It's not often I get to see signed bands that have records out as I spend most of my evenings watching unsigned artists (not that this is a bad thing it's just a treat to see a show when you know every song and can have it down the front). But before I discuss the !!! performance I must mention the support act 'Chow Chow' because they are a top band and have some interesting characters in the line up. For example, one of the members used to provide soundtracks to porno films and another is a Happy Hardcore DJ (anyone who grew up in a provincial town will be familiar with this music, Vibes and Lively anyone?). Baring this in mind it was little suprise to see this band belting out beat driven art rock that sounds prettey much like nothing you have heard before, and believe me this is a refreshing experience in these times of generic top shop endorsed indie music. Set highlights included the ace new single 'Dear Francis' (that must be purchased for the snakes & ladders themed artwork as well as the tune) and another belting tune called 'Bright Lights' and the most remarkable thing about this set was the fact that their performance matched the cavernous surroundings that this band are 'so' not used to.
Following Chow Chow was a band called Blood Red Shoes, a two piece band from Brighton that I don't want to discuss because i'm just not into them. So up step !!! with all the attidue of well adapted, educated New Yorker's and as they launch into the first song you realize that when God handed out talent and cool he provided each memeber with an ample portion of both. If you haven't heard of this band then I advise you to go out and buy their new album 'Myth Takes' because they are the real deal. Songs like 'Must Be The Moon' and 'All My Heroes are Werdios' sound like underground classics in the making and when 'Heart of Hearts' kicks in the audience dance like it's a friday night in Manchester 1987. I can't talk anbout this gig anymore because it was so good it's hard to describe so check them out yourself, end of!
The Retro Bar in Manchester is the kind of place that could have been used as a filming location for Miami Vice circa 1987. Bright Red Sofas line the mirrored walls competing for space with the usual crowd of angular mopped punters who are pushed right up against band members gracing it's barely there stage. Many of Manchesters finest bands past and present have performed in this intimate venue and in more recent years it's most memorable gig was the first Nine Black Alps show that attracted the majority of the UKs A&R community back in 2004.
My reason for being here on a bitter March evening was to check out the ever improving St Albans band Friendly Fires (www.myspace.com/friednlyfires) who made quite an impact with their
self titled EP, released during the the latter stages of 2006. Combining the punk funk energy of bands like the Rapture and the monotone vocals of early human league the band do more than enough to keep the majority of Manchesters music muso types happy. The Candi Staton sampling 'Your Love' is the obvious show highlight but other tracks like 'Photo Boooth' and 'On Board' suggest that this band are more than just another DFA influenced dance band. Expeact to hear more from this lot in the future and if this sounds like your kind of thinkg then I'd advise you check them out asap.
Moving onfrom the Retro Bar I headed up to the Dry Bar a pub made infamous by Shaun Ryder when he pulled a gun out there back in the early nineties - if you haven't already watch 24 Hour Party People for a better explanation/extention of the truth - to see a band called The Good Hurt. Drawing influenece from QOTSA, McKlusky and Trail of Dead ., The Good Hurt's performance was full of energy and quiet/loud moments that were executed with a Black Francis like precision. Their music will probably not be everyones cup of tea but if you like your US alt rock then this band is definitely for you. (The footage in the Good Hurt video is not from the gig I attended)
I really can't wait until Friday because I'm heading up to Manchester for a few days to catch up on all things new in the current music world up there. I have a load of venues and clubs to visit and although the musical output of Manchester has been lukewarm in recent years, there is always a feeling when visiting the city looking for bands that the next Joy Division, Stone Roses or Happy Mondays are knocking out the classics in a practice room in Salford or Ancoats. I will mention all of the interesting things that happen at the weekend on this blog next week so check it out if you can.
I headed up to the Fibbers in York on Monday to check out a new band from Liverpool called The Hot Melts. Despite playing to an audience of about 6 people (it was a monday night in York) the band retained their composure and belted out a few power pop/rock tunes. The highlight of the set was a track called 'Edith' that can be heard here www.myspace.com/thehotmelts .
I love nothing more than being suprised by a band be they old or new and although they split opinion Forward Russia really impressed me on Saturday @ Chalk (Scala). I've never been the biggest fan of this band but it seems that spending the best part of two years living on the road has helped them raise the bar live with the show on Saturday proving that hard work and dedication is way more important to a band then chosing the right hair product.
