THE THIRD EDITION!


THE THIRD EDITION ...AVAILABLE IN SEPTEMBER! (...AND YES THERES TWO DIFFERENT COVERS THIS TIME !)

GIGS IN AUGUST 2006

THE EDEN PROJECT, ST.AUSTELL (25TH AUGUST)

LADYTRON & GOLDFRAPP

And so The Eden Sessions 2006 sold out their four concerts, filling the 6000 capacity venue on every occasion. I wonder why they don`t hold more gigs there with this kind of response, it`s a great venue for live music and whoever set up the sound tonight was on top form. Set right in the base of the pit, away from troublesome neighbours, the stage was set up facing away from the domes in the amphitheatre to maximise the audio experience. The audience slowly made it`s way down, some dressed poorly as animals with faces painted, (which looks even more stupid on adults than on children), while others were clearly not going to spend £30 to entertain the band`s whims.

One of the key factors with The Eden Sessions is always the weather; there`s nowhere to hide when the rain comes down and tonight was no exception. Shoulder to shoulder, 6000 strangers `enjoyed` a communial shower frequently throughout the evening`s performance, but this didn`t put a damper on their spirits and as the daylight began to fade the support band were introduced by an eco-ranting compere from the venue.

Ladytron strode on stage, dressed all in black, the three girls taking the frontline with the men at the back. Large keyboards, with names such as `Cleopatra` and `Ulysses`, were their main instruments and produced loud industrial music that would`ve been at home in an 80s Berlin disco.

Led by the beautiful Helen Marnie (from Glasgow) and Mira Aroyo (from Bulgaria), Ladytron pounded away in almost Kraftwerk/Eno electronic beats, that seemed dated at first, but soon became hypnotic and almost enjoyable. Certainly some of the audience seemed to be getting their rocks off to it, but Marnie and her friends left me mainly cold. An ideal situation for cold and bleak sounding music - at the bottom of a cornish clay pit.

And so we come to the main event; Goldfrapp. After a short wait for latecomers to barge their way past the rest of us and get better views nearer the stage and another eco-message from our sponsers, Alison Goldfrapp finally walked onto the stage to the cheers and wolf whistles that these events attract. With a marked improvement in the sound quality, she launched into a greatest hits package that soon had the audience warmly nodding their heads and trying to show who was her biggest fan by means of arm waving. There was little else you could do as the word `sardine` sprang to mind.

Everything seemed to be going as expected and then suddenly the backstage curtain fell to reveal four bikini clad dancers with wolf heads on, (cue more wolf whistling from the Roger Whitaker fans in the crowd), that quickly took over the stage to accompany Alison and the band`s performance. It was almost as if the concert had been turned up a notch and there seemed to be a warmth radiating after this point.

The lighting had a dramatic impact and worked brilliantly to enhance Goldfrapp`s performance, but the strobes were tiresome after a while and we moved further away from the stage to gain a better viewpoint of the whole spectacle, and to rest our weary ribs from the elbows of the righteous.

Clearly a seasoned performer nowadays, Alison Goldfrapp put on an excellent show that had so much more entertainment than a live gig has normally. The spectacular nature of the venue was surely made for a performer of this theatrical bent, where the music becomes almost secondary to the visuals that explode across your retinas. Truely a memorable performance.

(Photos by Johnny Echo Echo)

ZAFIROS, TRURO (17TH AUGUST)




AMY MAY

Stood in the corner, a pretty girl with an acoustic guitar?
Heard that story before, tell me something new...

What about the haunting songs?
Yeah, and...?

Okay, here`s the trump card - the voice! Amy May has got the full set; she plays a beautifully delicate guitar to her sensual songs and has the vocal range of a young Joni Mitchell.There is a touch of Suzanne Vega and Carole King in the quality of the songwriting, but it was the voice that held the room, as she performed to the relaxed people.

In a criminally under filled Zafiros bar, Amy`s powerful original songs, hauntingly took the lucky few to a wonderous place where angels walked. Spiritual and uplifting in a gentle and generous way, Amy May is one of life`s secret pleasures... but for how long?

(Photos by Lord Itchfield)

BUNTERS BAR, TRURO (17TH AUGUST)







EVEN NINE

Wow! Let`s Rawk indeed!

Starting at full speed, Even Nine hit the stage running on nitro as they exploded into the first number. Shapes pulled, solos screamed, heads banged and riffs were ruffled as they took the startled audience by the scruff of their collective necks and kicked it`s butt big time all round the room.

Punky lyrics held by harmony vocals from the front line up of brothers Jody Martin on vocals and Rick Martin on distorted guitars from hell, punked the Thursday night A level heroes who stood amongst the regulars at Bunters Bar. Equally good and worth mentioning at this point was the razor tight rhythm section of Greg Godding on bass and Brett Stepto on the drums, powering the band like a nuclear reaction.

These guys are seriously good.

I promise that you won`t hear a better hard rocking band in this county, this year! With more enthusiasm, panache and high class catchy tunes, Even Nine are absolutely STUNNING!

You like The Goo Goo Dolls? You like The Foo Fighters?... Then you like Even Nine!

(Photos by One Word Wombat, this weeks word is sensuous !)

BUNTERS BAR,TRURO (17TH AUGUST)




MARTIN RICHARDS

Well picking up his acoustic guitar, Martin Richards mumbled a greeting to the half empty pub and launched into his first song. A seasoned performer with the now defunct Porters, Martin stood alone on stage, largely unnoticed by the few people in the room. His voice was nervous and only came alive near the middle of his set when he started singing Bob Dylan, Suzanne Vega and Simon & Garfunkal covers, (which is a shame as his own songs were strong and worth hearing).

Backing himself on an acoustic guitar and doing loose covers is a sure fire way to lose the interest of a sparse crowd and at times he struggled to be heard between songs, as he tried to communicate with the audience. However, it was as he saw the light at the end of this indifferent tunnel that Martin finally started to `perform` and allowed his strong voice to soar. He finally seemed to be enjoying himself by the end and the crowd was just starting to get into the tunes, as he finished.

A strong ending.

(Photos by Johnny Echo Echo)

BUNTERS BAR, TRURO (10TH AUGUST)








EL MAJESTICO

El Majestico, a five piece band from Nottingham (and Liskeard, bizarre geography fans), had serious preview write ups in the local rag as a band worth seeing. The lads are linked via their management to recent K Festival headliners Athlete and are clearly heavily influenced by the holy trinity of Brian Wilson, Ben Folds and James Broad (Silversun mainman).

Originally booked as support, a technical error resulted in them taking the whole night for themselves with two exciting sets broken only for a little light refreshment halfway. The first set showcased the band`s own harmony driven material and the second was a set of "cheesy covers" that the band wanted to kill as a public service.

The band`s own material was/is a glorious powerpop, punked up, harmony vocalled thing of beauty that was laughingly good. The audience were won over before the first chorus belted into the room. Catchy tunes that had you singing along before you knew what you were doing with yourself and this all covered with a pounding beat and full-on stage performance that included an unprovoked smoke machine, windy flame effects and an outbreak of mass guitar posing mid-song.

El Majestico had had to borrow the entire stage equipment, but this didn`t put them off one bit, in fact it almost gave them another reason to blind us with their performance. Hysterical between song banter between fans and band members alike, left you feeling like you were crashing the best party in town.

El Majestico? El Magnifico!!!

(Photos by Di Gital)

BOSCAWEN PARK, TRURO (6TH AUGUST)

THE BOSCAWEN PARK FREE MUSIC FESTIVAL 2006

This annual event landed smack bang in the middle of one of the hottest weekends this year and left you in no doubt that Cornwall is definitely the place to be again for relaxing good times. On show was some of the greatest musicians and songwriters living and working in our county, performing their hearts out for the best reason that anyone can have; charity - for the benefit of others, (in particular FLEET, who help the local injured from accident to recovery), and the whole event was organised by the Stevie`s Challenge team, with considerable success.

The bands that performed today were the cream of the crop of local talent and I`m sure that by this time next year, the festival will have to increase to the whole weekend, just to have time for all the new artists that continue to appear in local venues.

This is a very healthy time for the Cornish music scene, after many dormant years we finally have something to sing and shout about and it won`t be long before the rest of the world is gonna hear the sound of all our voices. As one local mover and shaker said, "Bring it on!"

(Photo by Ann Dby)

BOSCAWEN PARK, TRURO (6TH AUGUST)

THE NOEL PRIOR BAND

What can you say about the Noel Prior Band that hasn`t been said already without lying for the sake of a point? They deserve the praise, they deserve the success and above all they deserve your support!

Here we are in the 8th month of their existance and what have they done; first gig supporting Alex Parks at the Hall for Cornwall, live radio sessions on Radio Cornwall and national Radio 2`s Janice Long Show, winning a showcase position at this month`s Edinburgh Festival, the top selling album in Cornwall and a host of fantastic live gigs that include all the major festivals in the county this year. With the increased profile that all this entails, the recently enlarged four piece has no trouble winning over the few remaining new fans that hear them these days.

So if you are still in the minority - come and join us and learn to smile a bit more!

Because above all, The Noel Prior Band make you smile. They do this with their happy, sunny music, (obviously), but mostly because they enjoy playing and make sure that they show this side in their performance. Amongst the killer catchy tunes penned by Noel, the traditional shoe throw, (thankyou Mr. Bate!), the flying bass of soon-to-be married, (sorry ladies!), Rob Carter, we have the happiest looking four men on stage this afternoon. Light summery jazz mingles with folky rock and all this is held together with the glory that is perma-shaded, uber-cool, drum-meister Liam Jolly.

Okay... so hands up how many bands have ever had their set stopped for sky divers?

...yes, it`s just another day in the short life of The Noel Prior Band !

(Photos by Johnny Echo Echo)

BOSCAWEN PARK, TRURO (6TH AUGUST)

TOM MOUNSEY

Bottleneck guitarists are thin on the ground in Cornwall, as are steel National guitars, so when two come together you really need to put aside some time and have a listen.

Tom Mounsey has been up to his neck in this form of the blues for many years now and has perfected a gentle relaxed style that was well suited to a hot sunny day in the park. The soothing sounds that rolled from the speakers as his left hand slid up and down the fretboard mingled with his foot-stomping rhythm to produce a lovely mellow interlude after the hard rock of the previous artists. His mournful singing was a perfect match for the deeply southern groove that Tom is clearly still on. The blues needed an airing amongst all the bands today and Tom is, without a doubt, the man to do it.

If you want authentic bottleneck blues, you need look no further.

Apart from winning the day`s award for breaking the most strings in one song, (3 outta 6 ain`t bad!), Tom Mounsey also took my vote for the most relaxed twenty minutes. Blues to make you smile!

(Photos by Blind Silly Billy)

BOSCAWEN PARK, TRURO (6TH AUGUST)

THREE MINUTE WARNING

Another fine example of the 3 piece heavy rock set-up took to the main stage and showed the crowd how to kick up a storm, as 3 Minute Warning turned the volume up to eleven and ACDC-ed and Black Sabbath-ed the afternoon into submission. Starting with Angus Young`s fancy fret work and then sliding into `Black Betty` was a perfect hand to lead with as the band went hell for leather to rock the bollocks outta the day. Although not wishing to stereotype, I imagine the local biker gang on site were in their element as the riffs echoed across the park to the river Fal. I know I was well impressed with the lead guitarist`s skill and the mighty rhythm section that pounded out some great racing beats., (was there a double bass drum rolling rhythm a la Motorhead at one point, or was it just my heart beating fast?). It sounded like a well practiced rock band on top form this afternoon, choosing all the crowd pleasing covers you could want.

3 Minute Warning - You Raaawwwked!!

(Photos by Lord Itchfield)

BOSCAWEN PARK, TRURO (6TH AUGUST)

SEED

(Reviewed by Jocky Slingback)

Never heard nothing about this `ere Seed band before, but I likes them now! Just two lads with a couple of guitars giving it some welly on a sunny Sunday afternoon as I sips me Oirish cider in the shade of a mixing desk. Bit of a jangle, bit of a sing-a-long - everthings good in the world. Suddenly out of the blue, there comes a cover version of Ween`s `Piss up a Rope` and I can hardly believe me ears! There`s a swearing, rude bits and all; all manner of naughties being broadcast to the world on this the Lord`s day. Little toddlers and old folks alike were fed this naughty song, with nowhere to hide their ears.

Fabulous stuff!!

I couldn`t have had a bigger chuckle at the outrage these two lads created around me. Disgusted of Wadebridge was steaming when I goes to get a top up, so I says to `e - "bugger orf if you don`t loiks it mate!" and I think he did after that, cos I didn`t see him again... mind after all that sun on me head and all that foriegn cider, me eyesight was starting to fuzz a bit anyway.

But them Seed boys are excellent, and I`m off to get their seedy cos I loiks them so much.

Have a listen!

(Photos by Gerald; a friend of Jocky Slingback who doesn`t like cider, but is alright apart from that)

BOSCAWEN PARK, TRURO (6TH AUGUST)

MY ELVIS BLACKOUT

Supported by one of the most loyal and fervent fanbases this side of celebrity stalkers, My Elvis Blackout are standing like giants on the local music scene at the moment, because of stunning performances like this afternoon`s and the high quality songwriting that they regularly knock out. Always exciting and becoming more confident with every passing gig, Harry and the lads whack the audience over the head repeatedly with their remorseless powerhouse performances, until they submit to the peace that only a Blackout can bring to their lives.

This isn`t a gig anymore - this is a mission we`re on!

Converts are made, ears are bled and cards are marked...My Elvis Blackout have no intention of leaving the building, (standing), and tear the stage apart with punked attitude and slashed guitar chords. Seering through the afternoon`s peace like the rancid corpse of Freddie Mercury screaming `Don`t stop me now`, My Elvis Blackout are having a such good time and you can bet there`s no stopping them now - they give it the works!

(Photos by Flash)

BOSCAWEN PARK, TRURO (6TH AUGUST)

ANDREW BATE

Strolling onto the other stage, acoustic guitar in hand, Andrew Bate cut a lonely figure until he got to the mic and began his unfairly short performance of haunting original classics. A young man blessed with such a voice and songwriting ability is destined to make his mark on the music world`s larger stage, (not to mention those pin-up good looks...oh yeah I wasn`t gonna mention them, sorry ladies!). It is such a privilege to hear this local talent at this stage in his career, because undoubtably it won`t be long before you`ll have to pay handsomely to hear Andrew Bate perform.

His vocals and songwriting have been compared to Nick Drake and Jeff Buckley for their quality, but I also heard touches of Ryan Adams and Ron Sexsmith in there. So when he ended on a stunning version of The MC5`s `Kick out the Jams` by throwing his guitar to the floor and stalking off stage before the audience knew what had happened, I was surrounded by wildly enthused and excited fans new and old.

Stunning!

(Photos by Dave Bailey)

BOSCAWEN PARK, TRURO (6TH AUGUST)



THE TRUTHS

The last time I saw The Truths was at The High Rollers gig a few months back and I recall thinking how they did a great version of Ian Brown and of saying that the singer had the best vocals of the night. I think, on that night, the band was unsuited to the audience and struggled to hold the indie rock kids, even though The Truths were performing like kings.

Today was a different kettle of sealife and the band were magnificent!

The Truths were abso-fucking-lutely stunning!

World class, without a shadow of a doubt. Their groove was exactly right on the line - perfect for the scorching afternoon. I saw a similar performance from the Stereo MCs a month ago at a steaming hot festival and loved every minute of it. This is where The Truths really come into their own; putting the roll on the afternoon sun, giving a slope to the air and a grin to the gentle breeze. The sound balance was excellent and the levels just right to enable the band to fill the open area with their class music. Oh and the voice is still there, by the way!

Excellent!

(Photos by Mick Rawk)

BOSCAWEN PARK, TRURO (6TH AUGUST)


DAVEY, DODGE AND DOVE

Along with a forth member of the band, (sorry didn`t catch the name... does it start with a `D`?), this was a strange band and performance that came next to the other stage. Firstly an extensive set of floor toms were hauled across the stage and then hardly touched in favour of a three acoustic lead guitar set up that screamed out for a bass or rhythm to play against. The petite female singer, for some reason brought to mind a version Kylie that actually has talent and nearly made up for the duelling guitars that she seemed to be struggling to control around her. I swear I heard three individual guitar solos at the same time on more than one occasion!
The cover versions of blues based rock songs were well chosen and performed with real talent by the singer, but the overall effect was of an acoustic jam session of over-enthusiastic Gary Moores and appeared to be strangely under rehearsed. Bizarre.

(Photo by Simon Tregunna, aged 6)

BOSCAWEN PARK, TRURO (6TH AUGUST)




THE REELS

First onto the main stage came The Reels, a fabulous four piece that are sounding tighter and livelier everytime I hear them. Led by the amazing voice of Alex Hill, The Reels have an atmospheric rock sound that is rarely heard in such a young band. With epic soundscapes and rolling drumbeats, catchy melodies and distorted guitars, the band performed a classic selection of their best material that perfectly introduced the growing public audience to their beautiful songs. Think U2 and you`re in the right ballpark with The Reels
The park began to fill as the lads came to the conclusion of their set just after midday, which unfortunately meant that many people missed the chance to see a great local band at the start of what promises to be a long and sucessful career. If you were one of those that rose late on Sunday, may I suggest you get your ears around the outside of The Reels at the very next opportunity ...you won`t regret it!

(Photos by Antony Corbijn)