GIGS IN MAY 2006

THE PRINCE OF WALES, FALMOUTH (27TH MAY)

MY ELVIS BLACKOUT & MARVIN AND THE GAYES


(Reviewed by Jocky Slingback)

You may`ve had the impression that fantastic tiny venues like the Prince of Wales had gone out of fashion back in the 1970s, (and they probably did in the rest of the country!), - places where you have to push your way through the band to get to the bogs, where the temperature and lack of oxygen makes your head spin like a little kid on a round-a-bout. But Cornwall still boasts the places where Witherspoons have yet to throw their cash, killing the atmosphere and creating a place like Burtons but without the clothes. Thank Budda that we still have these pokey little venues where bands can ply their trade to smokey-eyed punters.

Both bands played fan-bloody-tastic sets which left I debating on the way home, over which band should have been headlining. I finally came to the conclusion that I were still undecided and that the homegrown talent I keeps seeing is getting better.
My Elvis Blackout play an intoxicating mix of punky, indie rock that is filled with hooks and is so professionally performed that you`d think the lads had been at this game for donkey`s years and not the short time that in reality they have. Fast, loud with bags of attitude - they made I drink me beer really quick like.


MEB thrilled I; that there solid back beat intermingled like an errant sheep on clover with short powerful drum rolls providing a perfect backdrop for the charismatic Harry. His raspy vocals reminded I of Gerrard Tregunna and his Hot Pennies mixed with a Kenwood blender on setting number two, but I could also detect a certain hint of Woody Mellors and Henry Cluney...but maybes that were the ale talking.


When Sam from Marvin and the Gayes (seriously stoopid name chaps by the way), started telling jokes, I started to feel a bit funny too, so I goes outside for a bit of fresh air only to find when I tries to get back in, the pub`s been shut for hours and its four o`clock in the morning. Well, I put it down to that there last pint that did it to I. My advice to you, is never drink your last pint - cos that`s the bugger.

So go and have a look at these couple of bands when you get a chance, cos you`re guarenteed a memorable night...I think.


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NICALS, BODMIN (26TH MAY)

TURNING SPACE ONLY (T.S.O.)

This was an important gig that needs a little explaining - It was the goodbye gig for Eyedealsounds promotions and so we finally saw head honcho Andy Guthrie take to the stage and join the punk mayhem of T.S.O. in a storming rendition of `Help` in front of a delighted crowd of well wishers. The fact that Eyedealsounds is shutting up shop after all this time, is a tragedy for local live bands, but the good news is that Andy will be back in the summer - he just can`t `Help` himself!

To the evening`s music though - Turning Space Only, the St.Austell punk band that evolved over the last six years from the ashes of Hoodwink, played with volume and enthusiasm some of the best original material on the local scene. Powered by the impressively manic drumming of Nick, the high kicks of `class clown` Jim and the thundering bass of Adam, T.S.O. roared through their set led by the larynx of mainman Dan. Hit songs like Townie Anthem and Brickwall got an airing from the varied setlist that reflects their long history and whilst not the most enthusiastic crowd ever seen at Nicals, the audience didn`t take much winning over. It was an excellent way to say goodbye to Eyedealsounds (RIP).

Way back in February 2005, their Don`t Die Wondering e.p, (still available, if you know the right people!), came out to great commercial and critical acclaim, but now is the time for some more fresh recordings chaps to hit the market.

T.S.O. - original, loud, funny and above all... punk!

(Photos by Mildly Disabled Dave)