Saturday, December 30, 2006

GIGS IN DECEMBER 2006

THE BARLEY SHEAF, LISKEARD (29TH DECEMBER)








EL MAJESTICO

The boys were back in town for a homecoming gig and introducing their junior drumming substitute dynamo Ben Harris, (from Dummy Run), gigging with the band after only one rehearsal. A classic harmony vocal led pop/punk band with more hooks than a ship full of pirates, following in the footsteps of bands such as The Knack, Silversun and Midget, El Majestico certainly live up to their name.

Tonight`s performance hit the ground running with classic Majestico in the shape of `She`s not it` followed quickly by `I know a girl`. Clearly at ease with the local crowd, they gave a surprising cover of `Simply the best`, that was chased away with hit after hit from their own songbook. Highlights of the mid-set included `Elizabeth stays away` and `California dreams`, a quick Maria Carey at Christmas impersonation and El Majestico finished with the brilliant `Dirty Little Girl`. Forced to encore, (how could they refuse?), they pulled out the rap masterpiece `Boom!` that nearly threatened to drown out the band due to audience participation.

What a great night, what a great band: Tight as a drum with harmony vocals and a sense of humour that guarentees a good time had by all. If you only see one band in 2007, make it El Majestico!




JACKSON CANNERY

Another three piece, but this time a piano led Ben Folds Five tribute act which, although may sound in theory like a bad idea that`s had it`s time, actually worked really well with the Barley Sheaf crowd tonight. I had the impression that this collective are not a regular fixture and the inclusion of Matt Watts from Ptero on his second set of the evening, seemed to confirm this feeling. This is not to say that they didn`t gell together as a unit, (in fact I personally thought Matt`s drumming was far better on these covers than his Ptero set earlier), but with the nature of the material being almost a keyboardist and a backing band, there was never a doubt as to who the constantly moving spotlights(!), would fall on most frequently.

A sweaty and exuberant performance later led by the piano throughout was concluded with a sly name checking version of `Jackson Cannery`.

Lovely.




PTERO

The Barley Sheaf in the heart of Liskeard is a small, but busy venue for local live acts and tonight was no exception. Packed to the rafters with mid-season revellers, this haven from the torrential downpour outside was a warm and inviting place to blow those yuletide cobwebs away.

First on the bill came Ptero; a three piece that have melded the vocal style The Levellers to the musical style of Soundgarden or the ubiquitous Smashing Pumpkins. With Dan Reid taking first go on lead vocals and guitar, while Tim Prudent and Matt Watts held bass and drums respectively, the band hammered a first assault across the growing crowd. A few numbers in and Tim takes the lead vocals, swaping the bass with Dan, (who does an amazing lead bass line on the next song). Finishing their set, two thirds of Ptero have to fight their way through the crowd to leave the stage.

A solid start to the evening.

(Photos by Lord Itchfield)

Friday, December 22, 2006


BUNTERS BAR, TRURO (21ST DECEMBER)







EVEN NINE

The mighty Even Nine came back to Truro tonight to deliver a special Christmas present for the loyal followers in the shape of a kick ass double set of original classic Nine tracks followed by a set of xmas covers.

Having returned from touring with international rockers Thunder, the lads were fizzing with energy the like of which Bunters rarely see. It was as if Tigger had snorted speed, kicked Pooh in the honeypot and turned the hundred acre wood into a free rock festival - Even Nine seriously `bounced` around the stage with such abandonment and obvious joy you`d have found it hard not to enjoy their performance. When you add the quality of the songwriting, the catchy chorus` and the brilliant musicianship, a great time is always guarenteed.

Obviously enjoying the evening, (along with the large festive crowd), the band were grinning like northern cats and expelling enough energy to make you feel tired just watching them. The classic Nine tracks `Falling` and `Two Days` bound the audience together into a sing-a-long chorus and the cheers got louder as the gig went on, (clapping is hard whilst holding a pint, y`know).

So if you want to see a great local rock band on their way up, with all the ability and performance of say a young Def Leppard or Terrorvision, look no further. Even Nine could fill a stadium with performances like this ...and undoubtably will in the near future.

Happy Christmas? - Not `Arf !!

(Photos by Lord Itchfield)

Sunday, December 03, 2006


SOLO RECORDS, TRURO (2ND DECEMBER)



THE NOEL PRIOR BAND

The first Saturday of December saw a now elevated and condensed Solo Records in Truro play host to a three band instore acoustic gig headlined by the magnificent Noel Prior Band. Although as Noel himself pointed out this appeared to be a return to where the year started for them doing an instore gig at Solo, many things have indeed changed. Apart from Solo itself, the band has seen line up changes, startling success across the country and a fanbase rabid for new material. Which is lucky really, because along with the official opening of `Upstairs @ Solo`, all the artists performing today were showcasing new material.

By the time Noel and the lads had set up, the shop was nearly at capacity with fans, friends and the odd bemused senior shopper. Noel`s new songs are equal to the previous batch if not better, because of the additional vocals available with the new line up. He is able to harmonise with Harry and Toby and this brings a different lighter feel to the new material. Still catchy, but with Toby`s keyboards more to the fore now. Personally I liked the song `Fragile` which showed a more romantic edge to Noel`s songwriting. Clearly the successes of the year have given Mr.Prior a greater level of confidence to express himself in his songs and his ability to perform them. The Noel Prior Band were great in January, but twelve months later they`re even better.


SEED

In keeping with the reduced size of the venue, Seed were performing as a duo with Liam Jolly, (from The NPB), on stand up drums and Trev Kemp on guitar and vocals. The shop was starting to fill up throughout Seed`s performance as Trev introduced us, (and the drummer at times!), to his new songs. The audience were won over quickly with the quality and ease with which Trev performed and although clearly learning on the hoof at times, Liam put in a sterling performance by the end of the set.

Its been a while since the band has recorded any new material, but the wait has been worth the while with the eight track cd `Chemical Prison` finally out and a string of live dates on the winter horizon.



ANDREW BATE

Andrew Bate has performed better than this and afterwards he admitted that he felt he could`ve planned his set with more thought, but everybody is entitled to screw up sometimes. I know he`s hankering after forming a band and going electric, so perhaps his frustrations showed themselves today in his performance.

The shop was practically empty for most of his set, but the new material was strong and the performance, although erratic at times, was entertaining. Unfortunately, as a perfectionist, he`ll be picking holes in this one for days to come, trying to locate the reasons that he feels it was so bad, (which it wasn`t), but as a witness I`d say that the new material was good, catchy and his voice is still one of the most unique and beautiful in the county.

(Photos by Lord Itchfield)