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)