Vanity Project Extra Live

Gig Reviews

Monday, October 31, 2005

The Deads + Stop It Your Killing Me + Big Squirrel - The Thursday Thing, The Registry, Portsmouth. 20/10/05

This is my first visit to The Thursday Thing at The Registry mainly due to the lack of money rather than not wanting to go. It's a fairly large pub, for those not familiar with Portsmouth and is popular with students and those that like a lively atmosphere but without your townie element and a cheap entry fee for gigs means that you have a decent crowd of people who want to see the bands and those that just want to go to the pub and are not put off by the admission price. Apparently the PA didn't turn up tonight but the show goes on and they have cobbled together a makeshift PA that does the job well enough.

The Big Squirrel duo are first up comprising Chester Squirrel on acoustic guitar and vocals backed by Bennington Squirrel on drums (who may or may not be seen at other times digging out riffs for The Good Time Charlies); and what a fine racket they make, wonderfully lo-fi acoustic garage punk though what they do to the guitar I don't know as it's the dirtiest, heaviest acoustic I've ever heard! With a large crowd in to support them it's hard to see what is going on as Chester is sat on a low stool inflicting untold abuse on said guitar while Bennington is bashing seven shades of shit out of the drums. It's raw rock n roll, catchy as hell and just the way I like it; German Sex Tourist, that can be sampled over there on their MySpace page sounds like On A Rope by Rocket From The Crypt after it's had dirty sex and been dragged through the gutter and is the perfect song that sums up BS. It's brilliantly shambolic but tight and just the right side of trashy and a must see band if you like it rough and raw.

Stop It Your Killing Me suffer from a lack of subtlety tonight as their fantastic psychobilly beats are lost beneath walls of guitar and the vocals are simply lost. The few recorded tracks I have sampled put one in mind of The Eighties Matchbox B-Line Disaster and on a different night I can imagine them sounding awesome but tonight just doesn't work for them and while there are plenty of interesting things going on it's just not pulled into focus this evening.

With plenty of beer having flowed it's time for The Deads to come out preaching again and they do so in fine style with their high energy indie rock. It's hard to label them exactly, there is a touch of many things mixed in their potent brew from the sixties to modern day and they have refined it down to the essentials that leaves a hard rocking exterior with a melodic heart and a frontman that demands attention as he feeds off the energy. It wakes up a few of the non gig goers who move over to have a peak at what all the noise is about and I think they may just have converted a few to thier cause.

A most enjoyable evening in a friendly pub and well worth a visit.

Psyattica + Fivemiledrive + Little London + A Stranger In Moscow - Wedgewood Rooms, Portsmouth. 16/10/05.

The latest Devil's Roadshow gig and the chance for some local bands to play a decent venue with a big sound and it's credit all round to those involved as this is sold out and a friendly crowd are expecting big things. First up are A Stranger In Moscow who are riding on that post-hardcore train with just a hint of emo hanging on for dear life; some of them have those nice pretty boy fringe haircuts that I hate but they are saved by a fine looking chap with a mass of unkempt curly hair which shows they are not just all image. Music wise they deliver some quite fine melodic passages with bursts of hardcore hardness mirrored somewhat with a nice line in dual vocals that sees singing giveway to guttural roars; it's very 'now' sounding and they seem to have a good fan base that should see them continue to grow at a fast rate in the local scene.

Tonight is a rare sober excursion for the mighty Little London and boy does it show. There may be little in the way of carnage and drunken banter but what we witness tonight is a band at full capacity and delivering a finely balanced set that hits all the right spots and sees Little London claim the night as their own because frankly they wipe the floor with the other bands. Basically, LL rock, in much the same way that The Wildhearts, Therapy?, Motorhead and Turbonegro rock. They go straight for the jugular, rip it out and piss rock n roll down it. What they do have in abundance is top quality tunes and the newer songs aired tonight sound just as mighty as the established classics such as Love Reaction and go down a storm. The crowd reaction says it all at the end of their set as they are treated like homecoming heroes and on this performance it is well deserved.

Fivemiledrive have been building quite a reputation for themselves but it has to be said that having to follow Little London does them no favours as they sound pale in comparison. They are another of those bands that fit nicely into the whole post-hardcore/emo type scene right down to the image and once again, those annoying fringes that they have to keep smoothing down to one side to keep them out of their eyes; I don't know about you but I find it most distracting and I may now have to become some kind of serial scissor attacker or something because it drives me mad. But anyway, back to the music, Fivemiledrive sound as you would expect them to, melodic guitar work giving way to blasts of noise. The vocals tonight sound a little whiney but it's easy to see why they are building a decent reputation and while they may not be my cup of tea I can see them doing well over the next year or two.

It would appear that the majority of people who are here tonight agree that Psyattica stand a pretty decent chance of being spotted as they have crafted a sound that lies somewhere between all the major rock genres. Unfortunately that kind of makes them slightly bland and lack that spark of true genius, but they do have that foot tapping kind of radio appeal that could reach a wider audience. They round the evening off nicely and it's great to see that so many people have stayed to the bitter end to support the local scene, tonight is a real victory for everyone.

Friday, October 21, 2005

Monkey Boy + Monkey Island + Harsh - The King Alfred, Southampton. 14/10/05

My first visit to The King Alfred in Southampton, home of many a DIY punk gig and down the road from the more famous Joiners Arms; it's an evening out for half of Portsmouth Turbojugend but our beloved denim jackets with PORTSMOUTH on the back remain at home because let's face it, we don't want our heads kicked in before we start which was a wise move because when we locate said pub it looks like no gig is on until we see a hairy sort climbing the stairs from the toilets in the basement and he tells us we have to go through the pub, up the stairs at the end of the bar and there we shall find good music. Downstairs is full of tough looking local types gearing up for a spot of karaoke and had we worn our TJ jackets I doubt we would have made the stairs in the first place! But anyway, up some narrow stairs and we enter a tiny room that's about the same size as my living and dining room combined, with twenty people in it's crammed and you have a nice feeling that you are at an event, a real gig being done for love and not money.

Harsh are the first band up and include the couple of chaps who were on the door, they play stripped down honest foot to the floor rock n roll punk. It's basic, it's good fun and they sound like a million other rock n roll bands who are out there playing tiny venues but it's from the heart and you know they are playing it because they need to, because rock n roll is in their blood and they don't care if they play to 5 people or 50 as long as they can strap on that guitar and let rip.

The smartly dressed Monkey Island look fine and dandy and I'm wondering just what this trio will sound like and I like what I hear a lot. It's bastard rock, they are putting the prog into punk by way of The Cardiacs and the blues; you don't know who is going to sing or just talk over the clattering beats or what times changes may occur or even what style of music will come out. It's quite fantastic and warped in the best possible way, a melting pot of dripping guitar and big bendy bass fueled by bottled rocket juice. As is always the case with these fantastic bands they deserve to be playing to bigger audiences but I expect they are not straight or bland enough to be appreciated by the masses and so us lucky few get to be up close and personal with this fine band.

Monkey Boy seem to have been travelling around this country for ever with their two bass and drum set up and tonight they sound as fresh and exciting as if it was their first tour. They long ago ditched the need for a guitarist as they make a fine racket with just the two basses and the cracking drums, playing bastardized blues punk rock they recount strange tales for our pleasure, a glimpse into their surreal landscapes. It's powerful stuff, the drum cracks like a punch to the head as the two bass players pound your body like a couple of epileptic nutters and although it seems wild and free they have their art perfected as the stop/start interludes are spot on without a note out of place. MB are a band who like a bit of banter with the crowd and they come across as down to earth types who really do appreciate the effort people make to go and see them; once again a band who deserve to play to bigger crowds as I'm sure many would absolutely love them but as we know the music world is not straight forward and politics are everywhere but go give them a chance, you'll not see a better live band anywhere in the UK, no lights, no gimmicks just pure rock n roll energy and some cracking songs and what better way to end than on the classic Fish For A Quid, a true masterpiece and guaranteed to bring a smile to your face.

Bloc Party + Kaito - Guildhall, Portsmouth. 10/10/05.

As is usual with bigger venues, the snake like queue outside is moving very slowly and so Kaito take to the stage with half the people not even in the venue which is a shame as they miss a real treat. The two boys and two girls who make up Kaito look like they mean business, dressed in black with hair in place they deliver a precise blast of pop noise; dark fun as guitars crash, the bass thuds over Can style strict beats in a sharp and pointed way but underneath there is a fun pop heart beating and this makes Kaito music good to dance to. Front lady Niki almost sounds like a slightly more cheerful Mark E Smith at times as she chants her vocals on the wave of noise; it's catchy as hell and ever so slightly sexy in that look but don't touch kind of way and I'm damn glad that I got there in time to see them.

I really do not understand the fuss about Bloc Party, I saw them a few months back at the smaller Pyramids venue and came away thinking great drummer but poor tunes and I'm thinking exactly the same thing this time only with more lights. Maybe I'm just missing something as the place is rammed, it's too hot and people are passing out and to top it all, no barrier is in place so people are up against the stage; anyone daring to crowdsurf is swiftly escorted off the stage and thrown out the back door, nice. But anyway, as I stand watching, it strikes me how important the drummer is in Bloc Party, Matt Tong has a drum riser that places him well above the rest of the band and in every photo he is at the front and it's the same with the music, the tunes are all drums. Where are the guitars? I keep asking myself expecting them to chime out any moment but they don't and I find it most unsatisfying that an indie 'guitar' band has so little up front guitar. It appears to me that there is very little in the way of memorable tunes and Kele has a very one tone voice, as if he has a cold. But like I say, perhaps I'm missing something as there are plenty of happy faces and the big crowd seem to love it, but Bloc Party just don't cut it for me, I find them dull and just don't see them as anything more than an overhyped NME band made good.

Sweetedge + My Retro Console + Holiday In Vegas - Messclean, Portsmouth. 07/10/05

Holiday In Vegas are young in years and while watching them I get the feeling that they should have spent a little longer in the garage perfecting their sound and act as they come over as being not quite ready to gig. They burst through a number of buzzsaw indie pop songs that have little character at the moment, the spark is just missing but you get the feeling that a couple of years down the line they may make some fine sparkling indie pop full of fizz.

Now here is a lesson that all bands should take note of, My Retro Console admit tonight they they are poor at checking emails and the reason they are doing a gig at Messclean is because they missed an email that had been sitting there offering them a place on a festival bill in Barcelona...so bands, check your emails on a daily basis! However, they are in good heart and part of the charm of MRC is their never ending humour and bags of energy as they run through a tight set of confident chunky punk pop. They come across as a fun time band and you do get the feeling that they are the type of band that may just get signed as they are commercial enough to appeal to a wide audience and they are full of character. Fine music to nod along to and in the right venue with the right crowd I can imagine a large amount of crowd surfing going on.

Sweetedge are back for a second visit and once again leave me stunned at the quality of the tunes on offer tonight. A fantastically gifted trio, Sweetedge are the sort of band that would be found more often in a roots club or at some arts festival in the middle of a field on a sunny day; each are great musicians and the class really shows through as they wander effortlessly amid a range of styles and drop subtle influences into the music without making it obvious. Tonight they are brave and tackle a reggae song and it sounds perfect and natural, in fact the bass has a dubby feel in much of the music but not in an obvious way and it's this kind of thing that makes the Sweetedge sound so pleasing. I think it's fair to say that the strentgh of the band is in the songwriting, I'd have no problem putting them in the singer/songwriter genre such is their strength in creating interesting arrangements. And of course you have the enigma that is Della belting out her distinctive vocals in that original way and looking confident while interacting with the audience; Sweetedge are perhaps not what you'd expect to see at a night like Messclean and it's a tribute to both the band and promoter that they are prepared to try something a little different, it may leave some punters a little perplexed but those with an open mind had a great time and big smiles could be seen by those enjoying something just a little bit different.

The Way + The Exits + Jarvis Fields - Wedgewood Rooms, Portsmouth. 04/10/05

Tonight was supposed to be the album launch for Pompey chart botherers Ricky, but a combination of a delayed release date and the lack of a bass player sees them pull out; however the remaining support bands have flogged enough tickets to ensure a good crowd turn up anyway. Southampton band Jarvis Fields take to the stage first and do a nice turn in Who like rock, the tunes have a decent swagger about them though the band look strangely static on stage and could do with having a bit more energy about them as the songs are fizzing away and need some visual stimulation. It has to be said that they have an impressive drummer who bashes away like Keith Moon having a turn, complete with big drum solo that actually sounds good. A couple of songs sink into that Oasis grey area but generally the Fields sound like a promising band.

Having seen The Exits a few days before this at Messclean and thinking they were good despite the poor sound down there, I wasn't prepared for just how good they were going to sound tonight. With a decent PA behind them, these boys sound massive and they look the part tonight with front man Ray complete with white jacket and confidence oozing out of every pore. They own the stage tonight and those lovely 80s squelchy synths vibrate up into the stomach and guitars cut through in rough and ready fashion and let's not forget the tunes, because I swear that each and every tune they play tonight is first class; there are not many bands that stick in your brain after one listen but The Exits have that ability to do just that and it has to be said that they are the band of the night by a long way and as it turns out this classy performance has gained them their first headlining Wedge gig come January and well deserved too. On seeing The Exits for the first time a while back I said they would be at home supporting the current crop of bands like Bloc Party and now I'm thinking they actually sound better and would blow them off the stage no trouble such is the quality of the tunes and performance. A real victory for The Exits tonight, if there is any justice in this world someone will pick them up soon and let a few more people hear their vibrant, modern sound.

Alas, after the rush that is The Exits we have to have The Way. They are the kind of band who model themselves on all their influences such as Oasis, The Beatles etc and keep to the same template so you end up feeling that you've just watched a whole load of covers bands. It's quite obvious they have a dedicated beered up following who are happy to throw each other about down the front and chuck beer over everyone but to these ears it's dull and I'd rather go home and listen to the original bands.

Tuesday, October 18, 2005

The Sportiques + Rolling Dog + Thomas Truax + The Exits - Messclean, Portsmouth. 30.09.05

The Exits are fast becoming another of those 'must see' Portmouth based bands as word starts to spread about this fine group. Tonight, as openers, they deliver a short but wonderful set of their fine sounds, incorporating elements of the past with big synth lines but fusing it with modern guitars and taught beats to make something very modern and unique. Bands that spring to mind would be Kasabian but while they have taken bits of the past and have ended up sounding the same as those bands they have stolen from, The Exits seem to have wandered down a new path that has you hearing things you recognise but reorganised and mutated into something shiny and at times quite breathtaking. What is great is the way it is delivering tunes with a big pop hook but in a cool way, music to sing to, music to dance to and above all songs that actually stick in the brain after one listen which is quite an achievement. Onwards and upwards for The Exits I feel.

I've been looking forward to Thomas Truax since I found out he was appearing and one look at his website will tell you why. This American solo artist is also an inventor of strange instruments such as his drum machine 'Sister Spinster' and 'The Hornicator' and I am pleased to see they let him into the country with them. Now it has to be said that the sound is not always the best as places like Messclean and Thomas suffers at times when the crowd finds it difficult to hear some of his fine tunes but he is a man of good humour and what could be a hostile crowd take to this charming man in no time at all. He is at his best when strumming along with sister spinster keeping time, a mix of blues and country delivered with a fine voice; at one point he unplugs the guitar and takes a walk down the bar singing to individuals and standing on tables, a true entertainer. At times the wonderful creations take over and fun is had while he experiments and while it loses the plot in the middle somewhat you can't help but be won over by the charm and wit of Mr.Truax.

Looking to break out of Portsmouth, Rolling Dog have been creating a bit of a name for themselves and this performance has me convinced that they may just make it. Delivering a blistering set of arty alt rock they look just the part in their matching black outfits and ties, add on the boyish charm with good looks and you have a band who would look good in any magazine. RD have that kind of sound that borders on commercial but retains enough scuzzy rough edges to please the rest of us and it's easy to see why they describe it as indiedancecore as the foot starts to tap followed by whatever else it is you like to shake. It's an original sound with hints of punked up garage and indie and they should be able to appeal to the NME crowd while still retaining some credibility.

The Sportiques are launching an album tonight so have a few fans in to support their fun blend of garage and surf rock. While they may not be the most original band in the world it's fine music for drinking beer to and having a laugh; they pay tribute to local legends The Green Hornets by covering a song and inviting a couple of members of said band to venture on stage and do backing vocals, an impressive sight and probably the best song of the set. It gives a party atmosphere to the end of the night and leaves people with big grins and a nice happy feeling inside.

Karn8 + The Carter Affair + Chaser + Stonewall Jackson - Messclean, Portsmouth. 23/09/05

Looks like this is one of the first gigs that Stonewall Jackson have performed and they are another band that have to move out of that big Oasis shadow that so many bands like to sit in. Yeah, it's OK and the singer has plenty of confidence but the music just plods along at foot tapping pace and goes nowhere exciting apart from the odd time when they get a bit heavier but once again an indie band that lacks excitement.

Luckily Chaser are on hand to stir it up with their alt prog noodlings by way of Dinosaur Jnr noise fests and fucked up timings. Just once in a while you see a band and you think yeah, they hit the mark and then you catch them again and they blow you away which is exactly what Chaser do tonight as the jarring guitars create intense grooves that are mown down by earthy beats and walls of noise before hitting that groove again. Chaser are really starting to evolve into something big and powerful, go look at their web page and discover them though really you need to see them in the flesh so they can do the ultimate damage to your ears as they need to be loud, let them make your ears bleed, feel the pleasure as complete noise groove takes over but just watch out for the gardening implements.

The Carter Affair are the perfect follow up to Chaser in that they to delight in guitar noise; slightly less proggy in approach they build the sound in waves with additional keyboard adding some throbbing sonics to the sound. TCA have an underbelly of noise coupled with a surface of melodic beauty and despite some technical hitches the sound is quite impressive. For the final sound they bring on a Poet who talks over increasing waves of feedback and noise as the band freak out which makes for an impressive and memorable finale.

The night then takes a darker turn as Karn8 take to the stage, it's still noise but we are moving in a more electro metal direction for those that like to wear black and damn sexy it is too. Karn8 create a powerful sound, thumping beats not too far from Queen Adreena but with added steel and instead of the mad Katie Jane look we have the ice cool Kirst who gyrates around and would probably be just as happy taking a whip to us all rather than enertain us. With an impressive EP release under their belts it can only be a matter of time before more people take notice of this fine band and on a bigger stage with decent sound they are going to sound mightily big where they are just going to create one big orgy of sweaty blackleather clad sex things. Get on over to that website and pray at the feet of Karn8, I'm sure they would love you to lick their boots.

Deville + DNA + Charlie Flesh - Messclean, Portsmouth. 16/09/05

Bit of a disaster this gig in terms of bands pulling out and one band apparently booked to play who didn't even exist so it's down to some regulars to fill in and once again Charlie Flesh gets the chance to strut his rock n roll in solo fashion. This time he has to go for the electric guitar and he's joined by a drummer and it works surprisingly well as Charlie sings about sex, sex and more sex; he may look like a combination of Mick Jagger and Chuck Berry with big hair as he duck walks and struts around but it's fun and I look forward to hearing the Bee Gees influence that he is going to work in to his future material.

Nikolai who runs Messclean is lucky enough to have his own band, DNA, so fellow members are called and they jump into this last second gig with gusto and sound remarkably good. They have a big epic floaty sound, prog meets psychedelia via soulful rock and they make it look effortless and with two good voacalists now in the band an extra dimension is added, quite where that dimension is I'm not sure but it's a long way off, out there past the moon in some dark glittery place that is occupied by bands that like to go off on one. They seem to get better with each gig and as long as they do not get lost out there they should continue to astound with their musical journeys.

Fresh from the ashes of Drivin' South come Deville with a slightly different line up but just as much attitude. They still plough a similar furrow but have punked the sound up a tad so they sound like a heavier Libertines, at times it is most enjoyable and on this performance (along with a handy manager with connections) they will soon gain the kind of attention that Drivin' South warranted. My only thought on them breaking out of Portsmouth is that they have that same laddish Pompey following that works well for them when playing in Portsmouth but could work against them when playing further afield as they will not have their energy and banter to work off but we will see as they already have local supports lined up with the likes of The Paddingtons whose genre they fit into perfectly. A promising start and the beginning of a journey that I'm sure will have much controversy along with the twists and turns.

Mistys Big Adventure + The Retro Spankies + The Stations - Messclean, Portsmouth. 15/09/05.

The Stations are a young four piece playing indie rock, think along the lines of a heavier and slightly more interesting Coldplay and you'll be heading in the right direction. They combine some new wave taughtness with modern indie jangle and while their cover of 'Sitting On The Dock Of The Bay' may be a bit wayward it shows they have an appreciation of classic songwriting that they are trying to bring into their own tunes. The Stations show promise at times but lack that extra spark just at the moment.

Spark is something The Retro Spankies have plenty of as they land at Messclean having arrived from another planet with big glasses and doctor outfits. They rest their keyboard on an ironing board, it's these little things that make bands great; musically they mutate weird freaky child like nusery rhymes with Bis stlye punky punch and lots of trashy lo fi pop, feed it a space ship load of drugs and set it free. It's quite unlike anything out there and it is fantastically brilliant and bizzare and you can't help but watch in awe as the jerky beats take over unsuspecting limbs and they lay eggs of insanity in your weakened brain.

A perfect way to prepare for MBA, who are back for a second visit within a couple of months but still the people of Portsmouth have not realised the brilliance that has come their way again. I'm telling you, they will be sorry later on as word spreads of blue gloves and manic fun to be had. Really I don't need to say much as they are just as brilliant this time round as they were the last and in the meantime VP mainman Skif has caught them too so check his view out over on the VP main site. If you love quirky timed pop, splashes of cut up jazz like the Cardiacs on day release then MBA are the boys and girls for you.

Red Letter Day + Moses + Not Advised + Lee Cooper - Messclean, Portsmouth. 09/09/05.

I first caught Lee Cooper performing a couple of acoustic numbers in a pub a couple of weeks back so it was a real pleasure to find him performing tonight with a couple of mates to help out at various points during the evening. Lee performs late night acoustic mellowness with gentle barely there vocals, tonight the additional bass adds a warmth to the tunes while the second guitar beefs the sound up slightly. This is wonderful singer songwriter type stuff that you are going to put on after a few drinks when feeling a bit down and just chill out to. A rewarding set and a pleasure to see perform again.

Not Advised, from Southampton, soon shatter the gentle vibe with their energetic blend of emo-pop-punk. But don't runaway just yet, for while they may be kitted out in the latest Macbeth clothing there is something special about Not Advised; the gut wrenching bass, the energy, the well written songs and the humour, it all adds up to an impressive sound that I really enjoyed despite not being an emo fan, it has that slightly dirty edge to it and an extra heaviness that makes it stand out which would be why they are picking up gigs all over the place and I believe that Not Advised are going to be on a few peoples' lips in the coming months as this is a cracking outfit.

Some bands look like they eat rock n roll for breakfast, others, like Moses, make it look like a fashion thing as they take to the stage in their expensive looking jeans and very white trainers, a mirror image of their fans who look like they'd never set foot in such a pub under normal conditions. They play inoffensive indie rock, Stereophonics lite that appeals to the masses but is ultimately just a little dull so we shall move on quickly.

Veterans Red Letter Day are out to promote their new album and it would appear that their usual loyal crowd are absent but that doesn't stop RLD from performing a solid set. It looks like they may have had a few beers before hand as Ade looks a little worse for wears but he still manages to perform his usual array of high kicks and friendly banter while onstage these days there is a certain amount of chemistry that allows the newer songs to sparkle while some older tracks have been dusted down, spruced up and once again sound sprightly and fresh. Working with a stand in bass player due to Steve Marsh having recently left, they still sound vital and still have something left to say as they continue to evolve their sound and move forwards; while tonight may not go down as a classic gig it is a reminder of just how good RLD have remained and what an important part of Portsmouth's music scene they remain.

Thursday, October 13, 2005

Torpedoes + Wherewithal + Lax + Red Campion - Messclean, Portsmouth. 02/09/05

Every now and then you stumble across an opening band that leaves your jaw on the floor and Red Campion are one of those bands; far to good to be playing opening slots at small venues they are a five-piece that incorporate cello and violin into their wonderful sounds. For much of the set they delve into blusey folk cum celtic pop with classical elements, at times soft and melodic with lush vocals but they also know how to have a good time as is shown by the cracking cover of Children Of The Revolution which is mind blowing. Red Campion are a truly original band and well worth an hour of your time if they happen to be passing your way.

Lax are a five piece rock band going for that earnest Pearl Jam type vibe, it's basic classic rock done relatively well but ultimately heavy going and not very original which leaves not a lot to write about.

Wherewithal are a fine indie band creating a fair amount of interest for themselves; their sugar coated sweetness wrapped up in barbed wire kisses is a jangly mess of sexiness that bounces around the room and they deserve to be the next indie pin-ups with delicious songs like Sixth Form Poetry. It helps that they have a front lady who is totally bewitching and has just about everyone eating out of her hand while the rest of the band deliver an exciting blend of hard indie pop. Such is their confidence that they are able to deal easily with the hecklers who are shouting for the singer to take her top off when she comments on how hot it is and a good amount of banter follows but it does little to detract from the fine songs on offer.

Eighties crystal goth guitar sounds, you can't beat it and The Torpedoes do it so well you'd think they have just been transported forward through time from a Mission support back in the day. They mix that distinctive guitar sound with a healthy dose of rock n roll and dress it all in black with a hint of grime to good effect and while they are unlikely to break out of the underground it is always a pleasure to see fellow black hearted souls.

You're Smiling Now But We'll All Turn Into Demons + Paper Cuts + K'Junga + Silicon Sun - Messclean, Portsmouth. 12/08/05.

Silicon Sun have that wonderful just walked in off the street feel about them, they all look so different that they look like they've been put together at a mix n match sale. Music wise however, they know exactly what they are doing as they hit a nice loose stoner groove, sexy snake like bass weaves around shimmering Hendrix guitars that work towards freakouts before being brought back down to earth. There are decent tunes in here too with a bit of pop sensibility that make the tracks stand out; Silicon Sun seem to improve each time I see them and they come across as perfectly natural which is part of their charm and the way they ease into a slinky groove is most appealing.

Probably the most popular band on the bill tonight judging by the amount of people down the front, are K'Junga, who also happen to be the most ordinary band on the bill. They are a metal band of the Nu-ish variety, plenty of huff and puff and power riffing but it all becomes a blur after a while with nothing standing out apart from when they slow it down to do a big power ballad that Nickelback would be proud of. When push comes to shove they are playing safe material that they know will appeal to a young set of metal fans but us oldies need something a little more challenging.

Paper Cuts are visiting from big London town and are fronted by Ross Cummins, once of Symposium fame. It would appear that many at Messclean tonight are not aware of who they are and this gives the gig an air of secrecy but it doesn't stop Paper Cuts performing an impressive set of arty indie rock and it would appear that Ross has lost none of his appetite or energy for showmanship as he spends much of the set running about or hanging from the pipes on the ceiling; when doing nothing inbetween he attacks the keyboard in that one finger style so popular with people who can't really play a note. He has an acomplished band behind him who look comfortable on stage and one can only imagine that it won't be long before they get snapped up by a label and are gracing the pages of bigger publications.

I love The Demons, simple as that. They are pure rock n roll energy and tonight they are on top form hammering down the fast lane with sparks flying behind as the roar of the bastard sons of MC5 and The Stooges mug you with a barrage of noise and abstract rock. With The Demons there is no focal point, although Richie is in normal terms the frontman, he spends much of the set away from the mic mudering his bass as the noise whips up a storm around him, this lack of a focal point allows one to become immersed in the Demons sonic waves as it washes over and around you becoming almost hypnotic as it powers on. Tonight The Demons show us why they are probably one of the best rock bands in the South.

Gorgonzola + Charlie Flesh + Lee Cooper - The Nell Gwyne, Portsmouth. 01/09/05.

The Nell Gwyne is a cosy little pub and tonight is home to several locals who would be here anyway and a few mates of the bands performing. The artists are tonight crammed in down one end of the pub up against the pool table but what the hell, it makes for a nice atmosphere as Lee Cooper takes to his stool with acoustic guitar and harmonica for company. Tonight he plays a couple of down tempo tunes, the kind of stuff you might put on late at night when you've just split up with someone and you've been on the whiskey. He has a fine voice and the tunes have a nice warm quality about them as mellowness descends on the pub.

Charlie Flesh on the other hand is a ball of pent up sexual energy as he strums away gurning like Mick Jagger on far too many drugs. He is entertaining to watch though and you half expect him to start strutting around the pub like Chuck Berry inbetween his stories of sex and lust; this is energetic acoustic rock with one foot planted in glam rock the other in classic rock n roll.

Tonight is the debut for Gorgonzola which must rank as one of the worst names in history but don't let that put you off this stripped down rock duo of Jason on guitar and vocals with Nick on drums. There are a few nerves on show but once they settle down it appears that what we have is some nice raw stripped back blues going on in the vein of The Black Keys meets The Kills.
The tunes have a nice groove and slightly improvised feel about them that keeps them on a nice edge as slide guitar gives way to some quirky vocals; you get the feeling that they are slightly held back by the sound limitations as Nick looks like he wants to really get into a heavy groove on the drums but holds off for fear of drowning Jason out. But I reckon stick them on a big stage and you'd have a pretty powerful and interesting addition to the current trend of rock duo's.

FOBA + 3 Second Rule + Forever Falling - HMC, Portsmouth. 08/08/05.

Forever Falling, from Norwich are out on a DIY tour with 3 Second rule and you can't knock their dedication and balls for actually getting out there and doing it. Despite little advertising there is a reasonable crowd in to witness the emo-screamo-post hardcore or whatever of Forever Falling. It's a tough mix of hardcore brutality giving way to melody and metal style riffing. The vocalist has a fine guttural belch of a voice despite looking like a Marilyn Manson reject but that aside, FF are a reasonable band and should find favour out there in Emo land.

Touring partners from Manchester are 3 Second Rule, also described as emo meets post-hardcore, who are a more accessible outfit providing far more melodic moments and a nice dual vocal approach that veers from screaming to actual singing. They have a raw rock feel combined with melodic punk and I find them surprisingly pleasing on the ear. Of the two tavelling bands I feel that 3SR are the more likely to make a name for themselves as ultimately they are the more interesting musically.

Quite why Friends Of Brutal Architecture are on this bill is anyones guess, having seen them two days before at Messclean I'm tempted to go home early but keen as I am to support the local scene I remain until the bitter end and really my feelings about FOBA remain as in the last review. I'm sure they are nice chaps but musically it does nothing for me, it's just kind of there drifting along with few surprises. Like I say, quite why they are on this bill is a mystery but there you go, rock n roll is a funny old thing.

Serotonin + FOBA + Strict Machines + Shadow Cast - Messclean, Portsmouth. 05/08/05

Shadow Cast do a nice line in alt-rock though they need to drop the Oasis and Stereophonic covers as their own material shines brighter than the two blandest bands in the world. At times a slight Placebo edge comes into view and you really want them to move into art rock territory and spill over with the noise but they hold back and look a little self-conscious. It's promising but not quite there yet.

The trio of Strict Machines are an unusual mixture of influences, a real love of rock n roll fighting with pop comes across; it's raw and primal music fronted by a sultry goth looking lady who is the obvious focus but one can't help be distracted by the unusual technique of the guitar player who throws out swampy Cramps style riffs with ease. An original band who are not easy to label which is a good thing as it means they are doing something just a little bit different and I like it a lot.

Friends Of Brutal Architecture are just too nice; yeah, they are fine musicians and have odd flashes of greatness but they sound like the sort of band your Dad might play in the car thinking it's rock. That's not to say you can't tap your foot along but ultimately if you want rock n roll danger then look elsewhere.

Now Serotonin have been gathering a bit of interest and on this performance it's easy to see why as they rip through a set that wouldn't sound out of place next to bands like Muse and Serafin, a deep throbbing bass acting as an anchor while the guitar freaks out in wails of noise and dramatic vocals float off on the debris. It's a fine blend of hearty melodies doing battle with noise and makes for an epic sound that could well see them break out of Portsmouth. Considering the sound limitation of the venue they manage to sound massive and fill the packed venue with thier dense attack of wholesome indie rock. They even manage a true rock n roll ending by throwing their instruments down and walking off and I say top marks for putting in a great effort despite it only being a small gig.

Wednesday, October 05, 2005

Second Hand Thoughts + escapegoat + Ben Hayes - HMC @ Railway Workers Club, Fratton. 01/08/05

Ben Hayes is more often seen ripping his tonsils out with both In This Defiance and Enochian Theory or seizing at the chance to jump on stage with any heavy band and doing extra vocals so it's nice to find him perched on a seat with just an acoustic guitar for comapany and no wall of noise to hide behind. It's not the best environment to play acoustic numbers with far too much chatter going on, but Ben shows his gentle side with some wonderful gentle songs that also show him to have a fine voice when he sings rather than growling. He offers a selection of soft lilting rock songs, conjuring up images of late hours, smokey rooms and soul searching. I believe he is thinking of giving up playing this material live which would be a real shame as it's nice to see someone known for their harsh music taking time out and stripping the music back for all to see, showing their delicate side and revealing some lighter shades.

escapegoat are a strange experiment where indie meets ladishness and throw in some punk attitude and let the fireworks begin. They come over as a harder version of Razorlight/Libertines, in your face hyperactive twitchers who look ready for a fight. Treading a fine line between annoying and good, the vocalist spends half the night out the front climbing chairs and nearly strangling himself with the mic lead. When they go for it they are quite excellent as they do get people moving and they are another of those Pompey bands that appeal to both the alternative and 'townie' population which is quite strange but also part of the charm as it always makes for an interesting evening.

Another acoustic set rounds the evening off as Matthew Harrison aka Second Hand Thoughts takes to the stage; although very young in age he has a confident manner in front of an audience and many take an interest in his performance. Music wise it's best described as pop punk meets emo and the songs do have the feeling that they would sound great with a full band which is a tribute to his skills; I believe he slips in some cover versions from some emo type bands but I wouldn't notice as that's not my cup of tea but all the tunes aired tonight sound equally acomplished and fully formed.

Counter Clash + The Asylum Seekers + Apnia + Knights Of Treason - Messclean, Portsmouth. 29/07/05

Looks like I've walked in on Punk covers night which really isn't my sort of thing. I mean I love punk but not cover bands as there's too much good original stuff out there but looks like some people enjoy their trips down memory lane. First up are Knights Of Treason who cover all your standard tunes, they can play well but just plod along without much energy while The Asylum Seekers do the same only with more gusto and belief. Counter Clash provide a decent run through of Clash numbers, they obviously have a great love for The Clash and it shows in their playing.

Apnia are not a covers band, nor are they punk and this is an odd bill for them to be on but they hit it head on and come out as the best band of the night by a long shot. Apnia are a seductively dark beast, I suppose some may say they veer towards goth metal as they have that dramatic air about them but they are harder than that with Ryan providing nailed down beats and a barrage of riffing supporting front lady Laura who looks quite delicate but has a big voice and the kind of eyes that you do not want to make conatct with because they are too darn scary. She controls the stage and is not afraid to look right into your soul as she commands your attention which makes for a good if slightly unnerving gig if you happen to be near the front. Well worth checking out if you like big dramatic metal with a dark edge.

Little London + Dragon Eye Morrison + Mister Doom - HMC @ Railway Workers Club, Fratton. 25/07/05.

So, first we had the birth of the Filth Trinity and now we have the Reincarnation of The Filth Trinity and can it be as much fun as the first time round? Mister Doom rise to the occasion magnificently with flying hair, classic slabs of doom metal with shredding riffs and military precsion giving way to the odd funky bassline and hints of Kyuss style stoner rock. Not forgetting the essential guitar solo of course that fits naturally within this hard hitting format; the aim of Mister Doom is to grab you by the hair, shout in your ear then let you drift off for a few moments before aiming a direct missile hit at your skull. Classic metal done very well.

DEM have the pleasure of being the meat in the sandwich this time and they sure sound pissed off about it; having taken to the stage with front man Adam wearing a Darth Vader mask they rip through a maelstrom of angry angular attacks, a battering ram puncturing your gut and ripping your insides out with clenched fists of victory. They are a seething cocktail of heavy riffing and all out chaos that is just about kept in check, extreme metal at it's best and most fluent.

Which leaves Little London to finish the party in their own rock n roll way and they do it so well. Despite the sound being not quite up to scratch they deliver another fine set of hard rocking tunes and I'm beginning to think they should provide their audiences with bottles of JD so we can get on the same trip as them because whatever they are experiencing it comes across as damn fine. Once again 'Love Reaction' is the standout track, quite how they will better this anthem I don't know, but the mix of Motorhead dirtiness and Wildhearts knack for a decent tune works wonders and LL have something special going on underneath the dirt and sex.

Of course it was as good as their birth, another victory for local bands and it's good to know we have some quality bands rising in Portsmouth.

Tuesday, October 04, 2005

Ghetto Billies + Toerag + The Visitors + Sweetedge - Messclean, Portsmouth. 22/07/05

Sweetedge are like a sudden influx of fresh air and space within the confines of Messclean, an evening more used to rock and outlandish behaviour. This trio of gifted musicians treat us to a spectacular set of well crafted songs that come at you in various layers, much like a painting where you pick out subtle colours and textures and are able to immerse yourself in the composition. They come from a folk roots direction for want of a better description, flourishes of picked acoustic guitar over gentle beats and at times an times an almost dub like bass that floats and weaves around the numbers; that's not to say they can't rock out in their own way as much of the material comes across as being quite dark in nature but at the same time spiritually uplifting and pleasing on the ear. Front lady Della has a haunting voice and one that is hard to forget as it's used almost as another instrument rather than just as a vocal and is truly original in nature. Admittedly, it is a voice likely to divide opinion, much as someone like Kate Bush does and will not appeal to everyone but within the concept of Sweetedge it is integral to their original sound and tonight they go down surprisingly well.

The Visitors are a rock band reduced to just two members tonight playing acoustic tracks and following a band like Sweetedge does then no favours as they sound lumpen and one dimensional. They do a few of their own songs and slip in a cover of 'The Joker' but it is slightly dull as are following band Toerag. They are another of those indie type bands that have a very trendy following that wouldn't normally be seen dead at Messclean but come to see their mates. It's very safe foot tapping material, solid but uninspiring and not what I was expecting from a band named Toerag, very disappointing.

On tour from America, Ghetto Billies are pure fun and quite spectacular. With roots in classic rock, they have added a whole lot of everything else into the mix from disco to country to make a quite explosive cocktail of sounds and tunes that could make even the most rigid person shake a leg. In their promo pictures they look like a cross between The Darkness and The Scissor Sisters which sounds like a nightmare but luckily they look better in the flesh and sound brilliant. A few comments were made at the end of the evening about how good they were and why on earth they were not playing larger venues and that is a question I was asking myself and have not found a suitable answer yet.

Bastion 4 + Red Letter Day + Cinder - HMC @ Railway Workers Club, Fratton. 18/07/05

My first visit to HMC (Happy Monday Club) and it is truly bizarre. Held at a railway workers club it is like entering the club from Phoenix Nights and a fair few minutes were spent trying to locate the portrait of the Queen that must be lurking within but to no avail and at least the beer is very cheap. Then it's a case of avoiding all the pretty underage emo girls and boys who have made it home as they somehow manage to get served and it's business as usual when Cinder take to the stage. Hampered a little by a cramped stage which renders the band fairly static, they none the less deliver another inch perfect set of highly addictive rock with tracks like 'Mortality' showing the ease in which they combine driving riffs with huge melodies; melted dripping sugar sweetness with a crisp shiny covering and very tasty with it.

Red Letter Day are out to give their new album some advance publicity and if tonight's set is anything to go by then it should be a cracker. Each time I see this band live they seem to get better which is a minor miracle seeing as they have been around for nigh on twenty years, but not ones to rest on their laurels they keep going and developing. Tonight they sound like punk with added vitamins, a swathe of alternative rock cutting into the sound and filling it with additional energy and passion. With frontman Ade his normal hyperactive self ( I'm sure he's been at his kids Smarties again!) and the band firing on all cylinders they are sounding really good and at this rate we'll still be watching them in another twenty years.

Tonight is not the best Bastion 4 gig I've seen, a fair few people have left and it doesn't really quite take off like it should. On their day, the Bastions are a band full of bravado, yobbish indie rock with some Clash style punk thrown in that have a strange ability to appeal to an indie crowd and a more 'townie' audience, quite strange but part of their charm. When they hit the spot, they really hit the spot but tonight feels more like a practice session which is a shame but there is always next time.

Dragon Eye Morrison + Little London + Mister Doom + Hellcyon - Messclean, Portsmouth. 15/07/05

The much talked about 'Birth Of The Filth Trinity', a coming together of three of Portsmouth's finest rock bands for a night of ear splitting pleasure. Hellcyon have been given the chance to open the evening and while not a member of The Trinity they fit in perfectly well as they unleash a storm of groove metal that is way, way down there. They are one of those bands that are unable to stand still and gives the impression of having about twenty members on stage, twitching around as if they are having a metal fit, but when they hit that groove they go for it and it's a fine opening firing shot.

Mister Doom are the first of The Filth Trinity to flatten us; with an almost comical electric fan placed at the front of the stage to provide some relief from the heat, they serve up some serious metal with long locks flowing in the breeze, can you imagine a more metal image? In terms of music, Mister Doom are probably the most traditional band on tonight and would appeal to denim and leather clad rockers. Although they won't like me saying it, there was a slight Metallica feel tonight, more in the vocals than music but they come across as having an original take on the classic heavy rock genre. The music weaves a path through doom laden heavy riffs to passages of fairly melodic structures and they are more than happy to fit in some excellent solo guitar attacks; while a little rusty in places due to a lack of rehearsal they come across as a fine band.

Next up, possibly the filthiest band in Portsmouth at the moment, Little London. They already have a number of the fairer sex sporting Filth Trinity vests and worshipping at the altar of front man Dev and in true LL talk, they make me a little moist. I've raved about them before and I will do so again as they quite simply play honest Rock N Roll with a nice filthy edge and a huge helping of quality tunes. Little London are following in the footsteps of fine bands such as The Wildhearts, Therapy? (they stick in a cover during the set which sounded so good from the toilets that I thought Therapy? were actually on stage), Turbonegro and even Zodiac Mindwarp & The Love Reaction which is quite appropriate as their finest song has to be the mighty 'Love Reaction', an absolute classic beast of gargantuan proportions. An excellent set as I would expect from these lovable rogues.

I would hazard a guess that much alcohol had been consumed before DEM hit the stage as they fire off into complete chaos, a blur of limbs and noise as their sonic attack punches you in the face and kicks your teeth out. They are a ferocious take on modern metal, jarring rhythms and vomited vocals battling for attention while frontman Adam tries to put his guitar through the ceiling of the venue. DEM are quite a spectacle to watch, never ones for giving a dull performance they plough headlong through a heavy and brilliant set without a concern for their own or others safety; a mightily refreshing change from some of the dull Oasis indie types that nearly send you to sleep with their safe gigs.

So the birth of The Filth Trinity was quite something, four fine bands, far too much alcohol, no doubt a few injuries and some fine tunes, what a night.