Back down the front for 2011! Coming soon... all the best from 2012!
For 2007, 2008, 2009 and now 2010 live reviews check out the ARCHIVE menu. There's some cracking gigs reviewed, check them out.
December 2011
The Band… 93millionmilesfromthesun
The Venue… Doncaster Garage. On the Saturday night before Christmas you probably don't expect on Doncaster's main drag, Silver Street for a bar to be holding a gig by a self confessed drone rock or shoegaze band. But this is no normal gig, the Garage is a pretty cool place, nice left field décor and clientele but tonight it is holding Griffapalooza which is basically a homage or party to a local ace face and generally nice bloke. The Support… By all accounts its 13 Women, who we miss, we did see chairs on the stage and I'm pretty sure that's a washboard too… erm lucky escape methinks. The Main Event… Well this is a bit of a weird one really, there's plenty of mates around the place but then there's also half a pub full of the usual Saturday night 'traffic' who to be fair aren't expecting and to be brutal aren't interested in a local band on stage hence it's a bit of a weird crowd. 93millionmilesfromthesun also aren't your usual band neither, they are a mere two piece tonight, a bassist in Rob Hogg and guitars and 'vocals' performed by Nick Mainline (although these may not be their real names!). So it's a Saturday night, a bizarre crowd and a duo on stage what could possibly go wrong?! Well fortunately for those who are of an introverted, effect laden, heads down guitar frenzied rock disposition not much! 93millionmilesfromthesun are a great band, whilst we'd be first to admit that bands like these aren't usually brilliant to watch ie they don't jump around, in fact there's not much movement its all about the music. The principle draw of drone rock / shoegaze / dreampop is the layers of guitars, the effects, the noise if you will and 93millionmilesfromthesun are great at this. In their seven songs they prove that just two people with no more than a bass, a guitar (plus a shed load of pedals!) can create one hell of a fantastic noise. For Griffo they even manage to play his favourite Primitives song, he admits in a very 93millionmilesfromthesun which gets the man dancing! The Verdict… A pretty weird gig all round then but 93millionmilesfromthesun show they can provide a superb sonic soundscape to anyone who is willing to give them some attention.
The 93millionmilesfromthesun Scores… out of ten!
Atmosphere… 3
Ability… 9
Tunes… 7
Effort… 7
Final Score… 6.5
Pics - 2 in the mobile phone gallery
The Band… Ocean Colour Scene
The Venue… Sheffield Academy. Well it's not sold out neither are they using the upstairs but that said the downstairs holds over 1,800 and there's a bloody decent crowd packed in so the chance to hear the Ocean Colour Scene career defining 'Moseley Shoals' is still a draw as it celebrates it's fifteen year anniversary. The Support… Easy gig support to ocs? Well a bit, decent smattering in the place and willing to give it a listen with their pre ocs pint.The lines look like an ocs support, that English lad look well except for the drummer who looks like he wandered in off a building site! Musically decent English sound to them which goes down well here but they aren't a support by numbers band, there's a little bit more to them than that. Yes there's a bit of Weller and that but with that long last tune there's a damn sight more in their locker. Some slack grooves, kind of baggy meets oasis meets faces meets editors meets friendly fires with the singer banging some extra drums as they really go for it. That goes down really well and they exit to plenty of applause, easy gig then? If you as good as the lines then yes indeed. The Main Event… Well this is where you can argue a case or two… Actually Ocean Colour Scene do two sets, the first is the run through of 'Moseley Shoals' as advertised and then there's a further set of a selection of their fav tracks from over the years, which is better then? So the first set, there's no surprises with the opener, as the 1996 classic is played in track order, yep it's 'The Riverboat song'. It is a tune that soundtracked an era (it's them guitars you know!) and it still sounds sweet as a nut now, it to be fair is a great opener for any gig but as on the album it's then followed by the ever popular 'The Day we caught the day' which means that their arguably most popular tunes are out of the way early doors, Fowler even jokes that you can go home now, he has a rather rye smile on his face as he does so! He could add 'The Circle' onto his list too if he likes as that goes down rather well too! The band have changed just a tad from these heady days, they are three quarters of the original line up but have toured for the last few years as a solid five piece, the ever popular drummer Oscar Harrison with respected Steve Craddock providing excellent guitars to Steve Fowlers vocals been that 'original' trio. Anyway after the first three the tempo drops with 'Lining your pockets' they never really lose the crowd, sure they don't jump around like lunatics but stuff like the subtle 'Fleeting mind' is well appreciated. It's as you get through the album tracks the realisation strikes what a truly 'English' sound OCS really do have, this isn't a criticism you can see the linear through stuff like Small Faces and obviously Weller who played a huge part in their development. There's a few tracks that still ruffle a few feathers live, 'Policeman & pirates' has some great Craddock work and gets a few up and at it but to be fair the pace isn't truly cranked back up till the hit single (that's what the sticker on the original copies of Moseley Shoals said!) 'You've got it bad' and the place ignites! Shame the album didn't finish on that high but as many others do they go for the long and serious ending, so 'Get Away' finishes set one, still plenty of Craddock's excellent guitars so not so bad then. Fair play to OCS as they do play the album in order and make a really decent fist of it, for the hardcore fan this must have been a real treat, that said for the occasion fan bet they could have done without a few of the album tracks. Still onto set two then.. one suspects the shackles are off as the 'hits' have been done and they can have a bit of fun. They start actually with the best couple of tracks off their last album; 'Saturday' and 'Magic Carpet Days' which are surprisingly good and go down well. There's a rather unfortunate incident mid way through their second set as Fowler is supposed to be performing backing vocals but he gets hit by a pint of lager and it gets his goat big time. He sits out much to the bemusement of the rest of the band and then goes off on a complete rant but weirdly it actually gives him the strength to really blow the roof off 'Profit in Peace' which is a real set stealer. Well until they do 'Hundred Mile High City' that is, what a tune (see why it was used by Guy Ritchie in 'Lock stock') the guitars are absolutely immense and the place goes mental. So with the pressure off they come back for an encore in which they do a cover and why not! The Beatles 'Daytripper' seems like a fine choice and they do it fair justice, to end they do the usual five man salute of the crowd and the crowd respond in kind. The Verdict… Whilst it ain't gonna float everyone's boat and they have more than their fair share of critics it is fair to say that Ocean Colour Scene are always a solid live draw and still pulling in crowds of 1,000 plus after this many years suggests they are doing something consistently right. Yep it's not all fireworks but there are some right crackers in their armoury. The playing albums in full isn't the most original ideas these days but with 'Moseley Shoals' its worth the airing and the 'second' set is a real treat. Overall decent night's entertainment all-round.
Ocean Colour Scene Scores… out of ten!
Atmosphere… 7
Ability… 8
Tunes… 8
Effort… 7
The Final Score… 7.5
Pictures - 4 in the photo gallery and a load more on the shadders on me lungs facebook page
November 2011
The Band… The Pigeon Detectives
The Venue… Sheffield Leadmill. If you want a good gig, bet on the Leadmill and on a Friday night a good time is virtually guaranteed! The Support… The Chevin wander on, four skinny young lads with the jeans and the hair, with the singer having echoes of a young dishevelled vic reeves! They aim for those big atmospheric indie guitar anthems and to be fair to young Vic he has a fair pair of lungs on him. For advertising purposes no doubt he gives out the band name and the fact they are from Leeds, named after the outlands near Leeds Bradford Airport in fact, they even claim they be at the march stand after their slot, either desperate or just very friendly! Whilst they aren't always on the money they are a decent watch and even get some crowd participation which aint easy on early doors. The Main Event… It's been too long reflects Matt Bowman, curly haired frontman of Leeds' Pigeon Detectives but despite the smaller venues on their return (although that said it is sold out and they play a homecoming next week in the much bigger Leeds Academy) they haven't lost any of their energy nor zest on the live stage. In fact they are touring that 'difficult' third album 'Up, Guards and at 'em' but on the evidence here there haven't been any major changes of musical directions in the couple or three years they have been away and out of the limelight. They freely admit it aint no bother playing a Friday night in Sheffield and to be fair its obvious that the crowd are well up for a good night and they aren't going to be disappointed neither. Despite a good chunk of new stuff been well and truly aired they aren't daft this Pigeon Detectives and play all the hits too. Stuff like 'This is an emergency', 'Wait for me' and 'Take her back' are epic and remind everyone exactly why they struck gold with their first couple of albums. Matt is as ever all over the place; star jumps aplenty, bouncing off the drummers podium like he owns it and pouring bottles of water all over himself (and those needing a cooling in the front few rows too) vintage rock star stuff! He isn't wrong about the Leadmill crowd neither, no bother is an understatement, they love it and the inclusion of a mid set ballad gives them a much needed breather before getting back straight into full flow! The Verdict… It has been too long, the live circuit needs bands like The Pigeon Detectives, they are some live package with the easy on the ear snappy pop punk tunes and a hyperactive frontman which gives all the ingredients for a good night out. Add on top the Leadmill's up for it crowd and another classic is served up in Sheffield's finest.
The Pigeon Detective Scores… out of ten!
Atmosphere… 9
Ability… 7
Tunes… 8
Effort… 8
The Final Score… 8
Pictures - 3 in the photo gallery and a further 5 on our shadders on me lungs facebook page
September 2011
Festival: Doncaster Music Live 2011
The Venue… Doncaster Market Place. So it's back for another year, the event we love to hate. To our delight it retains its two day status and its place in the St Leger Festival buildup. The Stage setup, bars and big screen remain the same as last year and it all works pretty well now. Big stage in the paved Market Place in front of the picturesque Market Hall, its own bar plus the pubs of the Market place feeding the alcoholic appetites of the many gig goers. So we love all this especially as it's a fixture in our home town plus its FREE! And no as ever onto the many negatives, the promotion is as ever poor, heavily reliant on the racing connection for a push rather than concentrating on the music, in fact the Doncaster Live website only had the line up on it during the week before the gig! Then the line up, now to suggest it was paper thin was an understatement. Saturday always had the out of town headliners plus supporting cast, this year Stereo MCs plus The Beaus, Summerlin and Playground Mafia. That for the 'big gig' is hardly breathe taking stuff and then the Sunday usually has a local themed line up with a couple of out of towners high on the bill as a bit of a pull. This got the most criticism as it lacked a decent headliner and a lot of Doncaster bands complaining they couldn't get a slot plus a low turn out too. Anyway back to the Saturday and the music.
The Support… We arrive in time to catch half of the set from Sheffield's Playground Mafia, who to be fair have a few supporters present and correct. However, despite an up tempo and 'happy' performance musically its pretty poor fare, chavtastic pop indeed, but if that floats yer boat then Playground Mafia should make a decent splash.
Now the musical styles during the evening couldn't be more different as Doncaster / Leeds'Summerlin are up next and they can rock, big style. They appear to of the punk pop genre but actually kick it harder than that. The singer with his Slipknot ripped up T-shirt and metal hair gives it a million percent and whilst he can hollow with the best of them can, if need be, hold a tune in a bucket which is useful if you don't want to be pigeonholed as a post hardcore scream fest! The rest of the band throw themselves into it big style too and off stage the energy is reciprocated ten fold as there is a fully fledged mosh pit going down which is pretty good going even though the event security don't seem to know what to make of it! Doncaster Rocks!
So Doncaster's very ownThe Beaus find themselves as the main support to the headliners so can they live up to this elevated position or will they get a nose bleed this far up the bill? Well there's nerves before hand but unlike last year when they had to cancel due to a broken jaw they manage to finally get on the stage. Once on there's no nerves just another quality performance by Doncaster's finest. Gone are the days when there were negatives about them been rough around the edges or perhaps lacked from being a three piece, tonight The Beaus are a great live view. Not that they jump around much or expel energy like a punk pop band but they just exude cool and confidence and musically they are just something else. Like most great bands they are really difficult to put your finger on who they actually sound like, they have classic influences but still manage to sound cutting edge. It's like The Clash, The Jam and The Specials without actually really sounding much like any of them but still having that edge of all of them. And that's the trick that The Beaus manage to pull off, they have that edge, they look like heroes, Doya with his funky hair and showing you can make a duffle coat look cool, Danny has them moves and a makes playing the bass look like a career choice and Mitch, well where do you start and finish with this lad? A legend in his own teatime and plays drums like animal, nuff said! The music has the very coolest of indie pretentious mixed with a bit of ska, reggae, dub the full works really and Doya's vocals skit between rap, streets chat and indie pop in equal measures. They've now got a decent set knocked down too, still playing 'Cappaccino Swagger' which lyrically is still right on the money through to new stuff and finishing up with an aptly titled 'All well ends well'. Not sure that all the crowd really got it but following a high energy set by the likes of Summerlin was going to be tough and they are probably best suited to a nice dark and dirty club venue. Still this is the big gig and they stepped up to the plate and put in the big performance, The Beaus tonight are the biggest band in Doncaster!
The Main Event… Stereo MCs. Well bit of out left field this, not quite the 'headliners' everyone were expecting, to be honest we were expecting old skool but kinda local like last years' Terrorvision but where did Stereo MCs come from? To those who can't remember 1992 when they had their big hits Stereo MCs must have seemed like an odd choice indeed. Still they are here and in true Doncaster Live headliners tradition they herald some rain, the spirits aren't dampened on stage though. Main man Rob Birch still looks like he's been asleep in a bin but when he's awake he can kick it live, behind him he has a cracking live band and two singers along side him who know all the moves and keep the pace up throughout. Musically it veers between dance, indie pop, hip hop and house and more often than not have a bouncing tempo to boot. They play stuff from throughout their fragmented career (breaks of eight years plus between records is not usually a great thing!) including latest offerings 'Boy' and pretty recent 'Black gold', also a notable appearance for 'Deep down and dirty' which kind of is a great tag line for the band! Still it's back to 1992 where Stereo MCs hit the pop jackpot, both the mega hits feature and they sound as good as ever (which is why over the years they continually appear in adverts and on television programmes), 'Connected' is up first and it's a real bullet, great rythem behind it, just gotta dance! Perhaps the best is kept till last 'Step it up' is awesome and a real blast from the past. But do two songs from nigh on twenty years make a headliner for a 'flagship' musical event? Possibly not to be brutally honest as the rest of the set, despite to be fair their best efforts, fails to hits the highs.
The Verdict… So not an unbridled success, not Terrorvision were better headliners but that said still an entertaining watch and it could have been far worse afterall Chase and Status headlined Bingley Live on the Sunday with Stereo MCs down the lineup!!
Stereo MCs Scores… out of ten!
Atmosphere… 6
Ability… 8
Tunes… 6
Effort… 8
The Final Score… 7
Pictures? 7 in the photo gallery and 16 on the shadders onmelungs facebook page
July 2011
The Festival...Indie Tracks
If you are a regular to shaddersland you will already know about how much love we have for this festival. For those not sure about Indie Tracks, here's the lowdown: It's set on a steam railway (Midland Railway Centre, Derbyshire to be precise), it features a shed load of indie guitar bands who you'd not usually find at the standard music festival and best of all it is the friendliest festival on the planet. So when we got chance to attend the Saturday of Indie Tracks 2011 we of course jumped at the chance. The festival site is small and compact and boasts a big main stage, a second stage (with real ale bar) in a train shed, a stage in a tin church but best of all bands playing on the trains themselves. So with a beer in one hand and a camera in the other we headed around to check out this years Indie Tracks Festival.
Just Handshakes (We're British). Hailing from Leeds this 4 piece claim to sing some pop songs and also take credit for the sun coming out too. Whilst they may not be able to change the weather they do provide a neat and tidy indie pop beat to the indie track folk around the main stage. The cute singer may have a bit of a squeak going on but it's still a nice start to the main stage activities.
Graeme Elston. Now seeing a singer in the brake van of a steam train isn't the usual first place you'd find one. However, as this is indie tracks things are slightly different so a bloke with an acoustic guitar singing to a packed carriage is quite the norm! Unfortunately it's bloody boiling and it's a weird thing as the train lurches around but he still puts in a half decent performance. Not sure if he is awkward at been solo or the surroundings but he does overcome his nerves. He does tunes about former bands, Ealing comedies just him and a guitar. Vocally he's strong, he claims twee at times but nothing in comparison to those on the main stages! He holds the carriage well, laughing too about the train whistle been in the right places, there's also a mini sing-along to his finale, an Edwin Collins tune. Sweaty but enchanting stuff.
The Wendy Darlings. Are what indie pop is all about, a little bit twee, some friendly guitars and above all girls with tambourines and singing! They claim to be 4/5 French But even the most French, the guitarist seems to swear in English, he has to be fair some 'technical' issues! When issues aside they manage to up the tempo with a very nice danceable indie pop racket. They have dancing on stage, with the aussie with the tambourine cracking a sweat, they ask for some action off stage and get the assistance from some sock puppets, can't make indie tracks up!
History of apple pie. A sparse crowd inside the train shed indoor venue greets the multi ethnic five piece the history of apple pie. Its indie but has a much harder edge then most of those featured thus far on the main stage. Almost like something akin to curve, swirly post dream pop guitars generate a far bigger, broader sound. Good stuff let down by the meagre support.
Help stamp out loneliness. Back out basking in the sun are the victim of all sorts of technical gremlins, first guitars down and then they just lose the whole lot. Still they laugh through it all. hsol have the most striking of singers, she does grab the eye and has a powerful vocal to match. Whilst they may have been born out of c86 this lot have grown out of it and added some power to their sound. They have a hard edged sound that few today equal, so despite the occasional sound fuck up hsol triumph.
Math and Physics Club. Out of the summer sun in the train shed math and physics club have got a following, despite the fact they hail from Seattle or is that cause they hail from Seattle! They start far too low key, not the bright and breezy pop tunes that were promised. They are good at what they do not really that exciting, melodic and tuneful just a little dull. Then against the odds suddenly the tunes are out of the bag, those breezy tunes are here and there is dancing! The up pop tunes are sure-fire winners and they go off to a victor's applause. Game of two halves then and a great second wins the day.
The Hidden Cameras. Now at any other music festival when your main stage suffers a total power failure they'd be a riot and the campsites would be alight. But not at Indie Tracks, there's no panic just an organiser on the stage saying that Edwyn Collins would now play in the Train Shed at his normal time and then The Hidden Cameras would follow him later, oh and a polite request to pass the message on. Also at other festivals the band would probably get the right hump on about all this especially as they'd already set up their stuff on the main stage but this is Indie Tracks and this is different. Because The Hidden Cameras don't get the huff on, no what they do is decide amongst themselves that they'll actually do a few acoustic numbers while they're here with a crowd. To ensure they can hear the crowd moves forward and what follows is nothing sort of sublime. The singer has an exceptional voice, not just lovely but he's able to really project it off the stage with incredible power without the need of a mic. He's joined by fellow band members playing a variety of instruments from cello through to flute, created the most wonderful noise. It is just one of those hairs on the back of your neck on end moments and those who waited patiently just adore it. Unexpected brilliance.
Edwyn Collins.To be honest getting Edwyn Collins to play at Indie Tracks is a bit of a coup, he is seen in the music industry as something of a genius and his work both solo and especially in Orange Juice has influenced a huge amount of bands throughout the indie field. His health issues have been well documented (as has his Ivor Novello award) and he indeed walks onto the stage with the aid of a stick and perches himself down onto a speaker stack. He's greeted with some ovation too, fortunately for Edwyn moving his gig into the train shed has had a real positive effect, it is rammed and the atmosphere is truly electric. He doesn't disappoint either the anticipation nor the hype neither; this performance is one worthy of his headline appearance. The effort he puts in and the quality of the performance is one of legend. There is a sense from the front through to the back of the shed that you are indeed witnessing something really special here and by the time he goes off stick aloft after a masterful 'A Girl like you' it is obvious this is one of the most moving, emotional and inspirational gigs ever staged at Indie Tracks. Genius is often banded around here there and everywhere these days but to be fair you'd could use the word with real justification after this gig. Another awesome end to this great event, ahem The Hidden Cameras are still due to play yet but the train back to the car park is fully loaded and we're on it too, shame as they were great acoustic earlier but how they'd follow Edwyn Collins we truly don't know.
Pics?: 13 in the photo gallery and a further 21 (count them!) on the shadders onmelungs facebook page. Some belters too.
The Band… Tramlines Sunday - Ash
The Venue…The main arena, as sponsored by Hallam fm which probably suggests why the line up has been hit and miss all weekend ie olly murrs and pixie lott! Anyway bit more indie on its final day and basking in the sun as ever it's pretty damn busy. Queues still down the street and plenty in relaxing in this natural bowl. Good job its awesome weather as down the front its a full on dustbowl, a spot of rain and it'll be a mud bath!
The Support… Johnny Foreigner. A packed main arena with a healthy amount of interest down the front for a band who aren't Frankie and the heartstrings, the singer wishes he was due to been skint! Sounds like the rumour mill has been out of control to suggest an addition of one of the latest up and coming bands but Frankie they aren't! But despite this he's stoked they are playing to more people than their usual tours! Despite this setback the three piece give it some hammer, they obvious have their influences in post American grunge rock and know who to make quite a racket for a three piece. Plenty of guitars and a mixture of shouting and tuneful vocals courtesy of the best looking bass player this side of Birmingham! Sounding something akin to the subways they even manage to get a clap along going during their final tune, result.The Futureheads.As the indie four piece announce they are from Sunderland they get a big boo! They laugh it off and kick off with 'The beginning of the Twist' which sets the tone from the off, party time! They are loving the vibe, the reaction down the front and the sunny weather, perfect festival band even for tramlines. They carry out with their entertaining brand of angular indie rock, throwing in some quality tunes along the way including '54321' and 'Heartbeat song'. You can tell the reaction down the front is favourable by the clouds of dust and there's plenty of 'mosh' action which impresses the band no end. In fact they interact in a comedy manner with the fans throughout, picking out their favs including a bloke in a joy division t shirt and a bloke who they claim looks like the hulk! Which brings onto the finale, which according to the band is 'no fucking surprise'! They get everyone doing the singalong game before blasting through 'hounds of love'. No surprise but bloody awesome stuff none the less. Perfect indie pop, perfect festival band.
The Main Event…Ash.The headlight for the main event none the less, there has been a little bit of a debate whether Ash are actually a 'big' enough band for this but the place is packed and its really, really busy down the front and the anticipation levels are sky high. The band are back as a four piece with the addition of a bloc party interloper playing extra guitar parts along with Tim Wheeler and co. They seem in buoyant mood too, despite in fact this been their second show of the day as they've already played in Manchester earlier, which gets the obvious boo when mentioned later. Anyway back to a buoyant Ash, they kick off with 'Girl from mars' and from this moment forth the crowd know full well they are in for a good time, its one of many corkers they have in their arsenal. Ash if you didn't know are the wonders of the perfect indie punk pop tune and have made a pretty good and long career out of it too and as ever they give the fans what they want, shed loads of their best tunes from that career. There's plenty from the latest 'A-Z' series which go down well, to be fair even the most recent stuff sounds great, they haven't lost that eye for a tune and they kick them out with some venom too. Then there's the hits, from the first single through 'Goldfinger' and an epic 'Shining light' the place to be fair goes mental! Though the best reaction must go down to 'Orpheus' from 2004's album 'Meltdown' which rocks big style and the dust clouds coming from down the front is huge! They don't just stick to their own stuff neither, a fantastic romp through their country mates Undertones' 'Teenage Kicks' which is nearly as good as the original, that's great praise to be fair. They also do a Weezer cover too as part of their three song encore, bit average to be honest but they finish on a mega high as they blow 'Burn baby burn' into orbit, its absolute punk pop class and the place goes berserk. They go off with a group hug and the crowds applause ringing in their ears, job done for the second time today and in good style too.
The Verdict… What a brilliant event Tramlines has been, thousands of revellers enjoying Sheffield and its list of fine venues and Ash are the perfect festival band to end it all off. They are packed with a armoury of hits and don't mind knocking them out to the enjoyment of all those packed in. Fair play to Tramlines, the sponsors, the venue and to the bands who have really made this one of the most enjoyable events on the South Yorkshire calendar.
Ash… scores out of ten!
Atmosphere… 9
Ability… 9
Tunes… 9
Effort… 9
The Final Score… 9
Photo's - 8 Tramlines pics in the mobile phone gallery
The Band… Skint and Demoralised
The Venue… The Social, Doncaster. Once upon a time in Doncaster there were no decent venues, the Leopard was the toilet venue with its scary clientele was the only real option, it was a bit of a fleapit to be honest. However, these days it's a bit different with the Rockbar, Garage, Priory and Social all on the scene. The Social is a well cool venue and it's just had a recent upgrade with a purpose built stage and excellent sound system.
The Support… Couple of local supports, on the billing it's just The Bungalow Club but can't actually confirm that either were these or not! The first was a couple of lads, one with a bass the other an acoustic guitar and does a bit of singing too, doesn't make a bad fist of it neither. There's not many watching so he dedicates a song or two to his mates, very friendly! Next up at the time Skint and Demoralised were due to be on is a one man band, him and an acoustic guitar, not a rip roaring success unfortunately as he appears to be a bit dull. He does try and redeem himself with a Ryan Adams cover but to no avail. Simply deals the real deal.
The Main Event… The stage is pretty cramped for the whole of Skint and Demoralised but they all squeeze on and get down to business. Now to the only criticism of the Social; the venue itself is top drawer, some great beers available too, good sound, excellent booking policy of local bands but and it is a place to be seen so most of the people here aren't actually for the band but cause it's one of those places you 'need to go to' (and the hand out cheap wrist bands for the club night at the Priory too!). So that's the downer that the band don't really get the attention they deserve, does this seem to matter to them, not really they still go out and give it their best shot anyway. Singer Matt looks the part, hair quiffed up and with a Morrissey t shirt on and he makes no bones that The Smiths jangery guitars form part of their sound. There's more too it than that, great lyrics, real northern spirit and an ability to bang out the tunes. The vocal style is unusual at times, bit spoken word almost shouty but still got the melodies in their so alls good. They air plenty of new material of their forthcoming 'This sporting life' but they still find time for a rousing romp through 'Red lipstick' which sounds fantastic.
The Verdict… To be fair this is a champion performance by Skint and Demoralised which is let down only by the lack of atmosphere at the gig, still keep this level of performance up and the places will be packed out before no time.
Skint and Demoralised Scores… out of ten!
Atmosphere… 3
Ability… 8
Tunes… 8
Effort… 9
The Final Score… 7
Photos? 2 in the photo gallery, 4 on the shadders onmelungs facebook page
June 2011
The Band… The Wedding Present @ Long Division Festival
The Venue… Long Division is a newcomer on the multi venue city centre festivals circuit. Set in the City of Wakefield a mere ten miles from the Leeds home of The Wedding Present, strange really its so close that the last time Weddoes played Wakefield back in 1991! So back to Wakefield anyway, it's organised by The Hop venue along with fanzine Rhubarb Bomb and set in the cities best (and possibly worst) venues. Across the day there's local, national and indeed international bands across The Hop, Henry Boons, Mustangs, Town Hall and even the cities cathedral. At a bargain twelve quid it's hardly surprising it's sold out too.
The Support… Well we start in Mustangs for Darwin Deez but the day is nearly half over already. There's a decent crowd into this town centre trendies pub with plenty packed onto the dance floor too. Darwin Deez are a weird bunch, they look like the extras of Fat Boy Slim's 'Praise you', some bizarre dance troop looking like they've escaped from the eighties. Then as music starts, all four of the band line up along the stage and do some crazy dance, perhaps they are some bizarre dance troupe after all! But no they pick up some proper instruments and get down to some music; it's good too, really good. They are a bit laid back, a bit left field indie, a bit dance but all Darwin Deez. It's a nice laid back groove that they pack and Darwin himself, fresh from New York with long curly hair tied up with a hair band looks like a true indie pop star. In between songs they revert back to dance troupe to the crowds acclaim and after a bit of a technical issue Darwin does a bit of rap too. They end with the 'hit' 'Radar detector' which goes down a treat. Long way from NYC to Long Division but the journey has been truly worth it.
It's across town now to catch I Like Trains at Wakefield Town Hall. Now this isn't a converted town hall into a swish venue no it's the actual town hall with council staff having to usher punters in and upstairs to the function room for the gig. The room is really nice, wood clad with an air of tradition about it, bar one end and temporary stage at the other. There's a bit of a hitch getting the intro music off but once I Like Trains get into action there's no stopping them. Its complete chalk and cheese between these and Darwin Deez as they push the atmospheric indie guitar rock genre to the limit. They look the part with their uniforms and the vocalist / guitarists regal beard, they sound pretty regal too, sort of Editors / White Lies with that dark broody sound, super sonic soundscapes. They show why the are the headline act at the Town Hall in some considerable style.
Back onto the street and across to the Wakefield Cathedral and Emmy The Great. Now this is the most fantastic venue for a gig too, this is a proper working Cathedral, a house of god indeed except there's a bar in the corner and a band playing in front of the alter! So amongst the fantastic architecture there's needs to be a act to match and Emmy The Great is the perfect accompaniment to this venue. She is a musical tonic, nice and acoustic with a thrilling voice. There's a good, appreciative audience seated in the pews and they are treated to a great show too.
The Main Event…So back out onto the street again as we head off back to Mustangs for Long Division's headline act, Yorkshire own favourite miserablist David Gedge and his Wedding Present. All is good too, there's a good crowd packed into Mustangs and plenty of Gedge's loyal supporters that he's amassed and kept over the past twenty five years. Moving back from last year 'Bizarro' anniversary tour to a set that spans the full career. There's 'My Favourite dress' which is a blooming old classic and gets the crowd moving. Now this is where the problems start, now as mentioned earlier this isn't a usual music venue and they don't have usual gig bouncers, these muppets trade in punches and getting off on a bit of power on a Saturday night, there's tension from the off. So as Gedge and co kick on and blast through an awesome set with all their usual power there's a steady stream of punters from 'darn the front been forced to exit stage left and right but some heavy handed apes. On stage we have the musical delights of the one about the dead presidents ('Kennedy'), the one about a town in Holland ('Rotterdam') and a run through 'It's a gas' for good measure. The guitars are flailing and Gedge's drawl is as good as ever too. However, things off stage are coming to a bloody head; a violent crowd eviction is too much for one fan who ends up on stage waving his arms frantically to avert Gedge and co's attention to actions across the dance floor. They look shocked and end up exiting stage left for what seems like an age whilst there's a series of conversations. Gedge wanders back on stage to confirm that the bouncers have been evicted and that they will be able to continue, he comments it's a class of cultures and they really haven't been able to handle an 'alternative rock' gig, too true. So off they go again for what seems like an encore from the band Gedge laughs doesn't do encores! It's a storming three song return too, a stella 'Dalliance' which is still one of their best ever and bitterest songs ever recorded, it's awesome. They follow it up with a couple of hit parade, twelve 'hit' singles in one year (beat that) so we have 'Go Go Dancer' and they brilliant 'Flying Saucer'. Fortunately a musical and non confrontational finish to what was in fits and starts a trademark quality Wedding Present gig.
The Verdict… So let's forget about the errors at Mustangs let's focus on the positives and Long Division has to go down as a qualified success. They have used some sublime venues, that's us talking having missed The Hop completely; use of the Town Hall and Cathedral is a stroke of genius. They've also managed to put together a brilliant line up, not just the few bands we've focused on but across the full day, a launch party on the Friday night and a fringe festival across a few more venues featuring lesser known acts on the Sunday too. All concerned need a big pat on the back for their efforts and hard work as it's been enjoyed by one and all, well maybe a few lobbed out of The Weddoes might have a slightly different experience but we're sure the rest of their days were enjoyable!
The Wedding Present Scores… out of ten!
Atmosphere… 6
Ability…9
Tunes… 9
Effort… 8
The Wedding Present Final Score… 8
Pics - The Wedding Present / Darwin Deez / I like trains & Emmy The great - numerous across the webzine photo gallery and check the Shadders Onmelungs facebook page for even more.
May 2011
The Band... Oswald
The Venue... Doncaster Vintage Rockbar
Pics - three bad pics in the mobile phone gallery
April 2011
The Band… Beady Eye
The Venue… Leeds Academy. This is one of the venues of the north, it looks awesome from the outside especially all lit up and inside it just oozes class; mega high ceiling gives it great acoustics too. The gig is a big fat sell out, a decent support with Ocean Colour Scene's Steve Craddock booked and a chance to see Liam Gallagher's new mob close up so should be a bit of a corker to be fair.
The Support… Steve Craddock has plenty of time on 'the big stages' as guitarist for Britpop survivors (and long time Gallagher friends) Ocean Colour Scene and also as long time member of Paul Weller's backing band. That said one thing that isn't that usual for Craddock is actually to be stood in the spotlight and doing the singing, although now peddling his second long player 'Peace City West' it is obviously becoming more normal. That said he does at one point mess up in quite a spectacular fashion; this is laughed off with 'his' band. The audience grows throughout the set as people return from the bar or start taking their places for Beady Eye and as the evening goes on the applause seems to get louder, there is even a bit of a jig now and again from certain sections of the crowd too. Craddock as ever looks the part, the ever decreasing amount of hair firmly in place and nice buttoned up brown cord jacket (can always be trusted to be well turned out for the big occasion). The music, well it isn't a departure from what he is known for, nice melodies, the usual mod influences and the occasional rock out too. Not something to whip up the crowd into frenzy before Gallagher's appearance but keeps them nicely entertained none the less. Good solid start then.
The Main Event… You wouldn't be too far from the truth to say the bar has been truly raided by the time Liam and co and the pre headline tunes have whipped up the crowd big style too, in fact the last song before Beady Eye are due on is the full version of the Roses' classic 'I am the resurrection' to say it goes down a storm is somewhat of an understatement, it's sung word for word with arms and lager aloft, even for Squire's guitar parts too in fact! So by the time Gallagher strides onstage looking very dapper in a blue (one assumes pretty green) long coat and longer than normal hair the place is crackling with electric anticipation. They start with a bullish and forceful 'Four letter word' and the place goes wild, it is one of the highlights from their debut 'Different gear, still speeding' and is given a good kicking tonight and well suited to the live arena too. It's one song in and it's obvious that Liam is in good form, the vocals sound on the money and he has all his usual trademark moves, still speeding indeed. The rest of Beady Eye; the core band of Gem Archer, Andy Bell and Chris Sharrock are supplemented live with a bassist and keyboards so it's a six piece tonight, they all know their parts and with Gallagher's trusty pairing of Archer and Bell either side of him he knows he can just get on with his job without any worries. No real surprises on the setlist front, they aren't going to do any Oasis that would at this point be plainly stupid so it's the majority of their debut which has been about for a couple of months so those in tonight know what's what. They know they like 'The Roller' despite its disappointing charting (Gallagher's words not ours) the place goes barmy for it; crowd surfing, beer flying, arms aloft and singing aplenty in fact. There's plenty to get the hardcore Gallagher fan moving, seeing as Beady Eye is the core of the last incarnation of Oasis and it shares the frontman, who is in great form (doesn't even seem to fussed as a pint whizzes past his eye at one point), the music isn't a million miles away and there's some cracking live tunes too, 'Bring the light' is just awesome, sounds great on record, a million times louder and more menacing tonight, not a song to be messed with! The atmosphere hardly fades for their more mellow, Beatles infused moments neither and knowing a Gallagher there's always gonna be a few of those especially as one of the tracks is actually called 'beatles and stones'! As Liam finishes the two song set, still with the coat firmly zipped up (looking a bit Lee Evans mind, dry cleaners needed methinks) he jumps off the stage, hood up and walks through the pit shaking the hands of as many of those at the front as possible, nice touch that and just the sort of thing this crowd deserves as it's been first rate.
The Verdict… You always kinda fear the worst when the 'second' band of an icon comes around but Beady Eye really give it to Leeds both barrels, quite simply a great night out our kid!
Beady Eye Scores… out of ten!
Atmosphere… 9
Ability… 9
Tunes… 8
Effort… 8
The Final Score… 8
Pics - Steve Craddock - 4 in the Photo Gallery (bumped from Beady Eye's list so no decent pics of Liam..boo) Beady eye - 4 in the Mobile Phone Gallery
The Band.... The Airborne Toxic Event
The Venue… Leeds Cockpit. Blimey back again to the Cockpit, this is getting quite a habit but tonight it's in the main room for a barmy April evening's entertainment from the American touring event. Good crowd too, packed right through to the back bar.
The Support… Unfortunately no idea, the Toxic Event have already started, damn early in fact, even before their scheduled time slot which is a bit annoying for us as we rush into the venue!
The Main Event… Anyway it turns out to be their second song, current single 'Numb' greets us in the heaving hot arches venue. It sounds better live too; bigger, more atmospheric, darker even. We grab a beer and move away from the 'chatters', Leeds crowds still have a bit of a reputation for talk then listening even during the best bands. Anyway further down the front it's a better picture. The band are an unusual proposition, bit different from the usual guitar / bass / drums / vox formula. They have a rocker on bass, then guitars and drums then a rather dapper looking Mikel Jollett on vocals (plus a bit of keys and guitars too) plus Anna Bulbrook, looking rather lovely in a see through black top doing a bit of keyboards, some tambourines, random dancing, backing vocals and most notably violins. Because of this comparisons have been made to Arcade Fire, lazy comparison yes, truthful? Only slightly. In fact The Airborne Toxic Event seem to be a bit of a schizophrenic band, one minute the Morrissey style lyrics and indie roots and then boom transform into a big raucous barroom brawler of a band. Which is best? Bizarrely they are bloody good at both; the green day style rawk really gets the crowd moving especially as there is plenty of old stuff thrown into the mix. When they go for it they are quite a sight, bassist playing with a violin bow, Anna jumping around like an absolute nutter and the band joining much to their amusement to the traditional chants of 'Leeds Leeds Leeds', guessing they don't get that touring round the Midwest! Anyway back to the two faces of the 'Event. Off the new album 'Ready to die' which seems quite personal to Jollett, he explains it has whipped up a bit of a storm back home as 'anti American' which he explains wasn't intentional. It's quite a serious moment, the smiles are gone especially as he flicks a plectrum at an offending chatter down the front, the song is really paired down and moving. To the cockpit's credit when a bit more chat sparks up mid song there's a chorus of ssh, this tune obvious means a lot to the band and it's performed from the heart too. It's followed by the flip side of the coin (as it is on the album) the full on rock out 'Wedding Day' which lyrically again pulls no punches, two polar opposites, beauty and then a right beast. After a mammoth set and encore the evening draws to a climatic end but Jollett stays behind at the edge of the stage chatting to fans for ages, they have genuinely enjoyed Leeds and Leeds have enjoyed them too.
The Verdict… A corking night's entertainment, kind of two awesome gigs rolled neatly into one. Quite the event in fact.
The Airborne Toxic Event Scores… out of ten!
Atmosphere… 7
Ability… 8
Tunes… 8
Effort…9
The Final Score… 8
Photo's - no good ones but 3 phone pics in the Mobile Gallery
March 2011
The Band… The Boxer Rebellion
The Venue… Leeds Cockpit. We are back for the third time in a fortnight into the cockpit's second room, shame really as we were hoping that they'd done better business and got the main room rocking. Although, it's sold out and the place is well and truly packed.
The Support… We weren't there but rumour has it Bronx boys We Are Augustines were bob on.
The Main Event… The past is the past for The Boxer Rebellion, there's been loads of ups and downs (to be fair too many downs) but here they are in a full room 2 live in Leeds with a buzz of excitement awaiting their arrival on stage. That buzz is soon transferred onto the stage as the multi national indie four piece hit the right notes (in the right order too) right from the off. They still look like an oddly uneven looking bunch with the stylish Adam on bass, the slight and endearing figure of Nathan an unlikely frontman backed up with the motley crew of Todd on guitars and Piers on drums. They may look an interesting lot but they are one hell of a unit, Pier's drums underpinning things and allowing Todd (oft backed up by Nathan) to fly high with some awesome guitars. Anyway as you'd expect the set is stacked with the majority of the latest offering, third album 'The Cold Still' and tonight it brings some real highlights too. 'No harm' shimmers whilst 'Both sides are even' is simply splendid, hats are off for perhaps the best song they have ever written and that's quite a claim too but 'Step out of the car' is spellbinding live. They manage to mix brittle with brutal, atmospheric with grandeur and can at times really rock out which sees both Todd and notably Nathan off the stage playing in the crowd at times tonight, that goes down a treat! There's a few old treats too, most notably 'Watermelon' off their debut album 'Exits' which they finish their set with, even though they don't actually come off stage and just continue with the planned three song encore! There's inclusions of a few off the 'Union' album too which go down very nicely too including 'Evacuate' and 'spitting fire'. So the band was on top form so what about the Leeds crowd? We oft been critical of the fickle nature of Leeds' crowds in the past but tonight it's different and how. The whole place seems captivated by The Boxers (and why shouldn't they be in this form) and there's a very healthy bunch at the front who can only be described as 'going for it…big time'! That's what you need for a great gig band and fans as one, for Boxers fans possibly one of those 'I was there nights'. That good? Yes!
The Verdict… Now is the time for The Boxer Rebellion to come off the indie sidelines and join the mainstream, they have a set full of tunes and they really own the stage tonight like we've never seen them do so before. Nathan always looked a tad brittle as a frontman but there's now an air of confidence around him and his foray into the crowd highlights how he's able to break free. Tonight The Boxer Rebellion look destined for bigger stages, bigger things. No band deserves it more and is more ready for it, fingers crossed for them then.
The Boxer Rebellion Scores… out of ten!
Atmosphere… 9
Ability… 10
Tunes… 9
Effort… 10
The Final Score… 9.5 / 10
Photo's - 5 in the Photo gallery and a whole album on the shadders on me lungs facebook page!
February 2011
The Band... Morning Parade
Leeds Cockpit with support from Euphoria Audio.
Photo's - 1 plus one of Euphoria Audio (support band). 3 on shadders facebook page (plus 4 of Euphoria Audio)
The Band… Chapel Club
The Venue… Leeds Cockpit. It's amazing it's taken the shadders team a month into 2011 to come up to Leeds and the famous Cockpit. Chapel Club are in room 2 which is packed and nice and intimate, rather than in the larger 'under the arches' main room. Chapel Club come off the back of a sensational debut album and a growing reputation, the Cockpit expects.
The Support… Just one support tonight, David's Lyre but to be fair we miss them so sorry about that!
The Main Event… Make no doubts Chapel Club are a headline band these days, their aural delight fills the Cockpit. They kick off with 'Surfacing' and finish with an unexpected encore of 'Five Trees' and in-between is best part of the blinding debut album 'Palace' and a bit more too. The twin guitars of tweed wearing Michael and floppy fringe Alex (who with that hair, guitar style and stripy t shirt wouldn't be out of place in the 90's shoegaze bands that celebrated themselves) give them a real power along with Liam's effortless bass which seems to underpin their whole sound. That sound borders from a droning, deep and atmospheric 'The Shore' to the post punk indie of 'All the Eastern girls' which gets a appreciative but mainly still crowd moving and singing too. Live Chapel Club are deeply captivating, Lewis as a frontman provokes a reaction, pasty white and two stone wet through with a gaze and intensity whilst Michael bosses the stage with his posturing and that haircut! Lewis is well aware that his inter song banter falls flat and admits freely it needs some work despite the fact he is a self confessed motormouth off stage, whilst onstage he lets the songs do the work and work they do. Take 'Oh maybe I' with it's Joy Division bassline, atmospheric guitars and Lewis' sparkling vocals, great indie pop and builds up a real head of steam too.
The Verdict… The confidence of 'Palace' and knowing the songs back to front is well evident but first and foremost these songs are made for playing in an environment like this, intimate setting with a packed crowd. You cannot fail to be moved, call it what you want but Chapel Club are indie guitar pop at its most intense and best.
Chapel Club Scores… out of ten!
Atmosphere… 7
Ability… 9
Tunes… 9
Effort… 9
The Final Score… 8.5 / 10
Photo's? 2 in the photo gallery and 2 more in the mobile phone gallery
The Band… Ryan Marriott
The Venue… Doncaster Vintage Rockbar. Our favourite Doncaster venue, it's got an ultra cool bar upstairs which also houses the best late clubs too (try Swingers it's bob on and no car keys required!). The actual venue is downstairs right next to the toilets which gives it a rather unfortunate smell; it is therefore the ultimate toilet circuit venue. Tonight is an acoustic special and we bob in to catch just a couple of acts, therefore as we class Ryan Marriott as the headline there is actually plenty more talent after we've moved on.
The Support… First up on the night is George Donoghue who appears to like his rock and also very young too. He has the pierced face, the hair and the check shirt (impressively the same as a member of the audience, nice); he also knows his way round an acoustic guitar too. He does a couple of rather good stripped down covers including Nirvana and Foo Fighters which pins his influences to his chest nicely. He has also a day job in the band ReVerbed but on his own he has a good confidence and he gives a damn good account of himself tonight.
The Main Event… Ryan Marriott has the look of a star; the plimsolls, skinny jeans with arse hanging out, check shirt, neat and tidy hair and the fag above the ear, he is centre 'stage' on his own just with a guitar for company, well and the small appreciative crowd that is. He plays a short set, well he's got another gig across town later, busy lad that he is but it's a good 'un. He has that left field feel to him but a decent voice and can a write a decent tune of his own too, with some brief inter song banter he points everyone in the direction of youtube for his latest offering 'potions and pills' which obvious he does credit too which a good run through. He does just one blinding cover too, an unconventional acoustic 'Natural blues' by Moby, different but entertaining to but it mildly.
The Verdict… Great venue and a good evening's entertainment which shows Doncaster has plenty of acoustic talent bubbling under the surface ready and willing to surface, oh it was free too, bonus.
Ryan Marriott Scores… out of ten!
Atmosphere… 6
Ability… 8
Tunes… 7
Effort… 7
The Final Score… 7 / 10
Photo's? 2 on the mobile phone gallery
January 2011
The Band… Elephant Keys (Higher Rhythm Night)
The Venue… Sheffield Leadmill. A new year but same old Leadmill, still as cool as ever and for a ten band local bonanza there is nowhere better. Virtually all the local music media / mafia are in force and there's plenty who have paid a mere four pound to get through the doors two. So it's a real early start and bands on the marvellous main stage and on the 'steel stage' in the main bar too.
The Support… Well it's not really support bands as such and there's already been three bands on by ten to eight when we are ready and waiting by the main stage for The Beaus. Doncaster's finest just get better and better, still nothing in the area that really compares to them. The number of recent converts seems to be increasing too which has obviously buoyed the three piece as they start in fine fettle. They may look like many other 'indie' bands, a three piece with thin as a lat Doya in charge of vocals / guitars, tall and supercool Danny on bass and mitch the 'pin up' on drums. But the difference is musically, they aren't the usual Libertines or Oasis knock off merchants you see too often on the local circuit, they have a knack of blending different styles and influences to make Beaus songs. Doya has a vocal style all of his own, part urban, part ska, part reggae and part rock which on top of Danny's booming basslines just makes perfect sense. Tonight they have the confidence in their own abilities to put on a fine performance well until things go a rye as Mitch manages to break a snare. The delay means a shortened set which is a bit of a shame and leads to Danny having objects thrown at him to remind the band to finish on time; still it's good while it lasts!
A quick wander across to the smaller steel stage to see The Salvo. These are four lads with pipe cleaner legs, skinny jeans, nice boots and big hair to be honest they look like the usual Libertines / Strokes bands that have been kicking around for the last few years. And musically too they have taken the likes of Barat to heart but they have real conviction in their musical beliefs and can put on a real show. They do know how to play all the right notes and definitely in the right order too, not so bad then.
A quick skip back to the main stage leads us onto The Tivoli. Now these couldn't be more different to The Salvo, for a start the lead singer looks as hard as nails and has a stare that looks like it could kill at 50 paces! There's plenty of attitude and confidence and it's not bad stuff, more mainstream to be fair just misses that spark. Not a bad way to spend 20 minutes but doesn't really last too long in the memory.
Talking about not lasting long in the memory now that up next on the smaller stage is White Buffalo. The place is packed again as it was for The Salvo but it doesn't stay this way for long! As to be honest White Buffalo are awful. In our book there are a few golden rules and they break them all! For example rule 1, Don't have a song in which your name is the main lyrics, especially the first up. Then Rule 2, Don't keep saying this is a party, it's not, it's a gig and it's not even there's! Plus Rule 3, Don't think you are being ironic when you are just a two bit cod rawk band that should be banished to the seventies where they belong. Oh yes, don't think you are Jack Black neither. We join the exodus as the empty main stage is a better prospect.
It's not long before the main stage is full again and we should have The Dead Delta but they claim to be Whispering Dolls but it does appear to be the same people (who used to ply their trade as The Chartists). Musically it's the same stuff, colours pinned to the rock mast, looking the part and sounding a bit Stones, plenty retro and not at all bad and not comedy which is a relief.
Back to the Steel Stage for the stage headliners and surprise package of the night, Alvarez Kings. They don't look like they have to try too hard, well except maybe for the bassist's haircut to look supercool and the front man has the look of a young Hugh Grant! They aren't trying to look like the usual suspects neither which is always a bonus too. And then it happens they kick off and boom they are good, no really good! Not only do they have the style but they also have the rhythm too, it's indie guitars but with the lovely dancey element that's bang on the money at the moment. They get the crowd going, even the lad who looks like Sideshow bob (according to half of the crowd although the singer thinks he looks more like Art Garfunkel!). Alvarez Kings really finish the Steel Stage in fine style; those Elephant Keys have got some act to follow here.
The Main Event… Elephant Keys are loud, my god they are loud! This isn't cracked up to 11 no that's for pussies or something this is up to 13 and then some more on top. They are big and brash, the hair and all that plus they exude confidence. They can really rock and they damn well know it, they again take their lead from retro rawk probably a big wink to the Stones and latter day Black Crowes. The Elephant Keys may not be the most original band you'll ever see but they give it their all and know how to put on a decent show. A fitting end then and a bloody loud one too!
The Verdict… Arr the ears, they are bleeding!
The Elephant Keys Scores… out of ten!
Atmosphere… 8
Ability… 6
Tunes… 6
Effort… 10
The Final Score… 7.5 / 10
Photo's? Six on the Photo Gallery - Loads more on Shadders OnmeLungs facebook page!