Back down the front in 2009!
Twisted Wheel
Venue: Sheffield Leadmill. Just a few days after our last jaunt across the M18 to Sheffield’s finest we are back and again relegated into the bar for some Steel Stage action. After their jaunt round with the Oasis brothers (including a trip to the nearby Arena) there’s plenty in, just a shame it’s not in the ‘big room’. Support: Detroit Social Club have actually brought a few fans of their own and so they should as they’ve been here under their own steam before. They crowd the stage with their brand of indie folk rock and plenty of hair and a good deal of energy. It’s pretty encouraging stuff and the highlight a bountiful dash through ‘Sunshine People’ has plenty of feet shuffling about. Good stuff. The Band: Just think about the first time you heard The Clash or The Jam, in fact the first time you saw Oasis well now then add Twisted Wheel onto the list too. When the three piece take to the small stage there’s already a buzz of anticipation especially as a dozen or so have already checked out the set lists to huge smiles. As soon as Jonny hit’s the first notes it’s obvious that it’s gonna be something special, Twisted Wheel manage to take all the obvious influences kick the shit out of them and then blast them out with almighty venom, the energy is mind blowing. By the time they get to ‘You stole the sun’ there’s already dancing aplenty but once they hammer out the intro the place goes literally mental with punters all over the place, in fact the band and crowd are as one and that don’t happen very often. For the rest of the set it’s more of the same and it’s an example of how to hold a crowd just by having the tunes and the know how to bang them out with style. They leave to a heroes exit, no encore but none is needed they have done the business and as they crowd file back into the main room and out into the evening rain they know they’ve been well and truly treated. Verdict: Fucking awesome stuff, haven’t seen the place buzzing like this for some time and Twisted Wheel don’t disappoint neither. Power, pace, energy and tunes to burn Twisted Wheel are the perfect live package and are the real deal in the intimate surroundings of the steel stage. If there’s any justice with performances like this Twisted Wheel will be massive.
Shadders scorelines
Atmosphere - 9
Ability - 8
Effort - 10
Twisted Wheel value for money - 9
(May 2009)
The Hours
Venue: Sheffield Leadmill. As ever the lure of The Leadmil prevails over any other northern venue. Unfortunately it's in the small room, badged as the Steel Stage for gigs, that said there's plenty in and it does make for a decent intimate affair. Support: Due to a door 'malfunction' we only get in minutes before Genn, Slattery and co actually hit the stage so the support is a definite no no. For the record they may or may not have been called Glasslights! The Band: This is a homecoming of sorts for The Hours as Anthony Genn, chief vocalist and co writer is from Sheffield (the southern side - see 'People say'!) although in the lyrics of The Hours he is pretty dismissive of the city that raised him and of the whole northern mentality. Still he's got plenty of family and friends to roar him on and he laps up the attention. With a new album in store now you'd kind of expect that the set would be weighed in 'See the lights' favour but no, it's pretty much a 50 / 50 split which means the choicest cuts from 'Narcissus Road' are on offer too. Indeed after warming up with 'These Days' they give 'Icarus' with its dark lyrics a damn good run through, the devil may have all the tunes indeed! It's fair eclipsed by a rousing rendition of the banging 'Narcissus Road'. As ever 'Ali in the jungle' sandwiched midset is a beast live but it's brought back down to earth by a beautifully stripped back 'Big Black Hole', which appears on 'See the lights' in some style. It comes as a bit of a surprise as the album version is stunning but this back to basics version has a more subtle feel. By this time the truly anthemic 'Car crash' has been aired, it mixes the brittle, subtle sound with big indie rock blasts, nice. Despite The Hour appear to have increased in number its still Genn and Slattery who catch the eye. Genn controls the stage and Slattery is like a possessed beast bouncing around on the piano, at times he looks like Animal (minus the drum kit obviously) and have you ever seen so many effects pedals for a piano! Genn, is on fine form, his banter consists everything from telling everyone to tell one more person about The Hours as 'it's damn hard' to swearing at the crowd over some clapping instructions for a bit of song participation! After another new anthem, the vocal and piano heavy 'Think again' they leave the stage after two blinders from their debut. The damning 'People say' as ever ends in a vitriol fuelled fuck frenzy and the pace is keep up with a impressive 'Murder or Suicide'. Slattery's piano really to the fore with guitars and drums struggling to keep up and lyrics as dark as you like. Then they are gone. Verdict: But not for long, their encore sums The Hours right up. 'Back when you were good' with its almost classical, booming feel lead by Slattery's piano once more with some of indieland's finest bittersweet lyrics. But the masterstroke is to finest with the highlight of the new album, namesake 'See the lights'. Epic is an oft overworked word but not in this case, it doesn't get much more beautiful and powerful as this. Stunning.
Shadders scorelines
Atmosphere - 8
Ability - 9
Effort - 9
The Hours value for money - 9
(May 2009)
The Maccabees
Venue: Sheffield Plug. It's a bit of a spin this one, we've been here before but only in one of its previous incarnations and it's a pretty impressive now. Big, plenty of space and the huge high stage give everyone a blinding view. Looks the part too with full length cool bar and the place is rammed to the rafters. Support: No idea we're in purely for The Maccabees who are on pretty early, but there again there is a club straight after so no surprises why the early finish. The Band: It starts off in pretty disastrous circumstances as when they take the stage nothing seems to work! They mooch about for a bit before heralding a second incident free start. Fortunately it's second time lucky as they blow through newie 'No Kind words' and classic 'X-ray' early doors. 'No Kind words' has echoes of their debut's formula; short, poppy and punchy but adds a kinda dark sinister undertone. After the stalled start it isn't long before both Maccabees and fans are into their stride with a real buzz bounding round the Plug. They are in fine fettle as they treat everyone to a clever mix of new, mainly unheard tracks and the picks of 'Colour it in'. Their angular indie pop seems to be a bastardised mix of Maximo Park, Razorlight with a bit of Penate and even the Smiths thrown in too but it really strikes a chord tonight. The likes of 'Precious Time' has the place in uproar, in fact during the evening Orlando Weeks (still not sure that's the singers actual name but it says so on their myspace page!) asks for the house lights to be put up so he can see the response in all it's glory. The band seem genuinely thankful for the crowds joyful response after all this is supposed to be a tricky time for a band, coming back after a successful debut but there's no worries on that score, the Plug lap it up. None more so than 'First Love' which prompts a thunderous reception and heralds the lads back on stage for a couple more including finishing on another high with their next single. Verdict: Spellbinding; the energy, vibe and enjoyment from crowd through to stage and back is a joy to behold. A triumphant return to the indie fold.
Shadders scorelines
Atmosphere - 10
Ability - 8
Effort - 9
The Maccabees value for money - 9
(March 2009)
The Boxer Rebellion
Venue: Nottingham Rescue Rooms. Great little venue this, just round the corner from the mighty Rock City but with a whole unique vibe of its own. Support: Probably some local band whose name escapes us! They have a singer who has far too much enthusiasm for his own good which fails to engage the relatively small crowd. Pretty average fare and distinctly forgettable. The Band: Turns out that despite good crowds during the rest of their jaunt it's only really just over half full when The Boxers come on, this is unfortunately a by product of actually being so close to the Rock City where Pete Doherty is playing. It doesn't really phase the band too much, after all during their career they've had bigger knocks that this but it does steal us of a really 'great' performance which a full house is usually contusive to. As you'd expect they concentrate on playing the majority of 'Union' which is doing cracking business in cyberspace despite only been available in CD format at gigs (plenty shifted after the gig it has to be said!). That said they do manage a to fit in some choice cut's from debut 'Exits' including a blinding 'All you do is talk' but to many fans disappointment there's no appearance of 'Flight' on the set list. Finishing with 'Watermelon' is a masterstroke too, it's one of the highlights of 'Exits' and still sounds as menacing as ever. There's even plenty of movement in the crowd too! The new material has a similar feel to it, take opener 'Semi Automatic', still dark and broody with plenty of guitars. But there's also a bit of a shoegazy feel too, more in the layers of sound and guitars plus check out the multi drum magnificence of 'Flashing red light'! Verdict: Whilst it's not a perfect night, Pete Doherty's theft of half the crowd puts paid to that but still The Boxer Rebellion still show there's plenty in the locker, technically there's not a note out of place but they do look like there's a couple more gears to go through. Given the upturn in their current fortunes they'll be bigger and better nights than this and what's more most of those who have turned out tonight will be ready and waiting for them.
Shadders scorelines
Atmosphere - 5
Ability - 10
Effort - 7
The Boxer Rebellion value for money - 7
(March 2009)
Post War Years
Venue: Leeds Cockpit 3. Now this is a bit of a winner, despite seeing tons of gig at the Cockpit over the years and enjoying the odd pint in the bar we never knew there was a 'secret' upstairs mini venue that goes by the name Cockpit 3. Those unfamiliar with the excellent Leeds venue will need to know that it's situated in the arches under the cities train station. This snug venue is right in the arch which means you can nearly touch the trains! Support: Well actually it's a three band Chess Records rotating line up with James Yuill and Wave Machines the other bands in question. The Cockpit has advertised the gig as a headline from Yuill, which obviously means he's on first! Whilst mucking around on the interweb we come across a review of James Yuill which described him as 'folktronica' which may sound a bit weird but actually quite accurate. He's very much a one-man band; just him, a guitar, an ibook and some neat electronic gadgets on stage. One way when he's got his guitar in hand he is very much of the nu-alt country vibe, similar in kind to Sam Isaac but then when the electro noodlings and beats are in full effect he borders on dance floor filler. When he's in-between the two or indeed mixing the two up he's at his most engaging best. To say he's on his own up there he's actually a decent watch and pretty endearing and weighs in with a performance that could easy merit that headline slot, there's people dancing too which is a damn fine start. The Band: Post War Years also get people dancing as they follow Yuill to a similarly packed arch however the stage is a little fuller now. The four-piece fill the stage and their sound fills the venue too with a far 'bigger' sound that Yuill can muster. They are indie of which there is no doubt but have that current cool electro art pop sound with echoes of Bowie and Roxy Music plus current beau's Friendly Fires. There's plenty of energy, especially from the drummer who appears to have taken Keith Moon and Animal from The Muppets as perfect role models, so active is he that mid set he has a nose bleed. The keyboardist issues a plea for some tissue but declines some that looks a little on the used side, he then goes on to explain that used tissue is never a good idea especially from blokes! Despite the incessant merch plugging they manage to knock out a pretty hot set with angular beats and all single 'Whole world on it's head' taking much of the plaudits. Another fine performance that means tonight's 'headliners' have plenty to live up to. Headliners: Unfortunately Wave Machines aren't really up to the job. Despite their obvious love of bad jumpers and 'crazy' masks (which do indeed look like they are actually of themselves) they have the most obvious sound and lack of musical ideas. On a normal night they may not sound half bad but when following Yuill and Post War Years they just don't cut the mustard, shame that. Verdict: Two out of three ain't bad! James Yuill was a real pleasant surprise, a man with a vibe and beats all of his own, bit special that lad. Post War Years have the look plus the sound to back them up with both easily well capable of stepping up to the headline plate with ease. Wave Machines however struggled with responsibility and failed to end the evening with the bang it deserved.
Shadders scorelines
Whole Gig Atmosphere - 8
Post War Years Ability - 8
Post War Years Effort - 8
Whole Gig value for money - 8
(February 2009)
Late of the Pier
Venue: Sheffield Leadmill. Despite the increased competition from the Academy across the city this has still to be the number one live and club venue, unfortunately doesn't have the same number of gigs it used to have. That said there's plenty in a looks like a young lively crowd with over reacting 'guards' keeping all those without legit id well away from the bar! Support: Micahu, a rather left field three piece hailing from the big smoke who claim to be pop, pop, pop! Well they are unusual pop if they are that, don't expect any Britney Spears influences lets put it that way. As you'd probably expect for this support slot there's an electro edge and they seem to keep the masses entertained whilst they keep one eye on their watches eagerly awaiting Late of the Pier. The Band: Well as soon as they walk on stage it's like the blue touch paper has been lit and the place literally goes off. LOTP take this as a great lead and it's given back with both barrels, it's a sweaty affair all around with plenty of old school stage surfing and the stage security have a busy old evening. Despite claims that their gigs are sedate, Late of the Pier are anything but plenty of jumping around, instrument changes and general on stage malarkey! It's hard to pin down LOTP musically as they are musically as much all over the place as their stage set, that isn't a criticism but they tend not to have one 'sound'. Fair play the Klaxons comparisons but to be fair they eclipse them with some ease, there's loads of keys and electro noodlings , guitar frenzy and even glimpses of baggy on speed. It's all going swimmingly and then the bears finally arrive…. The places goes mental and as 'The Bears are coming' goes into overdrive the singer ends up head first off the stage and into the crowd and that just about sums it all up. Verdict: Hard core fans really make this a treat although the lad in the front row continually pronouncing his love for Samuel Dust was a bit strange, especially when he requested his shoe, even weirder when Dust seemed to be singing into it minutes later! It's just another night that the Leadmill is famous for and long may they continue.
Shadders scorelines
Atmosphere - 10
Ability - 8
Effort -- 9
Late of the Pier value for money - 9
(February 2009)
Roses Kings Castles
Venue: York Fibbers. Now 100% part of the Barfly chain after founder and landlord left to set up The Duchess literally next door there's been a few subtle changes to the formula that made the Fibbers York's premier venue. The beer has changed and it feels a little bit more, hard to word this but perhaps more professional. Obviously it's still got the grim toilets but fortunately it's still plenty same enough to be the good 'old Fibbers. Support: Unfortunately we get in early enough to witness a band to claim to be called Pinhead, apparently according to the drippy singer / guitarist they played a gig in Leeds the other day and it was wank, well here's the news that about sums up their gig tonight. He spends far too much energy slagging off the crowd and not enough trying to be any good! And there's the lass who is supposed to be backing vocals but between moaning there's not enough vocals in her monitor and sticking her fingers in her ears and gurning when doing her couple of lines per song, lets face it she might as well not be there at all. The music, well I'm sure they'll describe it as 21-century fusion but most would call it rubbish. The last word goes to a member of the small hardy band watching, when the singer asks what they can do to make it more enjoyable the wag shouts fuck off and that's that really! Most of the crowd are here to see a band who have (self-confessed) a crap name, they are Swimwear Juniors. Their friends get down the front and have a bloody good time which makes it easier for the SJ's to get stuck in, they are unashamedly poptastic and the frontman has the looks to match. Perhaps could do with butching up their sound somewhat but their mates don't half have a blast! The Band: Not so much a band but just Adam Ficek (the drummer from Babyshambles if you didn't know) on his own with an acoustic guitar. He does his soundcheck actually when he gets up on stage without saying a word which is a bit surreal. When he decides to start there's not much of an introduction, just an excuse that he's got a sore throat which along with the weird soundcheck gets the alarm bells well and truly ringing. Musically Roses Kings Castles isn't a million miles away from one bloke and his guitar but there are a few times the backing strings or band are missed a bit. As expected when he plays 'Horses' and 'Broken Homes' they sound wonderfully understated glorious indie. He gets a bit of momentum going for 'Burn your town down' but he isn't going to win any prizes for energy expelled. All through the proceeding he grumbles at sections of the crowd, fair enough they are annoying but they did get the crowd down to the front rather than stood by the bar. Then he whinging that he'll have to cut the set short due to his throat, he manages to sing us an extra song but he's on for such a short space of time it makes you to wonder why bother make the long journey from London for that. Nice music just not very much of it! Verdict: Too short by half and you just get the feeling that he's just a funny bugger, his attitude and quips don't really make him particularly endearing just a bit pretentious really. It's a shame as well as his album is really good and we had expected far better than this half-arsed performance. Possibly it's an off day due to feeling crap but if he felt that bad just cancel and save those who have braved the cold and wet January evening the expense and trouble till he can give his music the performance it deserves.
Shadders scorelines
Atmosphere - 5
Ability - 7
Effort - 3
Roses Kings Castles value for money - 5
(January 2009)