wreckin' Bar
Post Break Up Sex
All in White
If You Wanna
Blow it Up
European Sun
Wet Suit
A Lack of Understanding
Norgaard
I have to say, the Brighton audience needs a bloody big kick up the arse. It was like being trapped in a room full of ironing boards. I counted just six people that allowed the music to steal their hearts enough to dance. Hoorah to the six of us! I bet you they go wild in Stoke. Stoke will put Brighton to shame. I heard great things about the indie scene in Stoke from a very enthusiastic couple at Glasto. If you starve a town of culture they go mad for it. Too right!
Fabpants Recommends:
Download MP3: The Vaccines - If You Wanna (courtesy of mbvmusic.com)
Download MP3: The Vaccines - Wreckin' Bar (Ra Ra Ra) (courtesy of poptartstunes.com)
Download MP3: The Vaccines - Blow It Up (courtesy of poptartstunes.com)
Yes, they’ve already met Jools. They played all three of the songs that I've included above on the tele. Here's one to get you going:
If you're hooked, MTV have a Blow It Up video exclusive too.
