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)

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)

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)

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.

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.

Stake a Claim: Up with Students! Down with Fees!

I'm mightily impressed. I want to offer a ginormous rallying hug. Perhaps we all need a hug before we fight for our rights and the rights of those yet to come. Go students. Go.

Yes, a violent minority always spoil the protest, but - me oh my - the sheer numbers that hit London on Wednesday says it all. 52,000 marched against plans to treble tuition fees and to cut university funding: a bloody good turnout in anyone's book.

Me, I was on a university campus all day, promoting mental wellbeing. I wish I’d been marching instead. Hey ho.

Is protesting enough? It would seem not. I've marched a lot in my time. In 2003, I marched against the Iraq War. It was reported to be the UK's biggest ever demonstration. All the same, it was ignored by our democratically elected liars. They all seem to be.

Well done to the students, for they have another plan. It's strategic. It involves "decapitation"! Most amusingly, the idea has been stolen from the back stabbing politicians that took a u-turn on opposing a rise in tuition fees. Yes, Nick Clegg once proposed a "right to recall" initiative, which has yet to become law. It proposes that a by-election can be called if an MP is judged guilty of serious wrongdoing and 10% of constituents want him or her removed. I guess the plan is to throw his words right back at him.

Our dear students are going to attempt to force a by-election in the constituencies of MPs that have shat on their pre-election pledge to oppose an increase in tuition fees. The students are going for the MP jugular: power. I see an MP or two quivering in their city shoes. Please don't take away my power! I only just got it.

If you think that education cuts and a rise in tuition fees is wrong, I encourage you to take action and be heard.

I went to university during a time of great political apathy. It was awful. No more APATHY!

In the words of Scroobius Pip:

In this democracy I, as a citizen, reserve the right to stand up for what I believe in
In this democracy I, as a citizen, am not accountable to the government
In this democracy, the government is accountable to us, the people
In this democracy, the government is elected by us, the people
To represent us, the people
In our best interests, on a national and international scale
And if they’re not doing so, in this democracy, I, as a citizen, reserve the right
To rise up

I will not move, I will not change
I will not bend or play their games
I will stand tall with a full frame
I will take pride, I will stake a claim

I swear, as a citizen of this country
To stand up for what I believe in
I swear, as a citizen of this country
To not just sit around, bitching and moaning
I swear, as a citizen of this country
To take action, if action be needed
I swear, as a citizen of this country
To realise that the power is with us
And no one else…

I will not move, I will not change…
I will stake a claim

Fabpants Recommends:

Dan Le Sac Vs Scroobius Pip - Stake A Claim



I was so tempted to see Liars after hearing they’d relocated to Audio on Friday. It was all looking so perfect, with a smaller venue, a central location and an early show. My ONLY excuse is that I was feeling a bit tired. I have been kicking myself for missing it ever since. What have I become?

Download MP3: Liars – Scarecrows On A Killer Slant (courtesy of thecargoculte.com)

Gig Review – MEN are Chasing the Carrot

Men, The Prince Albert in Brighton, 4th November 2010

Oh my Giddy Aunt Fanny! How ace was last night?

Last night, I went to see MEN. MEN are a band.

An autumn cold virus has taken over my lungs and brain. I can barely talk or think, but my heart is fizzling with delight. Oh, and I think I'm swooning for Michael O'Neill, one of the two guitarists in the band called MEN. No, I'm not star struck; he just had a lovely table side manner. More about the table later!

The night started with Amongst the Pigeons. Amongst the Pigeons has a fetish for the birds he surrounds himself with. He stands, amidst the clay replicas and human imitators, wearing feline furry ears and wooing his audience with samples, loops and squidgy treats. Amongst the Pigeons is a local cat. My third sighting was the best yet. He seemed a little tense and more focused. Relatively new to the live scene, this could be the way forward for our furry friend. As he registered a wolf whistle offering support from the back of the room, Amongst the Pigeons looked surprised and bemused. I hope he gets nervous and self conscious more often. It brings out the best in him.

Then came MEN! Of course, I expected great things. After The Freebutt gig in January, I had little doubt that a treat was in store, and perhaps a few tricks. This was no experimental foray into live music land. This was almost guaranteed to be awesome.

MEN are a self declared art band. I am of the belief that they generate a sense of community wherever they go, combining collaboration with DIY in the most enviable way.

More bands should have matching backdrops and overalls painted by pals or even by Celeste Dupuy-Spencer. JD Samson, front woman magnific, wore a bum on her front. Once Celeste painted MEN playing live, now her paintings are part of the performance itself. Seemingly, MEN is made up of a gang of the chosen picked up along the way.

Back in January, I said "Sometimes being in the right place at the right time makes you cool. Make the most of it, because it only lasts as long as that moment. On 16th January 2010, I was cool for as long as there were Men on stage... We bop, we grin and then all week we imagine that we're part of the scene that Men made." Last night, I was cool and then some! Just for a moment.

Sat near the stage, we watched our table of choice transform into the MEN merch stall. By our position, we became part of the scene that I imagined last January. I have to say, we had a ball. As MEN headed for the stage, Michael instructed us not to let anyone steal stuff. I declared I would use my kicking skills. I would have been happy to, but people wanted to give us money! My impressive high kick was left unseen.

My funny old fingers rummaged through boxes and bags, finding appropriately sized t-shirts, badges, 7 inch singles and demo CDs. Many of these went on to be signed. Smiling face after smiling face came to us. They came to find a memento and we aimed to please.

We, the impromptu merch volunteers, were ACE. MEN were an amazing success and everybody wanted a piece. In the middle of the superb song Credit Card Babie$, I had to interrupt my boogie on the bench to find a large "I am a Fe-MEN-ist" T-shirt. I am pleased to say, it was being worn by a very happy chap before Credit Card Babie$ found its end note.

It wasn't just him. I'd like to think we were all happy. My only complaint is that people didn't bounce enough. Where was The Freebutt style bouncing? Brighton needs more bounce. Not to worry, we - on the bench - were imitating JD Samson's dance moves and moving our butts to the beat. We had it covered.

Back in January, I felt MEN had enough material for an album. It must come soon. It has a title and I've even found a track by track review. 'Talk About Body' is coming soon. Get ready for it!

Fabpants Recommends:

The new MEN 7 inch single.

Download MP3: Men - Off Our Backs (courtesy of audiodrums.com)




And two songs MEN have on their MySpace playlist.

I can't believe I haven't posted this track before. It was a 2007 favourite. What am I like?

Download MP3: BARR - The Song Is the Single (courtesy of reifiedrecords.com)




I am ashamed to say, I hadn't heard this before and it is ace.

Download MP3: Ponytail – Beg Waves (courtesy of einsteinmusicjournal.co.nz)

Gig Review: Zombie Zombie and Halloween Gets Closer

Zombie Zombie, Brighton’s The Hope, 25th July 2010

I'm a Zombie Zombie fan. I saw them first at Bestival in 2008. Then I saw them at The Freebutt in January 2009. I'm a lucky lucky lady.

Zombie Zombie is a band comprised of two.

Zombie one is Etienne Jaumet. Etienne's an electronic analogue Theremin brain chomper. I've also seen him play solo.

Zombie two is Cosmic Neman. Before death, he made himself known in a band called Herman Dune. Yes, I've seen Herman Dune play live too. I was suitably mesmerised by the simply ace drumming of Master Neman. As well as his sticks, Cosmic now boasts an odd electronic voice. He mostly yelps.

At the start of this gig, he spoke. Real words. It seems that Zombie Zombie have invited John Carpenter to live inside the one-bit memory of their one and only keyboard. GEE! The sonic terrain of the next hour would be inspired by the sci-fi master himself, covers an' all.

"Wow", I thought.

Within moments, music stole my cerebral cortex. An undeniable cinematic soundscape penetrated inwards. I sat, captivated, in the front row, on a chair that I'd rebelliously placed there. For the most part, Zombie Zombie's trademark eerie Theremin oscillations and distorted yelps took a back seat. Instead, Etienne and Cosmic created visual imagery with sound. Unbeknownst to me, somewhere in my subconscious John Carpenter resides. He gets everywhere. My mind made unexpected links. I fell into a retro-futuristic trance.

Zombie Zombie have since released a 5 track called 'Plays John Carpenter'. The tracklisting may tempt you to taste. 'Tis here:

1. The Bank Robbery (Taken From 'Escape From New York')
2. Escape From LA Main Theme
3. Assault on Precinct 13 Main Theme (feat. Romain Turzi)
4. Halloween Main Theme
5. The Thing Main Theme

Assault on Precinct 13, as played at The Hope, has kindly been shared on YouTube and has been watched almost 2,000 times as I type. I think about 40 people were at The Hope, if that!

Fabpants Recommends:

A wee while ago, I posted up a Zombie Zombie track called "Driving This Road Until Death Sets You Free". The video for this track is simply amazing. It will make you want to get out your old VHS recording of The Thing.



Yes, it's a remake of John Carpenter's movie "The Thing", in stop motion, with G.I. Joes. Blinding!