Cornish Live Gig Review

2011-01-04T08:58:00.000-08:00

THE DAMNED

The Princess Pavilions, Falmouth, Cornwall

20/05/10

View: At the front.

Nearly two hours on stage playing some of the hits and a lot of the less known album tracks, The Damned were on fine form tonight.

Obviously the big hits, (Eloise, Smash It Up etc.), raised the audience`s vocal (phantom) chords, but the fanatics had something to sing about too with shots like `Nothing` from the latest Damned studio album, `So Who`s Paranoid?`.

The keyboards and bouncing figure of Monty Oxy Moron were more sidelined than previuos tours, but he came into his own with the crowd shouting his name on the more gothic tracks.

Captain Sensible, as ever the main spokesman of the band he founded over thirty years ago, did most of the introductions but even with the aid of a set list, forgot which song they were meant to be playing.

Typically chaotic, The Damned, fronted by one of the best baratone`s of his generation in the form of Dave Vanian, like to be swept up in the moment as much as their audience and tonight it was a wonderful celebration of punk rock and selfdeprecating good humour.

The Damned are at the top of their game at the moment. They are on fire.

++++++++++++++++

2011-01-04T08:56:00.000-08:00

THE WONDERSTUFF

The Princess Pavilions, Falmouth, Cornwall

19/04/10

View: At the edge of the moshpit.

Celebrating the twenty first anniversary of possibly their most successful album, The Wonderstuff roared into town and played a blinder from start to finish. Loud speakers vortexed a Stars on 45 history lesson which blasted the audience back to the heady days of `Hup` fever, when fiddles mixed with raw guitars and long hair on men was normal.

Of course we`ve all got older and less hursute since then, but the spirit remains strong as illustrated with the mosh pit in full, pounding flow and the loudest audience I`ve ever heard at this venue.

Miles Hunt and Malcolm Treece, the two surviving original Stuffies on stage, took the ecstatic audience through the original album peppered with hit singles such as `Don`t Let Me Down Gently` and `Golden Green` for the first hour and then doubled that with an hour of other band favorites, including the classic `Unbearable` with its catchline, `I didn`t like you very much when I first met you, and now I know you, I like you even less.`

Miles and Co. couldn`t help grinning like cats from a northern county as their voices were drowned out by the crowd`s own singing on `Size of a Cow`.

The Wonderstuff were then, and still are now, designed to make you happy. Job done tonight.

Best gig of the year so far.

++++++++++++++++++++

2011-01-04T08:50:00.000-08:00

Interview with Captain Sensible - 12th May 2010

DO YOU LISTEN TO MUSIC MUCH? I do. I devour it. I`m a music fan. Thats how I started doing this really and it still gets me going when I meet my heroes, y`know? If I met Jagger or Bowie I wouldn`t bat an eyelid, but meeting Tony McFee from The Groundhogs was a great day I have to say.

ITS QUITE A DIFFERENT STYLE OF MUSIC Do you think so? D`ya know the further away from the seventies you get the less difference I can hear between the bluesy rock that was happening in the early seventies and glam and punk rock as well. I think the three, certainly the more you get away from the seventies, the more similarities those three styles have. I mean, you listen to Alvin Stardust `Red Dress` for example, thats not a million miles away from The Groundhogs really and its not a million miles away from The Stranglers or The Damned really.

I KNOW BOLAN WAS A BIG HERO OF YOURS Yeah, Bolan, you take a riff like `20th Century Boy`, y`know thats pretty raunchy, its all based on the blues y`know. I know its a cliche. Even punk rock - shock, horror!

DO YOU EVER LISTEN TO YOUR OWN MUSIC? Hahaha Only when we have to go out on tour and I have to re-learn the riffs.

WHAT ABOUT YOUR OWN SOLO STUFF, DO YOU EVER LISTEN TO THAT? Never, never at all. I mean once you`ve finished making a record I think you er, I don`t know about other people, but certainly the amount of sweat and termoil and palpatations that putting a record together entails, after that basically you want to move on. Haha. You know theres a certain amount of torment in putting an album together and thats why, dare I say it?, my records are quite good.

IS IT TRICKY TO GO OUT WITH THE DAMNED AND PLAYING STUFF FROM A NEW ALBUM THEN? Yeah, they take on a new life though playing them live. I thinks its two different disciplines; live and studio. Like you mentioned records that I may`ve bought in the past, I mean The Sweet for example. You listen to their records and then you see them live and they`re completely different everything really, different sound, different band. They were rough and ready live, but on record they were kind of well produced. Controlled.

WHATS THE BEST GIG YOU EVER SAW? Crikey, I can`t remember the year, but I remember being taken to see Queen at Lewisham Odeon by someone. I always say it was the best gig I`ve ever seen because it surprised me so much how brilliant a four piece band could be, how well they complimented each other. There was a fifth member of the group though; it was the roadie who had the job of looking after Freddie Mercury`s stick mic. Freddie would play the piano and then the mic would be there just out of the spotlight. The bloke would be there on the floor, on his back, holding the mic ready for Freddie to grab it and do the raunchy bit in the middle of Bohemian Rhapsody. It was amazingly choreographed, y`know? The mic holder was brilliant. The band were quite good as well, haha.

WHAT AGE WERE YOU THEN? I think I was in The Damned at the time. I wasn`t a fan of Queen y`know, but the further away (in time), you get from it the more you realise what an astonishingly great collection of tunes they had.

LIKE THE DAMNED, THEY HAD QUITE A FEW SONGWRITERS IN THE BAND Yeah, ususally the drummer comes along and says, "I`ve written a song, guys," and the band kind of hide their heads under the tables, but Roger Taylor (drummer with Queen) wrote one of their big hits didn`t he?

THEIR EARLY ALBUMS WERE FULL OF DIFFERENT STYLES, MUCH LIKE THE BEST DAMNED ALBUMS INCLUDING YOUR RECENT `SO, WHO`S PARANOID?` Yeah, all the band contributed on this one.

YOUR BEST SINCE `STRAWBERRIES`? Cheers. Yeah, `Strawberries` was the album we looked back to for self-inspiration, if you like, for Paranoid, because we tried to do a garagey thing y`know? Thats where we think punk came from anyway; The Seeds and The Electric Prunes, all that sort of stuff. When Lennie Kaye brought out those `Nuggets` albums they kick started a whole `garage` theme in Britian. Some of the bands were phenomenal weren`t they? Plasticland, bands like that, and it certainly influenced `Strawberries`. So with `Paranoid` we were trying to get back to a garage thing, y`know? Kind of lo-fi, but cracking songs and a bit of passion as well.

DAVE`S VOCALS ON THE NEW ALBUM ARE STUNNING Yeah, you go back to the eighties and listen to `Eloise`. I mean I can`t think of a better singer of his generation. From the first album (`Damned, Damned, Damned`), to the eighties he just developed this fantasic baritone and its just a real pleasure, I`m not being funny, I mean we`re not that kind of band that praise each other, its more of a dog eat dog kind of a band, but its really nice to write songs and hear him sing them you know? I go in and do the demo and I think, "Aww, weldone Cap, you`ve done a pretty good job on the vocals there. Lets see Vanian match that!" and he goes in the studio and he just transforms it. So its a pleasure to write tunes and have him sing them. I wonder if he thinks the same way when he writes a song and I play guitar? Haha! (his voice drops into a deep, Vanian impersonation) "...and then Captain comes along and ruins it." Haha!

HOW DO YOU THINK YOU`VE IMPROVED AS A MUSICIAN OVER THE YEARS? Well I`ll try anything, I`ll have a go at any instrument, but I don`t think I`m a virtuoso at any of them really. I think its nice when you pick up a new instrument you`ve never played before, like when we said lets get a sitar down the studio and we twanged away at it and we got a couple of really good songs out of it, (`Under The Floor Again`). I remember saying to the roadies, "Whatever you do, look after that sitar when you take it back," and they said, "Look Captain, look at this," and they were very proud of their work and they showed me. The sitar was strapped to the back of a Luton van and they said, "Look, thats not going to go anywhere," but they hadn`t strapped down the four by twelves (speaker cabinets), which were still on their wheels and as soon as they went round the first corner, they rolled and crashed into this sitar, smashing the bloody thing to smithereens. Imbeciles!

WHATS YOUR WORST HABIT? I squander my time playing computer games and I know you can really just wipe that time off your alotted period on the planet, its just meaningless, drivel. I just really like old, retro video games, y`know? I really like Donkey Kong and stuff like Daytona USA on the Sega Dreamcast. I`m really quite knowledgeable about all these old games like Quix. A lot of them have been re-invented on the mobile phones and its really nice to see them back because it doesn`t matter about the gorgeous graphics and stuff like that, its all about the game play at the end of the day. I really like the old Mario that came out on the Gameboy, the black and white one, thats sensational, and the music on it was brilliant on it as well, (starts singing a retro tune), thats how it went, oh no that was Tetrus. I do waste time, but then again when you`re sitting in the back of the van with the rest of the guys travelling to a gig, its a great way of kopping out of actually talking to them about the set list or, "...what happened in last night`s show when such and such went wrong?" "Hold on a second, I`m busy playing, erm `Breakout`."

DO YOU KEEP A DIARY? No I don`t and I wish I had. I used to when I was a kid, in fact I`ve still got them all. I wrote a couple of tour diaries in The Damned, but afterwards I pretty much stopped, but the teenage years I`ve got. It might be interesting to go back and see the angst I was going through, (puts on a mopey, Neil from The Young Ones voice) "...nobody cares about me, yeah? They just want me to be canon fodder, the school`s career officer told me I should join the army or the police or something, but, y`know, I`m a pacifist." Haha, that`ll all be in there.

IF YOU WEREN`T A MUSICIAN, WHAT WOULD YOU BE? All I ever wanted to do was work on the railways and when I left school, this is the problem I had, I had a few `O` Levels. I had a couple of English `O` Levels, I had language and literature. When I joined the railways, my prefered occupation, they chucked me in an office. So I kept saying to them, "This is really not why I joined the railway company. I want to work on a station, I want to be a level crossing keeper, signals, anything like that. Even drive a train." But no, office it was and so I just walked out of the job when The Damned said, "We`re off to do some gigs." I don`t often think about this, but its all coming back to me now. I went off and did the gigs and never actually contacted the railways again, but they got in touch with me and said, "Come in and get your holiday money and your cards and all that stuff." So I went in, and this was a time when we had unions, and I had the union representative sitting next to me and the union rep was doing my case for me saying, "Look, Mr.Burns here was very upset because he didn`t want to work in an office and he wants you to transfer him to another department, preferably outdoors where he can do some train spotting at the same time." So they actually said, "Yes, okay. You can come back Mr.Burns, we`re terribly sorry, we didn`t listen to you." So I said, "But I`ve joined a band now, we`re in the newspapers, y`know `Punk Menace` and all that?" So it was all too late by then. I wonder if they`ve still got the job vacant for me if I wanna go back? I would`ve loved to work for the railways. I`m an evangelist for public transport. Its the first thing I do when I get to a new place. I used to keep the bar going all night, but these days I go to bed, get up in the morning, take the camera down the stations and take snaps of the locomotives, and this is everywhere around the world. I know about public transport systems, metros in all sorts of places like Tokyo, Osaka, San Francisco. I like the ones in Paris with their rubber tyres as they swoosh into the station. The ones in Osaka are fantastic because they go above, they`re on stilts some of them, they`ve got monorails that swoosh down and they go up the river. You think to yourself, `congestion?` - thats obviously a thing of the past if you put some of these monorails in. They`re so wonderful and sci-fi, they`re up above the shops and the houses and all that stuff. I imagine its not as expensive as tunneling either, so get your act together new prime minister, lets put some money into the transport system in this country. I doubt if that`ll happen, not with the country being as bankrupt as it is, allegedly.

WHATS HAPPENED WITH YOUR BLAH! PARTY? I decided not to stand at elections because the first past the post system is just redundant, theres no point is there? Hopefully Clegg, which I doubt if he will actually, but hopefully he`ll hold out for P.R. because that`ll be a fantastic thing for the country and democracy in general. Whoever you voted for, Lab, Lib or Con, you could put a cigarette paper between them on their policies. Theres no real choice there at all is there? They`re all war parties and they`re all `lets make cuts` ...blah, blah, blah. I might resurrect the Blah! party at some point, especially if they change the voting system. I think it`d be a great shot in the arse of democracy. At the moment, if you`ve got a different point of view, the likes of Murdoch and the other rags can just ignore you.

IS THE NATURE OF THE BAND AND YOUR OWN NICKNAME A BIT OF A BURDEN WHEN YOU WANT TO MAKE A SERIOUS POINT? No it doesn`t help, does it? I wish I`d chosen something else to be quite honest. When I was doing the Blah! thing, I remember one programme I was debating with Ed Vaizey from the Tories and he didn`t want to go on with me. He said, "No I can`t go on with Captain Sensible, its ridiculous." But the rest of my band imposed that name on me and its certainly opened doors for me. I recently did a film for The Guardian newspaper about train travel, so I`ve grown to love the name really. The thing about The Damned is that we`re not pompous. I find a lot of bands that believe their own hype, you can see it in their interviews. I cannot bear to read these rock stars opinions - they`re so self important. The things they say are just such garbage. Boring pompous twaddle. The Damned are just a bunch of blokes and I think we`ve survived because somehow theres some raw talent in there, but none of its choreographed, we`re not a slick unit. I think the people that come to see us know that anything could happen, I suppose.

BANDS MADE OF MUSIC FANS SURVIVE I don`t particularly buy a lot of new records these days or listen to the radio because some of its a bit depressing and I don`t like the sound of records that`ve been made with this garbage computer programme called ProTools. You can hear which records have been using ProTools, because they`re so perfect, theres no rough edges in there anymore, the drums in particular. You get the drummer in, you spend your time getting a nice drum sound and then at the end of the day, they correct all the drums so it could`ve been played by a machine in the first place. I just don`t see the point. These records that are made by these bands, you can tell, people like U2 some of these bands, you read about it in their interviews; they`ve been in with all their best ideas, they make an album and then they listen back to it and say, "No, No, No. Thats not good enough." Its not good enough? What they mean is that its not good enough to keep the brand at the top where it deserves to stay. Its all about corporate brand and garbage like that. So they scrap the album and I`m not saying this is in U2`s particular case, but I think I did read something like this about them, what happens is the producer goes away, gets ten or twelve of his favorite songs from other bands, then they go in, dissect them, steal the sounds, steal the chord structures but not exactly the same. I mean for God`s sake! I went to see Green Day, I took my kids along because they wanted to see them and they had a couple of their records and I had to walk out after four or five songs. I knew every riff, I knew where everything was stolen from and it was so absolutely blatant that I went in the bar and I was just nodding my head and there was another parent in there, so I mentioned what was wrong and they said, "Yeah, I totally agree. I`ve got all those records at home as well." The kids don`t know all these records so they`re taking them all at first hand as though its something new. Its not a new thing thats been created by passionate people, its people protecting the brand. Thats what I hear when I hear these bands, not just Green Day, because theres a lot of them. Oasis were a prime example of that. Absolutely disgraceful ! And Weller, he`s another one. Lets name names! I found myself standing at a bar the other day, The Zombies were playing at the Shepherds Bush Empire and Weller was standing next to me. We`ve been through a few things together, but I couldn`t say to him "Hi Paul, its great to see you" or anything, because I would`ve been a hypocrite.

WHAT WAS THE FIRST ALBUM YOU BOUGHT? The first album I bought was an absolutely sensational record by The Bee Gees it was called `The Bee Gees First` Funny thing is when people come round me house and say what was their first album I say, "I`ll play you a track from the first album I bought," and I play a track called `In my own time` from The Bee Gees first album and they go, "Wow. Thats rocking, who`s that?" and when I tell them its the Bee Gees they say, "Get out of it." Its a cracking record, full of mellotrons, harpsichords, its a really great psych/pop masterpiece and the people in the know out there on the internet who look for classic pop albums like `Pet Sounds` and `SF Sorrow`, they say its as good as them. I`ve still got the original vinyl copy, but I`ve also got a digital version. The first single I ever bought was `I`m a Moody Guy` by Shane Fenton, I wonder what happened to him? I mentioned that to Lemmy (Motorhead) the other day and he said, "Yeah, but can you name the B-side?" and I said, "Yep, `Five Foot Two, Eyes of Blue`," and he said, "Yeah, its a great song Captain."

WHAT WAS THE LAST RECORD THAT YOU BOUGHT? The last record I bought was by The Pains of Being Pure at Heart. They`re a Brooklin, New York band. I don`t know the termanology, but I think they`re one of those band sthat gaze at their shoes a bit. It sounds a little bit Jesus and Mary Chain, but the songs are very cute and memorable. Its full of melodies basically but its `noise melody` that what I`d call it.

DO YOU COLLECT ANYBODY? I collect Stereolab. I`ve got everything they made. I like the way that every album they change their style a bit and everything they do is good for me. They kind of do this loungey stuff and theres lots of bleeps and mood noises, drones, droning guitars. Its a great little formula they`ve got.

YOU HAVE A FONDNESS FOR PSYCHODELIC MUSIC THEN? The thing is, The Pistols, The Clash and The Damned were all collecting records in the seventies and there was no punk to collect so the nearest to raunchy we had then was The Pink Fairies and in the states there was the MC5. Then The Stooges came along and The Ramones and changed everything. There was good music in the seventies before punk. Krautrock was phenominal, Neu, you can`t beat a bit of Neu.

YOU WORKED WITH JOEY RAMONE ON HIS LAST ALBUM DIDN`T YOU? Yeah, its a wonderful record as well, that should`ve been a monster hit y`know, `Wonderful World` is just fantastic. I worked on the song `Mr.Punchy` and he didn`t tell me he was ill, I had no idea. Maybe I would`ve done a better backing vocal for him if I`d known it would be his last thing. I did a ridiculous vocal on it, but thats what he wanted, he said, "Do something outrageous," so he came to the right man. He was such a lovely bloke though and an amazing voice. The wall of sound that The Ramones made, you needed quite a voice to cut through those guitars and Joey certainly had it.

We played a double headliner in Hammersmith with The Ramones back in the nineties and I remember walking into their dressing room to say hello and cor blimey, you could cut the atmosphere with a knife. They were sitting as far away from each other as possible in the corners of the room and there was absolute silence. It was not a happy band. I think we know now about certain members nicking certain other members girlfriends. `The KKK Took My Baby Away` that sort of stuff. But there was no jollity going on there.

WHO WOULD YOU MOST LIKE TO RECORD WITH? I`d like to record with DJ Tsuyoshi, hes a Japanese techno merchant and you might think thats a bit strange, but I just like the beats that he does and I think theres a guitar/techno hybrid album in me that should be made at some point. I think theres good and bad in all forms of music like old Zappa says, you`ve just gotta find it. 80-90% of its garbage and you`ve just got to find the 10% good stuff and I`m sure theres even good country music ...although I haven`t found any yet. Well I suppose Johnny Cash, if he`s country then hes the cream isn`t he?

UNFULFILLED AMBITIONS? Being extremely rich. Its gotta be a bit of a disappointment not achieving that one. Having started out bog cleaning, I particularly wanted to earn a load of cash so I wouldn`t have to return to the lowest rung of the ladder in employment terms. Mind you theres probably worse jobs than cleaning bogs. When The Damned would play these venues in the states, these clubs that took three or four hundred people at a time and down the road would be these stadium full of like 70,000 screaming hair metal fans watching a band called Wasp or someone like that, and I`d think to myself "Thats gotta be the worst job in the world - sweeping up the dandruff off that stage after they`ve played."

WHY ARE THERE NO BOOKS ABOUT THE DAMNED? We`re not really an `art` band, we`re kind of more a `peoples` band and so people who write and people who are into film, like Don Letts, I don`t think that they see much here for them to latch onto. Theres a lot of great stories in The Damned, and theres a lot of interesting people playing currently, and in the past in The Damned with stories to tell. The fact that these stories haven`t been told is a bit of a shame. The problem with the film side of things is that our management over the years has been of the bread head persuasion generally who would go up to anybody holding a camera and say, "Look five hundred in the hand or otherwise don`t even bother unpacking it." Consequently theres not an awful lot of film of The Damned in the glory days when the band was literally on fire. Theres nothing to show of that period and theres absolutely stacks of The Clash and everybody else, which is a shame. But we`re still touring, so time isn`t over yet. Theres always `Rat Scabies and the Holy Grail` - its not actually about The Damned, but its bloody good fun.

RAT SCABIES RECENTLY SOLD AN OLD DAMNED FOUR BY TWELVE ON E-BAY Oh I say, I thought he was the drummer! How come he`s got all the bands equipment? Haha! It`d make a nice coffee table.

YOU WRITE SONGS ABOUT CORNWALL AND PLAY THERE REGULARLY, WHATS YOUR CONNECTION? Well personally, myself and Monty (Oxy Moron, keyboards in The Damned), just love Cornwall and Devon. Its a really special place. I like the beer and the cider, its fairly relaxed and I like the seaside. I like quaint English seaside towns. Dawlish is my favorite, but thats in Devon. I don`t have any family connections with the place, but I just discovered it once when I was doing a gig in Plymouth and the train went along the sea wall, y`know at Dawlish and Tynmouth and I thought crikey, I`ve gotta go back there and so I started going back there doing a bit of train spotting and I started exploring from there really. Dartmoor and then the North coast.

FAVORITE RECORD SHOP? I like Borderline in Brighton, its just absolutely full of great, great records. Hand picked kind of classics. They do a bit of everything really. Old RnB stuff, theres prog rock, punk, but its all the good stuff. Triffic. You`ll find David Axelrod in there, all sorts. I bought a record from there a couple of days ago. When you asked me what was the last record I bought, I lied to you. The last record I actually bought was from Borderline and it is a compilation of Peruvian lounge music called Gozalo and its, `...tropical Peruvian music of the 60s`.

DO YOU LISTEN TO A LOT OF WORLD MUSIC? I`ll tell you what, I don`t listen to much rock music these days, it doesn`t do it for me. I`ve had a lifetime of guitar riffs and stuff like that, I think I`ve heard them all. After you`ve heard The Groundhogs `Thank Christ For The Bomb` and Black Sabbath`s first couple of albums, what more do you need? Keep buying more guitar records? So I`m just looking at all other genres now. Theres still fresh music to be made. You know in the sixties when it went into heavy rock and then heavy rock morphed into glam and then punk and so on, but it seemed that music was always changing, there was always something new around the corner and I think theres still new things to be invented and I think maybe its by combining unlikely sounds.

WOULD YOU HAVE PREFERED YOUR TRAIN TO BE NAMED THE RAY BURNS INSTEAD OF THE CAPTAIN SENSIBLE? Oh no, its a good name, a sort of wacky superhero name. Theres only one Captain Sensible, or could you imagine how many ghastly show tunes would get to number one? No, but I`m more than happy with my train. theres a John Peel as well, I think and I know that the company was thinking of doing a Morrissey.

WHY DO THE SONGWRITING CREDITS ON THE DAMNED SEEM TO VARY BETWEEN SENSIBLE AND BURNS? That was down to the office, the publishers just randomly make those choices. I didn`t fill out any forms or anything.

PLANS FOR THE FUTURE Well we`re touring in the summer because we found that when you tour in the winter and you keep all the windows shut in the van, when somebody gets a cold, you all get it. So the general idea is to tour in the summer when you don`t all get the flu. So summer tour, a few festivals and yeah, lifes quite nice really. Its not gonna make me a millionaire, but its a lot of fun. I`m pretty excited, I took delivery of an amplifier today and I`m really looking forward to firing it up and hearing what it sounds like really loud because it sounds great at home at low volumes, but it`ll sound better when its cranked up. I got a new Marshall ! Marshall are great though, just think how many records would not have sounded as good, or even have been made in the first place without Marshall. Its an absolutely sensational success story from this country and you know guitarists from America and all around the world want Marshall amps because they sound the best.

HAVE YOU BEEN INTO TOE RAG STUDIOS YET? Not yet, but Vanian picked me up about that, so yeah we might have a look at that, you can`t beat valves can you? I think it`d probably suit Dave`s voice quite well.

+++++++++++++++++

2009-10-01T07:20:00.000-07:00

GIGS IN SEPTEMBER 2009

Spike Hooper Memorial Gig

The Cookworthy, St.Austell (27th September)

It was a gathering of friends and family, a respectful reminder of days gone by. Ten years down the road and Spike Hooper can still draw a crowd. Anyone who was anyone in St.Austell came out on the afternoon and gathered at the Cookworthy to show their respect to the greatest Cornish musician that ever there was. He inspired so many other people to take up an instrument and play throughout his life that many owe their success to Mr.Hooper.

First up this afternoon were some jazz bands reflecting Spike`s love of that type of music, Gareth Menadue and Mark Bullen did a fine job with The Jumping Out Jazz Band, who included Pete Flaskett as a guest.

David Penhale and Jericho Road were a disappointment, but they were quickly followed by the loud Beaver and the rocking Templemonkey.

The highlight for me was going to be the return of the Buick Boys, but along strode the legendary Mr. Alan Ross to the stage. Ex-Flying Tiger, ex-Shades and ex-cellent performer. He took the audience on a professional journey with his stylish rock`n`roll singing, accompanied by Pete Berryman. Pulling faces and cracking jokes throughout, Alan Ross stole the show. Being the only survivor of Spike`s most successful bands to perform on the day, (although Mike Bunt was in attendence), it gave us all a taste of days gone by and what we were really missing.

I asked Liz, Spike`s sister, what she thought he would`ve made of this afternoon`s event and she replied with a huge grin, that he`d have both loved it and been amazed at the turnout.

The Buick Boys tore the place apart as expected, but after Mr.Ross` performance, everybody needed to up their game!

Best Sunday of the year!

2008-12-12T01:48:00.000-08:00

GIGS IN DECEMBER 2008

THE HALL FOR CORNWALL, TRURO (3RD DECEMBER)

THE LEVELLERS

The Cornish crowd consisted of a cornucopia of crusties back from the beanfields, in search of fiddle-led folk music, and they were not disappointed by The Levellers performance.

Old tracks and crowd pleasers from their thirty year career mixed seamlessly with new material from their latest critically acclaimed album `Tales From The Underground`.

Harking back to the early Clash in politics and sentiment, if not style, the band`s new material lends itself well to the live situation and tonight proved the point to perfection.

There is of course, no show without Punch, and many a flailing arm was indeed seen in the audience as in unison they joined with the band in the anthemic `One Way of Life` choruses, without a trace of irony in their voices.

`Joyful abandon` are two words to describe the evening, as the world was put to rights by a bunch of alcohol fuelled, soap dodging herberts in Truro.

No change there then.

2008-12-12T01:44:00.000-08:00

GIGS IN OCTOBER 2008

THE HALL FOR CORNWALL, (11TH OCTOBER)

WISHBONE ASH

The seventies are still alive in Cornwall, so bands like Wishbone Ash can always rustle up a crowd when they visit and tonight was no exception.

Like many of their fans, original members have fallen by the wayside over the years, but the spirit lives on in last surviving man standing, Andy Powell and his trusty Gibson Flying V guitar.

Surrounded by a younger band, Andy brought those damp student bedsit days back with note perfect versions of the classics, `Blowing Free` and `The King Will Come` to the delight of the hairy, and the not so hairy alike on this chilly autumnal evening.

Memories topped up, ancient tour shirts aired, and youth slightly recaptured, the crowd left happy in the knowledge that classic rock will endure as long as Wishbone Ash exist.

2008-12-12T01:40:00.001-08:00

THE HALL FOR CORNWALL, TRURO (8TH OCTOBER)

ELBOW

Mercury prize not withstanding, Elbow has had a long journey that seems to have been well below the radar for many in the audience tonight as early material is given muted applause whilst recent chart friendly and Glasto anthems get the sing-a-long treatment of the relieved ticket buyer. For the sensitive souls in the house tonight, the big, beardy bloke called Garvey pulled at the heartstrings with his silky smooth vocals on tracks such as `One Day Like This` and `The Loneliness of a Tower Crane Driver`.
This is the band that clearly has Coldplay and Radiohead in their sights and so perfection is the keyword of this unusual underdog still waiting for it`s day. They have the songs, they have the staying power and they certainly create an uplifting live experience.

Thom and Christopher had better up their game, its dog eat dog out here.

2008-10-03T02:38:00.000-07:00

BUNTERS BAR, TRURO (2ND OCTOBER)

EVEN NINE

Get your shiters round this:

What the hell is this shit? - By Adam Puckey of The Gay Horses.

I moved house today. I'm back in Truro. After sorting through MOST of my things (A bit of washing needs to be done - i.e all my clothes), I decided to head down to Bunters for a pint of Cider.

Cider is the grease of wheels. It is the river of my dreams. It is the very cloud that fuels the rain of my content. Imagine my dismay to see, as I zoned in on the stage, that the blandest rock band ever created were pumping out perfectly timed, graceless, passionless pseudo-american super-pap to a crowd of bemused (possibly hypnotised) nodding bystanders.

Imagine it.

I had my hat cradled under my arm and I texted Gemma, my lassie, to inform her that I may just go back home again. Forget the cider.

I'm sorry. I am 'technically' a musician, and to be honest, I'm not very committed, or very good. I never practice. I can't be assed to arrange practices, gigs, shows, interviews, or anything. But if you put me on stage for an hour and a half with no microphone, no lights, no instruments, no band and no crowd, I'd STILL entertain more people than Even Nine did tonight.

You know that feeling you get when you lock the keys in the house and you know your landlord is away in corfu spending the rent that you can barely afford to pay? That's how it feels when I realise even nine are on the bill.

I once left in the middle of their soundcheck it was so soul destroyingly devoid of energy They just hit the bass drum for half an hour. The lead singer (can't be assed to learn his name) just ignores the crowd most of the time, with his back to the audience. He keeps doing some sort of royal wave (one surmises that this is an attempt to get the rest of the band to jam) while he stoops to drink his water.

WATER!!! FOr FuCk'S SAKE!!!WATER?????!!!!!

Who the fuck drinks water?Only Jack Black gets to drink water right? He's PAID his fucking dues.

There is a bit of bouncing about. The guitarist looks like that bouncer that shagged nancy off hollyoaks and the bass player may as well be the bass-tron 220 for all the fire and charisma he injected into the proceedings. The drummer is good. In the same way a click track is good.They all look at each other with embarrassed expressions on their faces, and when they did a little showy off bit each, they took turns one after the other, like it was a cbeebies rock show.

Believe it or not, they ruined a FEEDER song. How can you ruin a feeder song? Feeder write songs for eight year olds to learn to play on a the keyboard. (This is no slur against feeder. Feeder are wicked.) My point is that even nine sucked the life out of a song that was written as a celebration of the vacuous nature of pop music.

I HATE the fact that they play.

AND now I need a piss.

It could only get worse if my elvis blackout came to my house, deleted all my music, bluetoothed their ep or whatever, onto my phone, and set 'dat's kapital' as all of my contact ringtones, my main ringtone, my text message alert, and all seven of my alarms.

Actually, It could be worse.

I've got two phones.

www.myspace.com/evenninemusic

2008-09-02T10:56:00.000-07:00

THE 11TH CHAPTER IS OUT IN SEPTEMBER 2008!

AT ALL THE USUAL PLACES I EXPECT ...

BUNTERS IN TRURO, THE MUSIC SHOP IN ST.AUSTELL, SOMEWHERE IN CAMBORNE PROBABLY, PENZANCE EVEN... OH AND JAM IN FALMOUTH. MIGHT EVEN GET A FEW COPIES INTO NICALS AGAIN IN BODMIN, WHO KNOWS?

2008-08-16T05:08:00.000-07:00

GIGS IN AUGUST 2008

THE PRINCESS PAVILIONS, FALMOUTH (15TH AUGUST)

STIFF LITTLE FINGERS

Heading tonight`s bill were the finest punk band of their era; Ireland`s own rebel-rousing Stiff Little Fingers! Much more in line with The Clash than The Pistols, SLF used punk music to voice their political opinions and frontman, Jake Burns hasn`t changed a bit - he berates the obvious George Bush to the delight of the crowd and yet has the wisdom of age to see the funny side of the band`s erratic career when he discusses the songs with the crowd.

Generally a middle-aged bloke`s audience with the odd `long suffering` thrown in, mixed with a healthy number of kids with good taste, the Pavilions was packed to the rafters and a sell out performance like this will hopefully bring the band back again, because I think this may have been the first time they`ve come this far down the country in their 4000 year existance.

So to the gig - it was a self confessed `greatest hits` package, due to the lack new stuff to flog us (to paraphrase Mr.Burns), but there`s nothing wrong with that as it gave us all an opportunity to sing as loudly as we could and not get any of the words wrong. So there was, `Strummerville`, `Tin Soldiers`, `Wasted Life`, `Nobody`s Heroes`, etc, each with introductions and stories surrounding them. There was `No Surrender` from the rarely heard `Flags and Emblems` album with the said message to "George W. Fuckwit", and amongst others The Specials` `It Doesn`t Make It Alright` and finishing with the obvious encore `Alternative Ulster`.

I could have listened to them play their whole back catalogue (including Tinderbox), and not been happier.

Stiff Little Fingers were and are still the best Irish punk band and I don`t think that you`ll find a more full-on, hard working band of the same pedigree anywhere in the world today. It was like the intervening years slipped away. What a night.

Punks not dead!

www.myspace.com/stifflittlefingers1977

http://www.slf.com/

THE SURGEONS

Pete Kliskey, Mike Kliskey and Jimmy Jewell, collectively `The Surgeons`, were first on tonight`s bill in what I think was an act of great kindness to another younger, (and less talented) local support band, but had no need to fear playing to the legendary `one man and a dog` audience as the place became filled almost the moment the first chord of opening number `Denabin Sun` rang out.

The last time I saw the band was also at The Pavilions a year ago supporting The Damned on The Surgeons second comeback gig and I`ve gotta say they`ve tightened up their performance until its a rigid (digit?) and taught experience. The audience sensed a worthy band and came streaming in to witness the local heroes pulling out the stops as they visibly swelled with pride before their own heroes backdrop and stage equipment.

Twelve anthems of punk heritage from as far back as 1977 were sprayed out at the crowd of revellers with such titles as `Cut The Cackle` and `Radio 1 Conspiracy`, "...written way back, when radio was really bad" (!)

It seemed a short set, but the band clearly wanted to see Stiff Little Fingers and so were keen to get the job done to join the crowd for the headliners appearance. The Surgeons have brought life back to their own career with performances like this and with these practitioners, you can be sure local punk rock is in safe hands.

Fuck BUPA - lets go public!

www.myspace.com/penzancesurgeons

2008-06-17T01:10:00.000-07:00

GIGS IN JUNE 2008

THE BRIT INN, ST.AUSTELL (7TH JUNE)

THE MIGHTY OFFBEATS

(Reviewed by Billy Idle)

This new band built from the ashes of Ska`d For Life is making some pretty impressive gigs in the short time they`ve been around; live on the local radio, The William Cookworthy pub and now the Brit. Not the headliners this time, (but probably for the last time), The Mighty Offbeats stole the show from the official stars by means of their cunning ska-fest beats that rocketed around the marquee and drew in a capacity crowd to dance their cotton socks off!

A massive write up in the local paper, (who sponsered the event), failed to mention that the landlord literally forced the band to encore well over their allotted time and thus annoyed the hell out of the band that was unfortunately to follow them.

This is music that you can`t ignore. Yes they do covers mixed in with their original material, but the audience wanted to hear the familiar songs too and being such great musicians, this lot can adapt their sets at the turn of a pork-pie hat to suit the crowd.

You like ska? You like smiling? ...You like The Mighty Offbeats then!

2008-05-21T03:28:00.000-07:00

GIGS IN MAY 2008

THE BRITISH LEGION, ST.AUSTELL (18TH MAY)

RAMBLIN` MINOR

Brett Damarell brought his Ramblin` Minor showcase to the Sunday afternoon punters at St.Austell`s British Legion Club last week to perform some cracking acoustic tunes, original and cover versions of unlikely songs mingled together in his own celtic-stylie. The Irish traditional tin whistle tunes came from Mick `de whistle` Cheyne and the whole set was peppered with witty asides as Brett tried to create a joyful celebration of all things folky.
Unfortunately the crowd, (except for a few souls), were mostly unresponsive and seemed intent on doing their best to ignore the celtic corner, which is a shame really when you consider how few venues there are for live music in St.Austell.
A few members of the club said they enjoyed it, but most of the old codgers sat around looked completely non-plussed about the whole affair. This probably accounts for the complete lack of publiciity about the event aswell.
Another missed opportunity for St.Austell.
Brett and his three man gang did their best against this tide of apathy, but it was all too Kanute in the end.

2008-04-07T09:02:00.000-07:00

THE 10TH EDITION - OUT IN MAY 2008!

THE ALL NEW CLGR IS AVAILABLE AT MOST OF THE NORMAL OUTLETS -

NICALS IN BODMIN

MUSIC TECHNOLOGY (THE MUSIC SHOP) IN ST.AUSTELL

BUNTERS IN TRURO

JAM RECORDS IN FALMOUTH

A RECORD SHOP IN HELSTON

AND SOMEWHERE IN CAMBORNE THAT WE HAVEN`T YET CONFIRMED

...OH AND PROBABLY OTHER PLACES TOO!!

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

WARNING - THIS ONE BITES!

2008-04-04T05:59:00.000-07:00

GIGS IN MARCH 2008

THE CARLYON ARMS, ST.AUSTELL (29TH MARCH)

THE DIRTY LIVIN` RHYTHM BAND

(Reviewed by Andy Kearns)

The best band I`ve seen all year! They were stunning, they blew the place away. It was all blues and rock stuff, but the acoustic guitarist was amazing. His hands were flying and the singer was a young bloke, but his voice sounded really old. I`m telling you they`re amazing, you`ve gotta see them! When they did an encore at half eleven it was another twenty five minutes before they were allowed to finish by the audience who were all crowding around the band as they played.

Stunning!

2008-02-24T09:05:00.000-08:00

GIGS IN FEBRUARY 2008

THE SANDSIFTER, HAYLE (23RD FEBRUARY)

SLEEP GOOD FEEL GOOD

First on tonight`s bill were this Cardiff based band with local connections. The room was packed, but as the band started it was clear that the mixing desk was not doing a great job of balancing the sound in this low ceiling-ed room. The PA was too low and the vocals hard to understand over the far-too-loud bass. This was a great shame because Sleep Good Feel Good are an excellent band, (just listen to the tracks on their myspace page) often unjustly compared to The Stereophonics, (they are so much better), but tonight battling against a rogue sound system setup was hardly a true picture of their potential.

But battle on they did, and with some indie/punky tunes led by Owen Griffiths, (looking not unlike John Power from The Las/Cast), on vocals and guitar and some excellent work by the best drummer of the night (step forward Mr.Oliveri), finishing a short set to great applause.

In retrospect, I`m really annoyed that the performance was marred by the sound at The Sandsifter, because if the demos I`ve heard are anything to go by, this is an excellent band with cracking songwriters - catchy as hell, but with a real sense of purpose.

I`m going to make it my business to catch them next time they come back to Cornwall (at a different venue!) and I`d advise you to do the same.

THE UNDERGROUND PRESS SYNDICATE

Second on the bill came local band The UPs. With some bizarre dress code straight out of Brideshead Revisited, (all braces and cravats), Jo, Jack, Jake and Sam, (I wouldn`t like to say which is which, but I`m hoping the bass player is called Jack), played their equally short set with enthusiasm and verve. A little funky Chili Peppers stylie thang going on in some of their songs, which made for an interesting combination with the look of the band, in others I could hear the Babyshambling vocals occasionally over the jangling guitars. I imagine that when they headline gigs the sweat is pouring off them and the audience, but tonight with their placing on the billing, I felt that they were holding back a bit in their performance.

Again the sound system was causing problems for us to hear what was being played/sung, in fact the second mic only actually got to the right level as the last song was halfway through.

Clearly a well polished band that will excell when given the right live sound mix.

THE SYCAMORES

God only knows why The Sycamores weren`t headlining tonight, but as it was we got to see why these boys are causing such a stir on the local scene and must be a sure thing for a gong at the next local award shindig.

The crowd were by now (11.15ish) fairly sweaty, pissed and jumping all around, so when Jason, Robbie, San and Kenny started up they were guarenteed a good reaction, (not many unsigned bands get a cheer from the local audience just for stepping up onto the stage).

Playing a new set of tunes like The Theory of it All that both followed the themes of the older material and at the same time stretched The Sycamores further onwards and upwards, they lept into action like the mentalists that they are. A touch of Buzzcocks here, a touch of Gang of Four there, Jamie T at times, Jack P at others; The Sycamores are all these and more. A combination of everything they`ve ever heard and something that has yet to be created, this band are not pigeons and you won`t stick `em in a hole with stupid labels and musings of the lazy.

In this local scene thats having it`s golden years as we speak, The Sycamores are at the forefront of the push for national, (and international if I have anything to do with it!), success and recognition. They are the great white Cornish hope for 2008 without a shadow of doubt or competition in my opinion.

Stunning.

(Photos by Lord Itchfield)

www.myspace.com/thesycamores

www.myspace.com/undergroundpresssyndicate

www.myspace.com/sleepgoodfeelgood

2008-02-10T07:42:00.000-08:00

THE TUCKSHOP @ L2, TRURO (5TH FEBRUARY)

THE COURTEENERS, DISPLACEMENTS & THE REELS

Review by Joseph Maguire

On a dreary Tuesday night in Truro the last thing you’d normally expect to find is 250 sweaty bodies pogoing to the one of the hottest bands of the moment. This sort of event is normally what we (live music lovers that is) have to travel some distance to witness, normally a small mission up the A30 to Exeter.

It was then a total breath of fresh air to see L2 in Truro transformed from its usual guise of sweaty commercial nightclub into the coolest indie emporium to be seen this side of the Tamar complete with a real tuck shop selling a vast array of retro sweets and giving away free CD’s.

As the venue doors opened local band The Reels took to the stage to be the first to play SW1 Productions, re-launched, ‘Tuck Shop’, an Indie club night dedicated to bringing the hottest new ‘buzz’ bands to play our little city.

The Reels played a spine tingling set, they really are Cornwall’s dark horse, their potential as our most promising export was proven here, and that was even with a drummer who had had his appendix out a mere five days before! With anthems in waiting like ‘Me and the Kid’ and ‘Mondayze’ it really can’t be long before we see The Reels gaining the national success they surely deserve.

Next up were Leicester’s The Displacements. Hailing from the same little village that gave us Kasabian, The Displacements played a crowd pleasing set of instantly memorable indie pop with an irresistible two step undertone ideal for those donning their dancing shoes. By the end of March we may have to claim them as our own with another two performances due in the county between now and then, one as main support to Indie heavyweights The Twang at The Stannary in Falmouth on 17^th Feb and another later in March at Club Cuckoo, Falmouth.

Resident Tuck Shop DJ’s the Earls of Suave kept things moving in between bands with their usual ‘latest and greatest’ policy on the playlist front getting people moving nicely in time for the headline act.

Taking to the stage in front of the most enthusiastic crowd I have seen for some time The Courteeners ripped straight into ‘Acrylic’ and the audience where instantly in fine voice singing along every word to a somewhat overwhelmed looking band!

It was immediately evident how lucky we were to have this band in Truro. I must say I had been expecting yet another indie guitar band thinking they were The Libertines but The Courteeners have something a little more, they are by no means innovative but somehow seem go the extra mile and are a great live band.

Front man Liam Fray has the Northern swagger and rock star qualities of another certain Liam but with a charm and charisma that the Gallagher could only dream of. This band have been lumbered with ‘the next big thing’ label for so long that many would find it a burden but it seems that The Courteeners fully embrace this idea and definitely have the potential to exceed this clichéd mantle.

Set closer ‘What took you so long’ (predicted by NME as a future number one) closed the first Tuck Shop at L2 in spectacular style with the crowd firmly eating out of their hands and surging towards the stage, to the obvious dismay of the bouncers, it really was a good sight to be seen.

(Photos by Lee Searle)

www.myspace.com/thereelsband

2008-02-01T01:24:00.000-08:00

GIGS IN JANUARY 2008

THE M.I. BAR, FALMOUTH (28TH JANUARY)

THE UPS, NERVOSA, ANDREW BATE, DISCO PIP, THE PITTS & MY ELVIS BLACKOUT

(Photos & review by Melanie Banks)

The West Briton announced the event as "The Best of Cornish Music" so it was time to see if the eclectic line up lived up to the hype...

With the venue still filling, first up were The Underground Press Syndicate, a band that hadn't appeared on my radar before. Their set was a stop start affair, with a promising, if not very original, sound. Think all that NME tells us is cool right now, with jabbing guitars and Kate Nash style affected vocals, and your almost there. It wasn't particularly tight, or inspiring, but wasn't bad. They lost the crowd a little with their uninspired chatter in between songs, preferring to shift the focus onto their t-shirt sales and sunglasses, rather than concentrate on the job at hand.

Something the next band, Nervosa most certainly did do. There were no awkward pauses or jokes without punch lines, and they were tighter than an emo's jeans. Interesting instrument selection, with an old 80's organ, mandolin and dj decks, and songs that defy the current trends, opting for the anthemic over the endemic. Not necessarily the band that would get you dancing round the room like a deranged monkey, but quite possibly the band whose infectious riffs and hooks would loop round your brain for days on end.

A change of pace with Andrew Bate. Wildly hyped as the Cornish Jeff Buckley, I was intrigued. Then a little disappointed. I'm all for falsetto, but there was something in his vocal performance that just made me feel slightly uncomfortable, and the crowd's chatter was more audible than him at times. Maybe that's the problem with being compared to someone so great, it just makes you want to reach for the original.

Next up, the new Marvin and the Gayes/I Say Marvin, Discopip, who sound, well, just like I Say Marvin. An energetic performance, which encouraged a handful of drunken dancers to spasm all over the place to the amusement of the rest of the crowd. They had a couple of great tunes, but you had to wait for them. With a set that seemed twice the length of any that had gone before, maybe this was indicative of the amount of filler they had shoehorned in.

The Pitts, (Tom Pitt) proved to be far from it. Banging on his guitar as if it were a drum kit, and encouraging the crowd into a stamping/shouting along routine, his lyrics of sweaty genitalia and songs about "that bitch from Leeds" brought smiles and cheers from the crowd. His brand of genre defying, self depreciating musicianship was a breath of fresh air.

The whole night, however, seemed to have been set up for one purpose, for the benefit of My Elvis Blackout, although it remains to be seen whether the rigging of the competition rumours prove to be true. Much has been written, glowingly, about them, but this had obviously escaped the attention of the crowd who had dwindled to half the size before MEB took to the stage. They know how to put on a performance, but it's all meat and no sandwich, and after a few numbers, it started to wear a little thin. I could go on, but I'm sure a glowing review will appear in the West Briton this week, so why not subscribe to the hype instead?

So Red Stripe, it's over to you.

www.myspace.com/nerv0sa

www.myspace.com/undergroundpresssyndicate

www.myspace.com/thpitts

www.myspace.com/discopip

www.myspace.com/andrewbate

www.myspace.com/myelvisblackout

2007-12-07T01:11:00.000-08:00

THE 9TH EDITION - OUT JUST IN TIME FOR CHRISTMAS 2007!

AVAILABLE AT ALL THE USUAL PLACES -

NICALS (BODMIN)

BUNTERS (TRURO)

MUSIC TECHNOLOGY (ST.AUSTELL)

JAM RECORDS (FALMOUTH)

...and possibly somewhere in Camborne!

2007-12-02T03:06:00.000-08:00

GIGS IN NOVEMBER 2007

THE PRINCESS PAVILIONS, FALMOUTH (17TH NOVEMBER)

THE SEX PISTOLS EXPERIENCE & LONDON CALLING

(Reviewed by Shrimp)

London Calling, (Clash tribute band), looked nothing like the originals, but sounded spot on. Only major disappointment was them not playing White Riot in their set. Audience generally unresponsive apart from one fat, young twat who spent his time banging into people and punching out at others in an effort to liven up the audience. (Later he was head-butted by a lady and floored by another gentleman to the great delight of his victims).
The Sex Pistols Experience were excellent - looking like the band used to back in the 70s. Having seen the real Pistols at Finsbury Park and Crystal Palace in recent years, I can truthfully say that this lot are as close as you`ll ever get to the originals. The music and posing were S.P.O.T.S. on!
The Johnny Rotter character continues his impersonation even when off stage with his Richard the 3rd posture and sneer, while the Kid Vicious bloke has clearly spent a long time in the mirror perfecting those iconic images of his own sneer, pulling them at every opportunity.
Realistic and a good laugh, but for that idiot bashing into everyone, it would`ve been a perfect rock`n`roll swindle.

www.myspace.com/londoncallingclashtribute

www.myspace.com/sexpistolsexperienceontour

2007-11-19T05:14:00.000-08:00

THE HUB, PLYMOUTH (10TH NOVEMBER)

NERVOSA & THE VICTORIAN ENGLISH GENTLEMAN`S CLUB

(Reviewed by Matt S)

The support for (the allegedly arrogant and stage-selfish, but that's solely conjecture) Sons and Daughters at The Hub last Saturday (10th) night were two bands who might be able to offer something different to modern music. That is, if they have things their way. Two different sounds and contrasting levels of on-stage technological sophistication contrived to happily and fully engage a moderate crowd of student-types and rockers.

6-piece Nervosa, having travelled up from Cornwall to be crammed onto the front of the stage (to accommodate Ss and Ds' not-to-be-touched drumkit) started with gusto and grabbed the slowly filling auditorium with a building funk-down that moved into the catchy 'Breathe In'. They followed this with a set combining raw emotions and some high-class musicianship, the highlight of which for me was a 3-pronged roll of songs mid-set that went from the soft and melodic to the strong and anthemic and finally onto the simple and nostalgic, and confirmed their progressive rock tendancies.

With a drummer aptly wearing a T-Shirt emblazoned in 'Animal' regalia, an ability to use slightly off the wall song structures and sounds and a lead vocal with a wide range of pitch and emotion, Nervosa have plenty of weapons in their armoury. They had the increasing Hub crowd's attention almost constantly, and the bar in the next room was merely a calling post, not somewhere to stay during this set. It wasn't flawless, and there were one or two moments when one remembered the reality that this was in fact only their second live electric performance, but, like at Oxjam 2 weeks prior, they demonstrated a great tendancy to entertain and are very much worth catching in the future when you can!

Next came 3-piece The Victorian English Gentlemens Club (The Vic Club from hereon down) with a quite different vibe going on. All three members took on singing/shouting/screaming duties at various points in a drum-led performance, accompanied by racing bass and part punk, part psycadelic guitar. The set is obviously well rehearsed and they definitely aim to put on a spectacle. Visually they are a joy, sexy and vivacious and the half-full venue were very much engaged when they made their entrance.

A stomping solo drumbeat kicked off the set as the Vic Club formed an enclosed circle (triangle) in the middle of the stage, and brought to mind a fascist rally from the early 20th century. The female 2 thirds of the band (bass and drums) then engaged in an interesting operatic wailing that was hugely appreciated by their followers at the front, but seemed to lack an endgame and the song felt like it was lacking a point. The following songs seemed to swing between just two basic drum beats that were carbon copied in alternate songs. This was disappointing from a band whose myspace page had promised more diversity and innovation than, on this evidence, they perform live.

There were highlights though. Two tracks mid-set shone out and visibly grabbed the ever-increasing crowd's attention long enough to impress. The first, featuring a psycadelic screen projection behind the band, was much quicker and encouraged members of the audience into minor acts of dance... a catchy riff and vocal drew us in and the song that followed capitilised well. Kicking off with the girls' combined drumstick beating with the odd bell thrown in, it came to life with a big bassline reminiscent of Queens of the Stone Age. An anguished falsetto moved into a mesh of feedback and with the bass player seemingly orgasming on stage, the band built up into a crescendo that then progressed into a finish featuring all three members screaming in and out of tandem and then to an abrupt stop. It was impressive.

Alas, despite one or two brief moments of punk or psycadelic hope there was nothing too notable about the second half of the set. The Vic Club have an interesting sound that could be developed further, one feels, but too many of the songs felt the same and failed to capitilise on some notable ideas. They appear to be a band who will have a small but very loyal following who believe wholeheartedly in what they do, but to appeal to a wider audience they may have to differentiate their sound further.

www.myspace.com/nerv0sa

www.myspace.com/thevictoriangentlemansclub

2007-11-18T01:56:00.000-08:00

THE CRUMPLEHORN INN, POLPERRO (17TH NOVEMBER)

KRIS DOLLIMORE

The legendary ex-Godfathers` guitarist, paying his first visit to Cornwall, chose the sleepy and homely village of Polperro to showcase his blues enthusiasm. At the equally homely and extremely traditionally Cornish Crumplehorn Inn the evening`s clientele sat munching their suppers as Kris started his set of traditional delta slide blues covers and original songs. Soon, however, the pub was filling up with drinkers who`d come just to hear the music, (most of whom had no idea who Kris was or his pedigree).

Mr. Dollimore has been a jobbing guitarist for the last few years after leaving The Godfathers, working with amongst others Adam Ant, Del Amitri, Dee Dee Ramone and The Damned. He can number both David Bowie and Johnny Depp amongst his fans, (although neither made an appearance tonight) but has recently changed tack somewhat by reinventing himself as a blues guitarist.

His set tonight included John Lee Hooker, Iggy Pop and Robert Johnson covers authentically mixed in with his own similar styled slide blues songs. His voice was both raw and powerful when he sang and yet gentle when required. Playing tracks from his first solo album 02/01/1978 including the instrumental East of England and the truely wonderful Brother Ray, he easily won over the local and visiting walking crowd.

As one lady said to her friend, ...you have to be in the right frame of mind for the blues, don`t you? and although I agree to a point, Kris Dollimore was able to create the right atmosphere in this chocolate box-quaint pub so that everyone was in the right frame of mind. (So much so, they cheered and forced three encores out of him at the end of the evening).

He`s already booked to return early next year, (19th April 2008), so if you like your blues authentic, delta slide and acoustic as they were meant to be, mark your new calender now because you won`t find better this side of the Mississippi!

www.myspace.com/krisdollimore

(Photos by Lord Itchfield)

2007-11-13T11:50:00.000-08:00

THE MI BAR, FALMOUTH (12TH NOVEMBER)

CLUB CUCKOO LAUNCHES IN FALMOUTH

(Review by Joseph Maguire)

Landing in Falmouth for the first time indie, rock n roll club night ‘Club Cuckoo’ took over the upstairs of the MI Bar on Monday night and to great success.

With an audience full of Falmouth’s beautiful young things, intermingled with Cornwall’s rock n roll royalty, you could’ve easily been mistaken for thinking you were having a night on the tiles in London. There was an atmosphere that brought back memories to this reviewer of his first time at something like Erol Alkan’s now defunct, but
legendary, ‘cool place to be’ club night, TRASH.

Penzance band DISCO PIP opened the show with a rocking performance that proved why they are heirs to the indie-disco crown in Cornwall. Next up, using the night as a launch party for his new (amazing by the way) album was Redruth rap star, HEDLUV. Featuring his mate Passman on backing vocals and electric drum pad ‘thing’ the pair at one point broke into a chaotic, yet somewhat moving, cover the Spice Girls classic ‘Two become on’ and to rapturous applause.

With indie DJ duo extraordinaires The Earls of Suave on the decks before and after each live act the dance floor was starting to move in the build up to Falmouth’s very own, EYELIDS. Four girls, playing punk rock psychobilly via influences such as The Cramps and using a double bass, how can this formula not work? If you haven’t yet seen The Eyelids then put it at the top of your to do list now!

Headlining were Bude’s resident Rock stars, THE FIRES. The Fires never fail to impress, with new tunes thrown into a set of ‘punchy, attacking melody loaded’ rock n roll these guys were on Fire tonight. It was a shame that some people had gone because they missed one of the best bands in Cornwall on form.

Perhaps the people who missed out had a good excuse. Maybe they had to go to work the next day, it was a Monday night after all, well Tuesday morning by now actually. Or perhaps, even worse, it was that age old Cornish problem of routine, the lure of the free night club down the road playing a bit of chart and cheese? Who knows?

One thing is for sure that if promoters SUAVE continue to put on nights that rock like this then give it a year and it’ll be ‘cheese? What cheese?’

www.myspace.com/thecuckoobar

2007-11-03T00:32:00.000-07:00

GIGS IN OCTOBER 2007

OXJAM, CAMBORNE (27TH OCTOBER)

NERVOSA

(Reviewed by Matt S)

A mini version of a circus big top near a disused mine in Camborne, late on a damp and dark afternoon was the setting for the first full live electric performance for Nervosa, the St Austell band for all seasons.

Sandwiched between the accomplished Suite Noir and the well supported Shrug, the fact that 6-member Nervosa set-up and fitted themselves onto the small stage was achievement itself. That they then produced a skillful and captivating performance on what was essentially their debut was something more. From the moment that the rhythm section (Drummer Ant Barrett and bassist Bryn Powell) got their groove down in Crazy Bass, the introduction to their first ‘song’, the catchy Breathe In, the crowd stopped chatting, comparing war scars and rolling cigarettes, and became captivated by the group playing in front of them.

Breathe In, a sometimes haunting track that showcases a broad range of the band members’ talents, introduced the crowd to frontman Jon Winter’s intoxicating voice (some say part Brian Molko, part Billy Corgan, he probably wouldn’t), and they were hooked. The girl up the silks in front of the stage (the event part organized by CircoKernow) was good value but could never quite compete with what was going on on stage. The next track, Lullaby uses a gentle organ melody (played by Alex Perry) alongside a tremolo-ing mandolin to set the scene for a boisterous chorus that just about snaps everyone back into the room from the seaside daydreams of the verse. 42 Pigeons, powered by the electric Barrett behind the kit, erupted in a flash of guitar and mandolin, and was especially notable for Beccy Melling’s mandolin solo that gave the song a calm against the torrent. Funky Moped presented a more chilled view of the band, with the panoramic guitar sounds between verses a great example of the band’s inventiveness.

There then followed a remarkable rolling triplet of tracks that potentially demonstrated Nervosa’s ability to become live entertainers with a bit of extra pizzazz. The initially melancholic It’s Over slowly built until, before anyone knew it, they were in the middle of a progressive movement reminiscent of late 60s Pink Floyd, and then it suddenly collapsed brilliantly into the anthemic Black Box with its powerfully evocative chorus tagged between bright and breezy verses. The Chinaski Effect, a tribute to the sadly defunct St. Austell band, came in with its simple verse and melodic chorus, and even featured guitarist and sound whiz kid Andy Cunningham encouraging an enthralled audience to clap along at the breakdown!

Nervosa finished with Gripped, possibly their most accomplished performance of them all, with a powerful vocal from Winter, a harmonious combination of guitars, mandolin and organ bestowing a depth of sound unusual in any band, unsigned or not, in this day and age. It was pushed along by a driven rhythm section that doesn’t allow any verse, chorus or bridge to drag behind a pace that keeps band and audience on their toes all the way through. And that seems to be one of their strengths – as a clearly rather talented group of musicians it would seem easy to produce tracks of great musical worth, if not of interest to most listeners. That they combine great musicianship with considered songwriting that allows the listener to enjoy the various talents on show without becoming bored or overawed by exaggerated solos or other frivolity stands Nervosa in good stead, for entertainment is the primary objective of all music (or should be), and these guys left an enthusiastic crowd truly entertained!

(Photos from Nervosa)

www.myspace.com/nerv0sa

2007-10-21T13:06:00.001-07:00

THE PONSMERE HOTEL, PERRANPORTH (21ST OCTOBER)

GIVEWAY

As part of the Lowender Peran Festival of the Celts in Kernow, the good people of the Ponsmere Hotel in Perranporth played host to a five day celebration of all things folk, from storytelling to traditional dancing, from arts and crafts to live performances from some of the most inspiring celtic performers. There were Irish and Scottish Ceilidhs, Irish, Welsh and Manx dance workshops, guided walks around the local area and above all, fine local real ale provided by Skinners of Truro! The audience was unsurprisingly mainly adult, with a few children in tow, (teenagers always seem sparce on the ground at these events). Having the festival located in one venue made much more sense as you found events running after each other and not crossing over, which always annoys me that I have to choose between two things at other festivals, (being inside also made for a more `conference` feel to the event, but hey we were a damn sight warmer!). The festival was also well supported by Hobgoblin Music, who are surely becoming the first word in folk music in the county after rescuing the annual Wadebridge Folk Festival earlier in the year, (and supplying my own fiddle - natch).

And so to Giveway - four sisters from Scotland who performed for three days running at the festival, (between surfing the local waves), and wowed the crowds everytime with their panache and skill. Playing a mixture of haunting traditional accordian led instrumental sets and reels with some fine homegrown tunes that whipped the audience into a stomping, hollering frenzy, the sisters Johnson produced one of the highlights of the festival.

The cheeky introductions between songs endeared the girls to the near-capacity crowd, but it was the music that we`d come to hear and having seen the band twice this year at different events, I can tell you that we weren`t left in any doubt about their greatness.

There was Fi on guitar, fiddle and whistle, backing the vocals of her sister Kirsty, who led the band on the piano accordian for most of the sets. There was Mairi lending a bass melody on the keyboard with her jazzy style; delicate at times and at others pounding and then there was her twin Amy hidden in the shadows at the back, keeping it all together on the drums. Tunes such as Calum`s Waltz and For the Love of Mhairi spliced into each other seamlessly, but it was the collection of pieces under the title `Rockin` that hit home with my ears. An hour and a half set from the girls wasn`t enough for me, but thats all there was after a much deserved encore and many a happy punter away home for their Sunday night supper, (...or up the stairs for a quick pint of Skinners in my case!).

Giveway could so easily fall into the gap left by the recently split Corrs, (and I`d bet it isn`t the first time this easy comparison has been made), but they have so much more to offer; apart from the obvious age difference between the two bands, Giveway are by far the more talented musicians and the songs that they have written themselves show a maturity and depth that suggests a much brighter future.

(Photos by Lord Itchfield)

www.myspace.com/givewaymusic

http://www.lowenderperan.com/

2007-10-20T00:39:00.000-07:00

THE ST.AUSTELL BREWERY (19TH OCTOBER)

RORY MCLEOD AND RADJEL

Restormel Arts` Autumnal season this year launched a unique and intimate venue with their first live gig on Friday at St.Austell Brewery`s visitor centre with the multi-talented Rory McLeod supported by local cornish folk band Radjel. I don`t imagine Walter Hicks would have ever had intended this event occuring on his brewery site when he established it in 1893, but music and ale have long been close bedfellows in the eyes of the common man and so the logic of opening the visitor centre to live music is not really as strange as it may seem.

First up were the local three piece Radjel, a traditional Cornish celtic folk band led by Will Coleman, who happily attacked the ears of the largely middle-aged audience with bagpipe and drumming tunes that often sounded quite Turkish and had no need of amplification as they droned through the ancient brewery. Completing their jolly three song set, it was left to Will to introduce the main attraction for most of the audience, in the shape of Rory McLeod.

Travelling is a way of life for this modern troubadour and so a journey all the way from the Orkney Islands in Scotland to headline the opening of this unusual musical venue, is all in a couple of days work for Rory. Admitting a propensity towards `blathering` between songs, his style of modern folk music has more in common with Billy Bragg than Euan MacColl and with a storyteller`s ear for placing the audience within the epicentre of the song, he explains how his travels have enlightened his perception of the global frailty of man. Rory`s songs deal with hardship and politics, but mainly they are about love and the human condition. Starting with an extended harmonica workout, Rory played songs from all points of his large back catalogue right through to his most recent album Brave Faces and showed his diverse musical talents by employing not only his guitar, harmonica and tap shoe rhythm, but also the rarely seen-these-days, spoons. Songs such as The Emperor`s New Clothes, When Mum and Dad Made Me and London Kisses delighted the enraptured audience and brought tapping feet, joining clapping hands to the smiling faces all around.

A fantastic start to the Restormel Arts season and a "Proper Job", as the keepers of this modern day brewery would undoubtably say.

(Photos by Lord Itchfield)

www.rorymcleod.com

2007-09-18T12:13:00.000-07:00

THE 8TH EDITION IS OUT NOW

AVAILABLE AT -

JAM RECORDS IN FALMOUTH

M.T. IN ST.AUSTELL

NICALS IN BODMIN

THE CLIPPER BAR, THE CORN EXCHANGE & `TALK TO ME` PHONE SHOPS IN CAMBORNE & HELSTON

...And thankyou to BUNTERS BAR IN TRURO (who also now stock the CLGR)

2007-09-17T10:52:00.000-07:00

GIGS IN SEPTEMBER 2007

THE CUCKOO BAR, TRURO (15TH SEPTEMBER)

LEAD CHERRY, THE SYCAMORES & THEM IS ME

(Review by Adam Puckey)

Rest in Peace dear Cuckoo Bar - Last gig ever, what a rocker!!
Hey!
Gemma and I went to the Cuckoo Bar in Truro last night to watch the last ever gig before it closes down. I'll spare the details, but basically, money has more sway than art in this world, so the pub is shutting.
Making sure we had Gemma's passport on us (despite being 24 years old, she frequently gets ID'd), we bused down from Chacewater, taking stock of our bus compatriots (all the saddos who couldn't get someone to drive, like us), and discussing vehemently the do's and don'ts of personal hygeine, relating chiefly to some of the denizens of threemilestone. Anyway, I wordily digress.
We got into the pub and got ourselves some pints, and wandered over to the (beautiful) sound desk just in time for Lead Cherry's soundcheck. It was amazingly clear and loud. I attempted to conduct a conversation with Liam, the manager, but ended up in the midst of a back-slappingly comical mime session.
Loud guitars make me grin like a fucking Orang-Utan.
I had brought with me four Nino Tires demo cd's. One was for Liam, for future events co-ordination, one was meant to be for the lead singer of 'Them is Me', but he never got because I didn't enjoy the music. More on that later.
I gave Liam a cd, I gave Charismatic barman a cd (His name is Mark), I gave the lead guy from Lead Cherry a cd (Because they are fucking amazing, and Nino will DEFINITELY be gigging with them next year) and, I gave a group of men a cd.
It wasn't just any group of men. It was a group of men who I thought were one of the bands. One of the men had a ponytail, so I naturally assumed it was the ex-lead singer of Reef, who had been led to believe was the new lead singer of 'Them is Me'.
So, in a comedy escapade befitting only fools and horses, I plucked up the courage to go and talk to the group of men and give them the cd.
They weren't the band.
They weren't even A band.
I told them that they looked like a band and could have the cd anyway.
So somewhere in cornwall there is a cheap, copied, eight track cd with my handwriting on it, changing the lives of those men and their families and friends...

So, first band on. Lead Cherry. AMAZING. Absolutely wicked. It was like Led Zep without any of the slow bits. (There was ONE slow bit, but it was comedically and artfully done). I didn't want to get too near them, in case I could not get my head out of their asses to watch the next band.
At one point during the night, I think I insulted their bass player. I am not really sure now cos I was a tiny bit drunk. I certainly didn't insult his bass playing skills, which were top notch (It helped that the speaker stack had bass bins bigger than my front door), and he was wearing an ill fitting 'Wayne's World' baseball cap. We are officially fans of this band. The drummer had a voice that could be heard without a mic too. I always approve of loud voices...

Next band... THE SYCAMORES.
By the time the sycamores started playing, we were at the front, practically ON the stage. To my right was Gemma (my lass) and Jamie from the Ventongimps (he was dressed like a gangster). Most notably, to my right, were couple of fit birds. I looked over one of their shoulders as they were sending a text. I'm so rude. The text read. 'I am in the pub with topless Sycamores!! Mruggghhhh!! Yum!. xx'
That about sums them up. They have good shoes, good skin, good tunes, good dancing skills, TONS of energy, great hair, guitar skills, great drums, great stage presence, great audience interaction, loads of charisma, they all sing and enjoy themselves. Halfway (not even halfway) into the set, covered in sweat and glowing like seraphim from the Cuckoo's yellow stagelight, Jason informed the (buzzing) crowd that they were knackered.
It is worth mentioning that I got up on stage at one point, along with Lead Cherry's guitarist, a harmonica player, someone else, and a random dancing ginger man who was holding a can of beer. That was their last song I think. I hugged their bass player I think too, who was sweating like a beast, but wearing red pants and a waistcoat (I mean pants like underpants).
Also, has anyone else noticed that San's stomach looks like a load of bread rolls. I think lots of the girls must have been hungry, cos they couldn't stop looking at them and licking their lips.
Fucking ace. Musically, sounds like Libertines/ArcticMonkeys kind of stuff, but really really really loads more energetic and playful. Their onstage banter is a mix of self deprecating humour and simply catching breath. Oh and San plays his guitar the wrong way round and upside down, not even re-stringing it like Kurt did. 4 Legends in the making, no doubt. Gemma thinks they will be famous. I am trying to think of ways I can make money out of them....

Last band. 'THEM IS ME'.
Boring, slow, dissapointing. We left and got the bus home. They didn't get a copy of our cd. Seriously. I reckon they'll get a record deal of some kind simply because of their connections, but compared to some of the really bloodily talented unsigned acts around, they just didn't cut it. Shame, cos I 'Consideration' by Reef is one of my favourite songs. Dancefloor was packed though.

So, reflections...
Apart from the night I played there myself, this was the best time I've had at the cuckoo. A fitting end. Such a fucking shame. As I write, my girlfriend's cat is harassing her for some of the pate she is eating. Life has returned to normal. But...
What about saturday nights? Where do I go if I want to watch a band and not listen to shitty dance music?
Where do I rally, and network, and emabarass myself in front of my contemporaries?
Bunters on a thursday is alright, but they have been booking even nine for about six years...
The Cuckoo has died. Liam has some things to do, but SUAVE are coming back with the cuckoo brand and sorting out live nights and whatnot. Fucking good promoter that one. The early stages will be rocky and weird (I sense a few PA's not arriving on time), but it should be akin to a cuckoo-derived-phoenix, soaring through mid-cornwall, setting fire to pubs and hearts.
Gutted, but I can't fucking wait. Adieu...
Ad.
ps. Just been told by Gem that the Sycamores are playing in Bunters on the 27th of September, and Lead Cherry are at Bunters on the twentieth, so it's not all bad.

2007-09-15T16:11:00.000-07:00

THE CUCKOO BAR, TRURO (15TH SEPTEMBER)

THE SYCAMORES

Ladies and gentlemen, the search is over, the future of is secure, The Sycamores are here!

Without a shadow of a doubt, this crowd are the most fuckin` awesome band on the scene! (The phrase, `blown away`, doesn`t even come close). I mean, like the bloody SAS, they seriously don`t take any prisoners.

Exploding on stage in all directions, The Sycamores tore the place apart.

Jason at the front, bare chested and giving it the vocals, San pumping his guitar to death with cutting strokes that Paul Weller would recognise from his earlier life, Robbie on the bass throwing himself around the stage like a possessed mentalist lost in the music and holding the whole thing together at the back, Kenny on the drums.

Claiming to come from North Praze, (we think that should be `another planet`, cos nothing this good ever came outta Praze!), and having been together for less than a year, this stunning four piece are knocking the competition into the preverbial cocked beenie.

Likened to a cross between Bloc Party and The Kings of Leon, I personally saw the live danger of early Pistols gigs bouncing off the magnicence of prime arena Thin Lizzy`s rage across the Cuckoo`s stage as The Sycamores performed.

I can only end this review by telling you that if you haven`t seen The Sycamores yet, then you are living a sad and empty life.

Trust me, The Sycamores are your epiphany - resistance is futile!

www.myspace.com/thesycamores

LEAD CHERRY

This new three man rock band from Truro took to the stage at Cuckoo`s last night of live music, (how could they let The Cuckoo Bar die so quickly - it`s a damn crime I tell you), and showed that a headline spot would soon be theirs as they brought some much needed rawk to blow the audience`s ear drums clean.

An aural tsunami of classic riffs from the guitars and bass of Joe Hodge and Martin Williams, (respectively), and a relentless drummer in the shape of Roger Luxton mean that Lead Cherry are due for a massive future.

Their original songs showcase guitar work that harks back to Hendrix, Zep and Free with vocals from the school of Kravitz and its a blessing to hear such quality vocal harmonies mixed with powerful playing like this, (special mention must go to Mr. Luxton though for a performance second only to the great Bonzo himself - absolutely stunning especially on the one cover in the set, a rare Zep track).

The classic rock power trio is reborn - Long live The Cherry!

www.myspace.com/leadcherry

(Photos by Lord Itchfield)

2007-08-31T12:54:00.000-07:00

THE FIRST ABUSE OF POWER!

A CLGR CD SINGLE REVIEW -

THE JOYS OF NOISE (feat. Contraband)
"St.Austell`s Burning" EP
The offshoot band from St.Austell`s kings of anarchic/politico punk; the journo-bating Contraband, (led by Sid Locksley), have issued their first four track punk explosion (released at the start of September) ...and it`s set to rattle the powers that be with its attack on the local stagnent council. Basically a two man outfit, The Joys of Noise consist of musicians Selwyn and Mogus, both of whom have been in old punk/thrash bands together since as far back as 1989 when they led the legendary Slavery and then Corpsegrinder. With lead vocals on the title track from Sid Locksley as his only contribution, this new set of tracks is all the work of The Joys of Noise - and what a cracking selection we have on this initial release from the duo.
The contentious lyrics of the title track have had to be heavily edited to avoid litigation, (there should be an uncut release available lads?), but the sentiment remains clear - the council should hang their heads in shame for making the residents feel this abused. Forcing a once great town to it`s knees and making Bagdad seem like a more attractive option in 2007.
However the greatest things about "St.Austell`s Burning" are the production quality and the tune - this is classic 70s punk in the vein of Crass/Exploited/Upstarts and Selwyn, the multi-talented man at the controls, has done a fine job on the desk with this new release. Being completely DIY, The Joys of Noise are happy to provide copies of this single to anyone on request and can be contacted on 07890213183 - txt them your address and they`ll get one out to you.
A free punk cd of this quality - has bloody christmas come early this year or wot?

2007-08-18T02:01:00.000-07:00

GIGS IN AUGUST 2007

THE PRINCESS PAVILIONS, FALMOUTH (17TH AUGUST)

THE DAMNED

What can you say about The Damned that has never been said before? After 30 odd, (in so many meanings of the word), years of punk rock mayhem, these old men, creators of this country`s first punk rock single/album, pervayers of gothic psychodelia and chart topping disturbances, (lets not forget), returned to Falmouth after last year`s rammed gig to do it all again.

Having a train named after him hasn`t slowed Captain Sensible down one bit, in fact none of the band seem to understand the concept of aging at all. Full of youthful energy that belies their combined age of 3042, The Damned were on top form tonight, (with particular worthy mentions to Dave Vanian for his excellent vocals which were notably better than last year and obviously the sound guy), and this was an invigorated band playing to a fanclub full of true fanatics.

The room was quickly stiffling with sweat as the majority of the audience went mental in a massive mosh from the first (phantom) chord of the captain`s guitar.

It was a glorious performance.

The Damned played all the obviously crowd pleasing hits, Eloise, Smash it up, New Rose, Neat Neat Neat etc, and then slipped in a fantastic version of Ignite and an equally cool (in my opinion) cover of Love`s Alone Again Or. What some people seem to miss about The Damned is that they have a great love of the 60`s psychodelia and acid fringed classics and the melodrama that surrounds performing this sort of music. They aren`t just an old punk band that didn`t know when to give up, ("it must be blind stupidity" as the legendary Rat Scabies once suggested), and mixed heavily with the brain numbing energy of the punk anthems, the band clearly enjoy this extra dimension to their sound.

Humour is also never far from the heels of The Damned and when `sing-a-long-a-captain` starts the audience lap it up with cheesy grins all over the place.

The band give a 100% and so do the audience, so that when you finally wander out of the Pavilions with your ears still ringing and sweat dripping from your hair, you feel completely elated and drained at the same time.

The Damned are a truely great band.

http://www.officialdamned.com/

www.myspace.com/montyoxymoron

www.myspace.com/thecaptainsensible

www.myspace.com/melodystu

THE SURGEONS

From Penzance they came, from the ashes of the town`s first punk band (The Cramp), from Russia with lo... (hang on, that`s not right). Ahh yes, The Surgeons - led by that ex-Cramp (Penzance version), Pete Kliskey on guitar and vocals have been around since 1980. Although officially sleeping since 1984 due to mental illness and errands that needed running, the band did reform recently for a punk festival in June and obviously enjoyed themselves enough to take on a few more dates including tonight.

With drumming from the unlikely named Jimmy Jewell and his brother Mike Kliskey on the bass, Pete led the band through a powerful and professional set of punk material that would easily stand up against anything by the The Clash/Pistols.

Claiming to be influenced easily, but more specifically by Joe Strummer, George Orwell and Ray Mears shows the mature sense of humour that we`re dealing with when it comes to The Surgeons, but when it comes to the music, you can bet they mean it maaan!

With the state of the NHS these days, the need to see The Surgeons asap is more important than ever before!

www.myspace.com/penzancesurgeons

THE EYELIDS

Four girls? In a band? Supporting those depraved old punk rockers The Damned? Mmmmm?

Falmouth`s own punk rock chicks came storming onto the Pavilion stage prepared to show how their new singer (of only two weeks), Kelly, had been assimilated into their ranks. And what a performance they gave - the rumbling floor toms of Michelle`s drumming and the stand up bass from Louise pounded out a jungle rythmn that instantly recalled the wild punk style of garage rock heroes The Cramps at their best. Mich`s distorted lead guitar washed over the rythmn section and Kelly was off and running into the first number.

With a way too short set of all their own material, The Eyelids started to draw a bigger and more enthusiastic crowd into the venue as they progressed. The band even got an encore and cries of "More!" when they departed, (which isn`t too bad for the first support band at any gig).

Admitting influences such as Sleater-Kinney, PJ Harvey, The Clash and the afore-mentioned Cramps is no bad thing in my books as a young band, but being able to be compared with this disperate crowd, The Eyelids are head and shoulders above their local competition.

A stunning performance from a band that not only have great taste, but great ability and clearly a great future.

www.myspace.com/theeyelids2006

(All photos by Lord Itchfield)

2007-07-20T15:06:00.000-07:00

GIGS IN JULY 2007

CUCKOO, TRURO (20TH JULY)

SEED

Trevor Kemp, (guitar/vocals), Ivan Wellington, (bass) and Liam Jolly, (drums), took to the Cuckoo stage on Friday night after extensive soundchecks by other bands later on the bill and ripped into Seed`s fast paced, punked up set with gusto. With the years of experience that exist in Seed, Trevor and the band had no trouble in drawing a healthy crowd into a previously quiet pub. People seemed to appear from nowhere as soon as the band started and the numbers just kept growing as Seed pumped out the raw punk rock sounds that have made them a local legend. Trev`s reedy voice is perfect for the raw, distorted music that his guitar hammers out across the solid hard-working Jolly drumming and powerfully melodic bass of Wellington.

Previously quite quiet on the live scene, Seed now have an extensive gig list ahead of them this year right up until new years eve, so you`re going to be hard pushed not to see the band that by the end of the year will have to be crowned the hardest gigging local band in some dodgy award ceremony. Luckily Seed are worthy of such awards and the quicker you get down to one of the gigs the quicker you`ll agree.

The new studio album came out last year, now we need a live album this year to cement this massive band`s place in the local scene.

www.myspace.com/seed777

(Photos by Lord Itchfield)

2007-07-19T01:06:00.000-07:00

THE EDEN PROJECT, ST.AUSTELL (18TH JULY)

MARK RONSON & LILY ALLEN

(Txt Review by Little Richard)

Mark Ronson was wicked and Lily Allen is the best one I`ve seen...

2007-07-12T00:54:00.000-07:00

THE EDEN PROJECT, ST.AUSTELL (10TH JULY)

RUFUS WAINWRIGHT & HOT CHIP

(Review and photos by Chaffinch Cabal)

Okay this was a line up that was always going to be sketchy at best. Entering the venue early in the evening that was ever threatening (but thankfully non delivering) to drench us all in a gloomy downpour in a somewhat vain attempt to dampen the spirits of tonights enthusiastic crowd we proceeded the long journey down to what promised to be the live music event of the summer.

First on the bill were Hot Chip, an odd choice for support act to the most flamboyant mainstream star in music today, however things became even stranger when I learned from "an insider" that lots of the tickets for the nights events were bought by fans wishing to see only the support act! As an avid Wainwright fan I found this to be a shocking if not a little typical notion given Wainwright’s relative anonymity in the region.

Hot Chip were aurally adequate if visually uninspiring in their stage presence. A five piece unit with four members hidden behind keyboards and synthesisers and a fifth on an electric guitar, Hot Chip’s presence was about as engaging as dry toast, however as I say they had an adequate sound (and many in the crowd seemed to rejoice as though they were at Global Gathering, unsurprisingly I didn’t see those guys around during Wainwright’s set.) All in all they were musically sufficient but you would have gotten the same effect from a CD.

Then came the main event, to the sound of thrilled fans cheering for joy, Wainwright’s band entered the stage and began to play an instrumental version of the title track from Wainwright’s new album "Release the Stars." But, where was the man himself? After a couple of minutes of playing from his SUBERB backing band he emerged onto the stage smiling sheepishly and dressed in LADERHOSEN, what else? He then proceeded to give a stunning performance of "Release the Stars" before turning to the thrilled crowd and enquiring "Where the hell am I? I like to think of it as Teletubbieland!"

Playing a set of tracks predominantly from the latest album plus a few old favourites, Wainwright showed amazing vocal ability and incredible showmanship, with a power present either with his band or without.

After a blinding hour and fifteen minute set Wainwright and co returned to stage for an encore this time dressed in a nondescript white bathrobe. After two encore songs including a breathtaking performance of Leonard Cohen’s "Hallelujah" Rufus sat in a chair front and centre and slowly applied ear rings, lipstick and a set of high heels and then removed the chair and stood just in front of the drum kit, at which point his band re-emerged flooding the stage in a set of classy tuxedo’s shielding Wainwright from any onlookers eyes. A backing track for Judy Garland’s "Get Happy" came over the speakers and the band bounced away from their singer who had cast his robe aside to reveal a short black dress and trilby hat and started a lip synched dance number ala the original diva herself which was a great moment of playful homage and tomfoolery.

In my opinion it’s going to be hard for any other act at this years Eden sessions to surpass the sheer greatness of Wainwright and Co’s performance, pulling it off with the greatest of ease and skill and brilliant showmanship backed with absolutely thrilling songs. Highlights of the evening included "Release the Stars," "Between My Legs," "Beautiful Child," and so-quiet-you-could-hear-a-pin-drop (Which is quite an achievement given we’re outside) performances of "Nobody’s off the Hook" and "Hallelujah."

A master at work, DO NOT MISS!

2007-07-08T02:29:00.000-07:00

THE ACORN, PENZANCE (7TH JULY)

RUARRI JOSEPH ALBUM LAUNCH

(Review by William Gregg)

The doors opened at 7 30pm but there was very little happening until 8 ish when eventually the crowd started to build. Opening the night was the Hitchcock Rules front man Ryan with drummer in tow...doing a bit on the military grade bongo...was very camo styled, pretty!

Anywho the gig got under way with Ryan winning the crowds applause and taking their attention almost immediatly. It was a great atmosphere for the gig with plenty of all round support for the music. Ryans set flowed together setting the mood for the Ruarri to take over.

And takeover is most certainly what he did all it needed was for him to walk on stage and the applause rang out straight away. Opening with a couple of solo numbers Ruarri really didn't hold back, showing just why he was signed in the first place.

As his new backing band came out on stage things started to leave the quiet ambience of one man at a campfire and settle into a strong four piece at a fireworks display. The solid backing only increased Ruarri's passionate and emotion filled songs. Nothing more amazing than someone who enjoys what the know and knows what they are talking about. Genius

Finishing with a couple of solo numbers and a big finale ending in cupcakes for all that could get their grubby mits on them it was certainly an evening to remember.......

And I got a free t-shirt and CD, back of the net!

2007-07-02T05:57:00.000-07:00

THE 7TH EDITION IS OUT NOW

AVAILABLE AT

CUCKOO IN TRURO

JAM RECORDS IN FALMOUTH

MT IN ST.AUSTELL

THE CORN EXCHANGE, THE CLIPPER BAR AND THE `TALK TO ME` PHONE SHOPS IN HELSTON & CAMBORNE

...AND THE QUEENSHEAD PUB IN ST.AUSTELL

2007-06-23T09:05:00.000-07:00

GIGS IN JUNE 2007

THE GOLOWAN FESTIVAL, PENZANCE (23RD JUNE)

What a difference a year makes, last year`s festival was all MEB, Marvins, NPBs and Bates and this year ...well no-one actually except for the mighty William Gregg and a no show from The Boycott Boys, (`how appropriate!` said the compare before vanishing into the crowd, obviously bored with the whole thing himself).

This year`s Golowan Festival Marquee line up appeared to be completely made up of children from The Humphry Davy School for mildly musical children. I endured tuneless songs sung badly by Disturbing the Flow (disturbing - yes), followed by an extremely bad version of Hound Dog by Louis and Kirk, (who were actually quite tuneful, if not visually boring, when playing some jazz keyboards together earlier) and some off-tune cover versions by a sister duo called Bonnie and Mica Smith who were described in the programme as `mellow`, (but that`s debatable).

And then finally, like a professional surrounded by idiots, came William Gregg. Thank the heavens above for talent at last! Will`s set was way too short and can be better appreciated at the end of a day in an atmosphere of warmth and intimacy. Unfortunately a windy tent on a seafront in the middle of a Saturday afternoon, right next to a fun fair at full pelt with a passing audience of children and parents did nothing to help. But for the one`s who were listening, his solo set was beautiful and tender, quiet and moving, (I swear he gets better everytime I hear something new from Mr.Gregg). At the end of his set of Cornish/World music Will brought out a guest singer in the shape of Cath Crowe and what a finale they produced together. Her presence seemed to light a fire in Will and he fairly danced across the stage whilst accompanying her beautiful and lively vocals.

At last the stage was set for a good gig...

...at which point the compare came to tell us that the next act, the Boycott Boys, hadn`t turned up and some other rubbish that he obviously thought was funny and entertaining.

Oh dear.

Then he did the most sensible thing and buggered off.

Eventually some tiny kids were ushered on stage holding instruments made for giants.

It was The Basics, (above), a three piece band from the H.D. School, but with one fundamental difference - they were fucking great!

Full of attitude, "Hey we`re The Basics and we`re from Humphry Davy School ...and we`re PROUD!" shouted the guitarist as he kicked some serious butt with the band`s first song. All of their material appeared to be original and bloody good. It was tuneful, catchy and performed with an attitude that belied their ages (around 13 apparently), with panache and dignity. Absolutely stunning!

The stage was a shambles after that; random acts seemed to wander on, perform a song and then wander off. One such pair was The Wondering Minstrels, (above), who should`ve been more `wandering` and less `wondering`, because they were rubbish. When the finale came to their blissfully short set in the form of Hallelujah by Lenny Cohen, there really was little contact with reality from where I was standing.

Next came another act to fill the gaps that this sinking ship seemed to be springing at an alarming rate. Apparently it was a couple of The Boycott Boys, (above), better late than never, but they were lively and sang in tune so that was a bonus for everyone. I think the singer in particular, had good stage presence and was clearly at home up there chatting and playing to the crowd.

When they had finished I could take no more and as The Wondering Minstrels returned to the stage with some mates and a different name, `Sounds Better in Red `, (better dead than red frankly!), I had to leave.

I blame the bloody X-Factor for this kind of crap - everybody thinks they`re talented and oh-so-bloody entertaining, but in fact as this afternoon proved, (with the odd exception), it is just not the case. The only good thing you can say about this year`s Golowan Festival gig is that it only cost a quid to get in.

(Photos by Lord Itchfield)

www.myspace.com/williamgregg

2007-06-17T12:45:00.000-07:00

THE SAWLES ARMS, ST.AUSTELL (17TH JUNE)

CHRIS BUNT AND MIKE DAVIES

We gathered to celebrate the landlady`s 21st birthday again at the Sawles Arms pub in St.Austell on what turned out to be a dodgy weather-beaten event.

A pig roast had been started at 6am and so was nearly ready when we turned up at 4pm to watch Chris and Mike run through some warm Sunday afternoon rock classics. You`ll probably know Chris Bunt from his many years with No Picnic, but this is something new and less aggressively rawk.

A covers duo, (but not a tribute to anyone in particular thankyou), with many years under their respective belts in the local bands that have graced most of the pubs in Cornwall, these two craftsmen know how to conjure up a memory and perfomed beautifully. Amongst the many varied artists sensitively performed were REM, The Moody Blues and The Verve with excellent lead vocals from Mike.

This was a family friendly event with many youngsters running amok throughout the performance, but this also meant the audience was possibly the hardest for a band - from babies to OAPs and many lesser artists would`ve baulked at the prospect.

Just to help the pair, the pig roast had been set up next to them (good for that stage fog that goes so well with rock gigs!) and then the rain came down (cue more smoke from the roast as the pig burnt to a crisp!).

Worth seeking out if you want to see a polished performance with excellent lead guitar from yer man, Mr.Bunt.

(Photos By Lord Itchfield)

2007-06-17T02:10:00.000-07:00

THE QUEENS HEAD, ST.AUSTELL (16TH JUNE)

THE SEX BRISTOLS

Another punk covers band playing in another Cornish pub. Nothing to see here, ladies and gentleman, move along now please...

Well yes and no really.

This band of middle aged punk rockers, (all old enough to know better), are actually quite entertaining and true to the genre. Led by the beret wearing Mike Riot, the band hammer through some Sex Pistols covers and then start to show their form by branching out on other classic punk tracks. All the versions that they played were musically true to the originals, the singing less so, but when you are covering so many varying vocal styles its probably wiser to just stick to your own, (which is what Mike did).

The guitar of Dicky Strings was spot on to the records, as was the bass and drums of Gary Nasty and Anarchy Chaff, (ooo, comedy names ahoy!). Visually they were nothing like The Pistols, but the did sound very similar and did a sterling job of playing the other collection of tracks that included nods to the catalogues of The Buzzcocks, The Ramones and The Clash amongst others.

So yes they`re from Bristol, yes they are banned from a couple of other local pubs for rowdy behaviour (well I never!), and yes they`re not very original. But they do a damn fine job when it comes to punk covers and sticking to the performance.

The only problem I have with covers bands is that they are all clearly good musicians, so why don`t they write something new and take the styles of music forward? Its like a formula one racing driver who refuses to drive anywhere off the track - what a waste of talent.

The Sex Bristols - good but predictable.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

With trepidation we wandered to the pub

To see a covers band, ah yeah, there`s the rub

A punk band called The Sex Bristols were down

Old men stuck in 78 were sitting all around.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

The Bristols started up with vim and vigour

The pub soon got full - it needed to be bigger

So we sat in a corner with our beer and tried to listen

The music was so loud, but something was missing.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

The original artists, thats what was absent

Then I needed some air so to the bogs I went

It was there that I finally came to a conclusion

This band and audience are living an illusion.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

I prefer reality when I hear a song

Pretension and pretending can only be wrong

So if I want covers I`ll look to my bed

And to all these bands - I wish you dead.

http://www.sexbristols.co.uk/

2007-05-17T08:06:00.000-07:00

GIGS IN MAY 2007

THE CUCKOO BAR, TRURO (16TH APRIL)

THE GAY HORSES, THE RED ARMY, ROSIE & THE GOLDBUG AND BHODAZAFFA

A review by Adam Puckey (of The Gay Horses)

We had a gig in the Cuckoo bar in Truro last night. To set the tone, allow me quote one Mr Grigg:

'Utter Shite... Only go and see The Gay Horses if you are drunk and stupid' (He might have said 'or' stupid. I'm not sure. I didn't dwell on it.)

We were put on the bill the night before, and treated the whole thing with a mixture of apathy and incomprehension. I personally wanted to be there for the launch of 'FRESH MUSIC' magazine, put on a bit of a performance, make the crowd laugh and loosen up (and cringe slightly), then watch the other bands.

As always, we got mixed reactions. Walking through the crowd afterwards I was bombarded with a few people saying 'WOW you are fucking AMAZING!' and suchlike to others casually rolling their eyes at me and smirking. Apologies were made to various bar staff and the sound people (One of the Evosound boys came onstage afterwards and had a MASSIVE go at me for running over our set by fifteen minutes, explaining that it was a 'small' scene and if I wanted to get ahead i'd have to show a bit more respect for the other bands...)

Get ahead? Get ahead where?

Basically, we smashed out some ace Punk Rock, smashed up a painting, I wrestled a ginger metalhead to the floor (and our guitarist Alex), screamed and jumped and sweated my demonic beasting heart out and fulfilled our 'Three goals':

1. Get turned off. Check.

2. Get TOLD off. Check.

3. Have fun. Check chickety check one two.

Other bands were ace. The Red Army were a three piece with a female pianist/vocalist/trumpetist, a guitar boy who sang with a touch of a spirit of the horse about him and - and I love this - a boy on an acoustic bass who just sat down on the floor at the back and didn't give a fuck. That is musicianship in my eyes. What they lacked in showmanship and rock heaven they made up for with talent, decent songs and a ot of promise. I will keep an eye on them to see how they progress... (Although as a designated egotistical megalomaniac I am not sure if I approve of the Stalinist overtones..)

BHODAZAFFA!!!

Ah God I fucking love them. They are ten, fifteen, a hundred times better than Rosie and The Goldbug. Our current bass player also plays bass for them so I do feel a certain paternal connection to them, but they are a standalone, superstar, rocking super dooper funk rock groove machine and they absolutely soared last night. Their drummer Krystian (who I spent more time whirling around the dancefloor with than I did my girlfriend) has the full hair in front of the face thing going on. Dunc, who can be an arrogant an offensive human being at the best of times, is the consumate frontman, big, loud, adorned with religious symbols, and looks like he may be related to a bear and/or gryphon. Paul plays effortless lead solos (the word solos is a palendrome) that fly into your ears like concorde and Lee's basslines crack and boom with the drums in perfect, heart crunching synchronicity. It is bands like Bhodazaffa that make me happy about my (slightly twisted) part of the world of Cornish Music.

Me friend Liz and I danced like funkmonsters throughout the entire set (I may have rushed the stage at one point, but Ol' Dunc didn't seem to mind).

Last to play were dear old Rosie and The Goldbug. Now I have a peculiar thing about this band. Aside from being a horse, I am also a poet and a songwriter. I have written a few more serious songs for my own self and my girlfriend's pleasure, a couple of songs for the Sue Parker Quartet, (though I have yet to hear them sung girls), lyrics for St. Austell based band 'Pro-Seed' and lots of poems, stories and bits and pieces of marketing material and journalism. I like to write. I LOVE to write, and I very much enjoy the inteaction with and connection to people that writing something can bring. A few months ago, in an optimistic and happy way, after watching Rosie and The GoldBug play in Bar 200 in Truro I offered to write them a song. Whoever runs their myspace (I assume it is Rosie), misunderstood, got offended and BLOCKED The Gay Horses myspace profile...

DUM DUM DUM!!!

It was most saddening. It was all more or less sorted out, but I now always feel terribly embarrassed whenever I talk to Sarah (drums). Let that little story be a testament to their ABSOLUTE skill. After one song I had totally forgotten everything and got lost in what was a powerful, romantic, peaceful, beautiful set of songs. For those of you who don't know RGB, they are a three piece with Drums, Bass and a Pianist/Vocalist (Rosie) who trained as an opera singer before turning her hand to rock and roll. The sound system wasn't really in their favour I don't thing, more geared to the heavy bass and drum set ups of the previous bands, but despite this, that lady's voice sang through to all of our hearts. I was on the dancefloor with my girlfriend and her best friend, a young lady called Ron, who actually actually fell in Love.

They played, we rocked, there wasn't a single bad section of the whole show, loads of interaction and talking to the audience, tons of men thinking up clever schemes regarding the 'woo-ing' dear Rosie, and very tired, very sweaty, very happy crowd.

Highlights of my night:

- Luke Kellett photgraphing the whole thing, and the prospect of some REALLY memorable photos.

- Being told by Jimmy from Glass Shark he thought I was a cross between Dave Grohl as the devil in the Tenacious D 'Tribute' Video and Iggy Pop.

-Wrestling Ginger Rocker to the floor.

- Being told off for.

- Getting turned off.

- Gemma's reaction after our set.

- 'Oriental City' and 'Culture Shock' by Bhodazaffa.

- Running along the back of the bar.

- Goffy screaming 'MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!!!' at me whilst still POUNDING his guitar.

- The Demon taking hold and smashing up some stuff.

- Being offered another gig.....

hahahahahahahahhahahahah

FRESH MUSIC magazine will be available Friday May 18th from all good newsagents. The unsigned scene has a lot to offer; from 'Utter Shite' like my band, to the grace and beauty of Rosie and The Goldbug, to the green potential of the Red Army, to the sheer unadulterated power of bands like Bhodazaffa.

It is a shame that Glass Shark were off the bill, but Tam, their lead singer was very ill, and very sorry. Regardless of their non appearance, you should also go and see them at your next opportunity.

A little thought about the cornish music scene. Cornwall, for the last 80 or so years, and even long before that, has served as an inspiration for artists of different media, such as poets, authors, painters, playrights, sculptors, designers, architects, travellers, the whole caboodle. It is my firm belief that, with the advent of ease of accessibility to it through the internet, music has gained the potential to be no different. We have a very diverse musical culture already (as the fresh launch gig testifies to) and it is just in it's infancy. With support, understanding and appreciation of the differing motives of performers and entertainers, we are all making Cornwall a very important place in the world...

And if you don't believe that, read the history of Rome...

2007-05-17T00:43:00.000-07:00

THE CUCKOO BAR, TRURO (16TH MAY)

THE GAY HORSES, ROSIE & THE GOLDBUG, BHODAZAFFA and THE RED ARMY

(Reviewed by William Gregg)

Tonight at Cuckoo saw four acts go to stage..

Gay Horses - Music was shocking and the dancing was funny for the first 5 minutes, became insane and stupid by the end....utter shite!

The Red Army - Cool ideas, nice cover of Edit by Regina Specktor and a good overall sound, multitalented front woman with keyboard, kazoo and trumpet as well as vocals pretty sweet

Bhodazaffa - Strong rock band with punch but nothing new, very remenice of classic rock of the late 70's stealing lots of stylistic features, as well as a stupidly low hanging bass!

Rosie and the Goldbug - Bloody awesome as always even when I was standing outside in the pouring rain for most of their set....get better and better.....

Shame about no Glass Shark,

Something was wrong about tonight.....

Ah well sums up my opinion of the evening, I recommend you at least check out The Red Army, and only go see The Gay Horses if you're very drunk and stupid!

Night

www.myspace.com/thegayhorses

www.myspace.com/theredarmyfolk

www.myspace.com/bhodazaffa

www.myspace.com/rosieandthegoldbug

2007-05-08T10:48:00.000-07:00

THE DEN, FALMOUTH (6TH MAY)

MY ELVIS BLACKOUT, THE ASTRO FIRS & ABSENT

(Another personal review by Adam Puckey)

'THWACK!'

That was the sound my head made as it connected with the floor. At the front row of the Absent/Astro-Firs/My Elvis Blackout, I was dancing harder than I had danced for some good solid days. I was sober. I was having a comedy American Pie style dance-off with a blonde boy in a pink shellsuit named Joe. I was wearing Gembly's ex-boyfriend's sailor suit jacket and I was, you might say, 'loving it'.

Adam here.

We arrived at the stannary via the medium of public transport. The experience has steern me toward a renaming of public transport to 'Pubic Transport'. My advice is this. If you are intending to travel from Chacewater to Tremough Campus in Penryn, you have never been there before, you can't drive/don't have a car, it is raining, you have no way of getting home and it is the Sunday night before a Monday morning of a bank holiday weekend, and your alternatuve option is a warm night in with a beautiful member of the opposite sex, food, wine, films, hugging and general beguiling wonder at the beauty of it all, stay at home.

Unless....

You are going to watch The Astro-Firs.

They were good. But I'll get to that in a minute : )

It was an interesting trip, but Gembly and I were determined that our first date was to be something worthy of many, many longwinded and humourous anecdotes for both ourselves to regale to eachother, and for us to each use to entertain vast crowds of strangers and friends alike in pubs, clubs, bars, cafes, supermarkets, hospitals and workplaces abound.

I feel we generated something of this kind.

I decided to go and watch The Astro-Firs after they put out a motivational and humourous bulletin listing the reasons I should not sit at home on Sunday night, but should in fact go and watch them play a set.

I replied in erstwhile fashion, proclaiming that I was going to be there, and would they be so kind as to pretend to whichwhatever lady I happened to have on my arm that we had been lifelong friends in order to help me with any nefarious romantic plot I may have (ahahhahahaa).

The response they gave me was a yes. Ace.

In the concurrent few days, I became enamoured of a lady whom we shall refer to as Gembly, and 'stuck-in-on-msn-on-a-saturday-night' conversation resulted in her being my date for the night.

So we arrived. We had intended to dress up as Luke Toms (even taking the time to fashion moustaches from bits of brachen, leaf and twig we had found around and about chacewater) but somehow ended up with me wearing the aforementioned sailor suit and Gembly in jeans, a top and a jacket. We were wearing sunglasses in a darkened room though. And we were the oldest people in there by about five-hundred years. We chatted to some passionate student types who studied broadcasting and media, one of whom had a radio show, all through the set of the first band, who were called 'Absent'. They were a five piece, with three guitars, bass and drums. They were pretty good, and I went up and danced comedically at the end, noting at the back of my mind that one of their guitarists was a girl.

Girl guitarists are cool.

When they finished I went up to their bass player and arranged a sweaty hug between him and Gembly (she has a thing for bass players), and we went to the bar to wait for The Astro Firs to start. Feeling a bit bad that I had promised to dress as Luke Toms, I decided tonight's dancing was to be top notch. The lads (a four piece with two guitars, bass and drums) rocked into it fantastically quickly, with (and this is something I wholeheartedly approve of) all of their songs played about 2/3s again as fast as the recordings. The vocals were crisp and varied, and the whole thing was very...

very..

LOUD.

Don't ask me what they played. Or in what order. Or even for how long. I enjoyed it. So did the swaying teen crowd. So did Joe the be-shellsuited dancer.

I shall instead inform you of the variety of dance moves that were performed. I started with a toe gripped back spinning mini stage dive followed with a roly poly up into a running man. Beer was spilt. There were laughs. Dancing Joe countered me with a forwards crawling s bend disco caterpillar move.

It was amazing. I had to change tack. His skillz far outweighed my own. As with so much in my life, where I lacked the skill, I had to go for the laugh.

I leapt at the space Joe had just left into my own version of the caterpillar. I opted to allow my body to smack into the floor with a slap and stay there unmoving until people came to pick me up, then jump up into a foray of napoleon dynamite/carlton from the fresh prince of bel air skimming superbeats.

That was the plan anyway.

What actually happened was me totally misjudging where my hands were, sandwiching my ear between the floor and my head, cutting me ear, seeing a blinding flash and getting a concussion.

I howled. I held my head. I ran about.

Gembly gave me a cuddle.

Then.

I.

Bloody.

Went for it.

Dancing Joe and I did not stop til the end of the set. There points at which hair and spit were flying, we were performing a selection of gymnastic rolls (well he was, I was just kind of shuffling around in my sailor coat trying not to collapse) and hopping over each other. It all got a bit 'Ozfest meets Soultrain'.

There aren't many Indie bands that can make that happen. I judge a band solely on how much I am entertained, be it through the dance factor, groove factor, comedy, clever little hooks that make me chuckle, or downright intertextual lyrical genius.

The Astro-Firs found the little pin in the hand grenade of my behaviour and pulled it out with the teeth of rock 'n' roll. For a group of lads who are still very young, it was mightily impressive.

They finished. I sat down with Gem, who was naturally mightily impressed with the whole shebang (sitting off to the side with composition and some of her dignity intact), who told me how wonderful I was, and that she was having a good time (That is also a good thing about a good band - they do help the old love buzz). I offered to bring her up to hug Jos the bass player (the person I had been communicating with on myspace) but I think Gem's fratern with Absent's sweaty lad had put her off the idea, and we hung around for My Elvis Blackout to start.

Now I don't know what it is about them, but I don't get it. The riffs are cold, the energy is missing, the lead singer reminds me of Suggs from Madness (although perhaps that is a good thing). I saw them once before at the John Peel night in Bunters last year. I got bored and wandered off. It was the same here. Maybe I just catch them at bad times. The crowd seemed to love it, and were dancing away just as much as with The Astro Firs. I am also a big subscriber to the idea that familiarity brings comfort and enjoyment. They are a uni band, on uni turf, amongst a crowd of fans and friends, and they were doing what they do very well indeed (don't get me wrong, it wasn't rubbish), and I think that gives you a power over the crowd that can carry you where your music can't.

I recommend going to see them just to find out for yourself though, cos what the hell do I know? I am just a Big Gay Horse.

I recommend going to see The Astro-Firs more though.

And watch out for 'Absent'. They have something about them.

As for me, I am a big fan of Gembly...

Ad.

www.myspace.com/myelvisblackout

www.myspace.com/theastrofirs

www.myspace.com/absenttheband

2007-05-06T02:15:00.000-07:00

GIGS IN APRIL 2007

THE ST.AGNES HOTEL, ST.AGNES (14TH APRIL)

THE GAY HORSES AND GLASS SHARK

(A personal review by Adam Puckey)

The Gay Horses 'DO' Glass Shark at the St. Agnes Hotel

'Can you not do that mate?'

I felt a tapping on the bottom of my shoe. For the second time that night, I was on the slate floor of the anteroom section in L2 in Truro, attempting to stand on my head. I only got as far as a semi upside-down crocuhed position both times. I was there with Dillon and my friend Tamzin, with the addition of Dillon's mate Gav who had silently disappeared...

Adam here.

Dillon and Tamzin were on the couches chatting to some strangers, tearing apart a yellow rose and tossing the petals all about them like a pair of may maidens.

How did I get to this point you ask?

Well. Rewind to 18.00pm. Sat at the train station waiting for Tamzin to arrive from Penzance. I had spent the day compiling items of card and cardboard from which I intend to construct a ROBOT SHARK costume. I had promised Tamzin a damn good night of fun, frolics and debauchery, and in light of the recent 'PonyGirl TAM Down' mix given to us by Mr Boss Man of glass shark, I thought what better way to spend the evening than drunkenly frolicising on the dancefloor to their beautiful high beat superpop mega mixery?

One problem. They were playing in St. Agnes.

Being unable to drive, I decided to suggest (browbeat) Dillon until he agreed to supply the transport. He refused. Gutted.

So Tamzin and I went to Bunters. We drank and talked. We drank. Timmie turned up and we realised quite cleverly that his face is so interesting (not in a bad way Tim) that you never know what he is wearing. At this particular time he was sporting what I like to call a 'Randall' Moustache. To give this some context consult the Jack Nicholas film 'About Schmidt'. There is a character called Randall in it...

Anyway.

Dillon changes his mind. Tells me to be ready for 20.30 and he'll come and pick us up. 20.30 rolls around. Tamzin and I both still have full pints. We down them and wobble to the car.

We arrive at a lovely locals pub. I go and shout at Tam (from glass shark) to say thankyou for the remix. It takes a while for Dillon and I to get his attention. If you haven't seen glass shark yet, you must. They shan't be stuck in cornwall much longer, what with being my favourite local band, they naturally are extremely talented, put on a full and zippy show, and have songs that you can sing along to and dance to without ever having heard them before. They are a 3 piece, with drums, guitar and bass. All three lads sing. They wear matching black pin-stripe shirts and pink ties and support their playing with an intricate sampler set up that provides a thumping backbeat, some pre-recorded backing vocals (and if you find that a turn off then just wait until you hear the high intoned 'Gucci, Prada, Versace, Gabbana' and cannot get it out of your head all the next day) and various other zips, boffs and thistles. The whole feel of their show for me is very similar to a showy dj set (Yoji Bio anyone?) with the mood and feel of a super eighties power disco.

They even have lights on their mic stands...

We said our thankyou's, drank our drinks. I offered to buy Jimmy a drink but it turns out they got them for free anyway. The first half of the set was joyful and fun, with mainly songs I didn't know (Though I still danced and sang along). We talked to the lads in the interval and I was told that my vocals (the words 'no offence' were slotted into the sentence) sounded like either a drunk/tired/lazy Alex Kapranos from Franz Ferdinand. Anyone who has ever heard us live will testify to the fact that my voice is patently horrific to listen to. Despite the cunningly dressed up insult I took it as a vast compliment.

More drinks were drunk. I was drinking 'Burglars' or 'Rattlers' or fucking 'Twatters' cyder, what was cloudy and rich with the lager i'd been adding to it. I got a bit fucked.

They started their second half. I started to heckle. Fuck knows what I was shouting but as they thundered through 'I love My Disco Robot' (Yes there was mucho robot dancing) I heard a voice behind me (Was it my little demon hindbrain? Was it Dillon?). The voice said 'Adam Play the Drum!'

Great idea.

I proceeded to grab Jimmy's drumstick and play the drum at the front of the stage. I can't drum. I was throwing drinks all over the place (There were a pile of empty glasses at my feet, I think sambuca entered my system at some point). Jimmy grabbed another drumstick in order to actually USE his drum and I thought it would be clever to 'tap tap' his stick with mine...

'Adam Jimmy needs that!' or something similar was shouted across the microphone. I panicked and laughed and sort of chucked the stick back into the band (Alot of the sequence of events here may not quite be accurate but I kind of can't remember EXACTLY what happened.)

I am still waiting for them to tell me off...

The night closed. The Gay Horses were thanked (I was quite disco sweaty), drinks were downed and we fucked off. I think there were a few cartwheels done. Dillon, Gav and I discussed Parkour and we SOMEHOW ended up in L2. Can't remember much about the rest. But it was good fun, if you know what I mean ; )

Ad.x

(Photo by Nik Budden)

www.myspace.com/thegayhorses

www.myspace.com/glassshark

2007-04-13T09:01:00.000-07:00

THE QUEENS, TORPOINT (7TH APRIL)

GRASSHOPPER

(Reviewed by Marmite Girl)

Not another cover band I hear you say…..
….and you are right, Grasshopper are not just another cover band. Self-confessed purveyors of ballsy, bluesy rock with a hell of a kick these guys owned the floor from the first chord to the last.

You would be forgiven for thinking this three piece were in fact a five piece with their full-bodied sound and the two singers providing rich complimentary harmonies for each other. It was impossible to tell whether the band were driven by the drums (John) or bass given that they were so very tight and both Ben (Bass) and Mark (Guitar) on vocals pumped out songs by such varied artists as Eurythmics, the Beatles and Mr Hendrix with equal consummate ease. The set covered tracks that you had forgotten you knew rather than the standards, ranging from ‘Lady Madonna’ through ‘Sunshine of your love’ to ‘Black dog’ and having seen the original ‘Hush’ performed by the mighty Deep Purple (and may the Gods of Rock strike me down if I’m lying) the only difference was the missing Jon Lord on keyboards.

The crowd at the Queens are notoriously difficult to please with bands usually having to play several times before they`re ‘accepted’. Grasshopper had them eating out of their hands on this their first trip to Torpoint and even singing along to an upbeat version of the Proclaimers '500 miles'

If you’re looking for a band that’ll have people up and dancing (even in the confined space of the Queens ‘dance floor’) to some well crafted less obvious cover versions, then Grasshopper are your guys.

I’ll certainly be keeping an eye out for when they play again and from what the crowd were saying after, I’m not the only one.

(Photos by Manda)

www.myspace.com/grasshopperuk

2007-03-22T16:46:00.000-07:00

GIGS IN MARCH 2007

BUNTERS BAR, TRURO (22ND MARCH)

THE AMMUNITION

Headlining tonight`s performance at Bunters, The Ammunition, (formally known as Joe Francis and The Ammunition but now with added former-Reels man Joe Bosher on bass, precise trivia fans!), came to the stage ready to shake some foundations.

You`d be mistaken in thinking this band was an indie/folky thing if you`d only heard their recorded work, because seeing them live is whole different kettle of sealife. First thing I thought was Jason and the Scorchers and then a bit of local rock heroes Even Nine, but how can you compare The Ammunition to anyone and not deny their obvious uniqueness?

There`s blues there in the lead guitar solos of Ben `Westy` Westaway`s blue Strat and Joe Francis` gorgeous Rickenbacker when trading licks with the each other, but its the power of the Francis vocals that really steer this Ammunition. Joe`s voice just gets better and better as the gig continues, gentle phrasing contrasting to the full on raawk holler he can pull out of the bag when the song requires it. Added to that you`ve got sing-a-long chorus` and the catchy riffs that only took two songs to get some wolf whistles from the rapidly growing and excitable crowd.

Watching the band perform was a bit like sticking your fingers in an electrical socket; you know you shouldn`t do it, you get a massive surge of energy ripping through you and its bloody good fun! (...apart from the smell of burning of course).

They`ve recorded at the famous Abbey Road Studios already and will be snapping at the heels of national success before you know it, so take your opportunity now and go and see them before the inevitable world tour and international acclaim whisk them from our county.

The Ammunition; fully loaded and fighting fire with fire.

www.theammunition.co.uk

www.myspace.com/joefrancisandtheammunition

RYAN JONES

Generally known for his old joanna skills fronting The fabulous Hitchcock Rules, Ryan Jones is doing a bit of moonlighting at the mo showing how damned talented the swine is on a guitar aswell. Aww bloody hell - what do you wanna know? He writes songs that the likes of Carly Simon and Carole King could only dream of, he plays the acoustic guitar and keyboards like a surviving Beatle with marriage problems and sings like James Taylor. I hate him!

No, (misses...!), let me clarify that; I don`t hate Ryan Jones, I hate the fact that he`s not spoken about in the same circles as the above artists, (apart from here!), I hate the fact that I can only hear three tracks of his on myspace, (where`s the album RJ?), I hate the fact that the rest of the stupid planet hasn`t noticed the beauty of this man`s art and I hate the fact that when they do, we`ll have to pay thirty quid to see something similar to tonight`s free performance.

And what of tonight`s performance? Well apart from starting too late and forcing himself to be heard over the internal sound system at the begining, (I always feel Bunters could do with an MC to introduce the artists to the audience ...just an idea), Ryan`s initial songs were quiet and too gentle for some of the more lubricated in the audience. However with a little off stage banter between songs, he quickly got them onside and although the set was too short for most of us, Mr.Jones ended strongly.

So what have we learned from all this? - Life is a bag of shit, but seeing and hearing Ryan Jones perform gives us hope of a better day!

www.myspace.com/rjacoustic

(Photos by Lord Itchfield)

2007-02-28T01:01:00.000-08:00

GIGS IN FEBRUARY 2007

THE BAND CLUB, ST.AUSTELL (24TH FEBRUARY)

THE KULT

Let me lay my cards on the table first; I`m not a fan of tribute bands. Well let me be more precise; I`m not a fan of tribute bands of bands you can still see in the flesh. I`ve got time for the ones who give you something you can`t get from the originals because they`re dead, but when the real band is still touring, it seems a tad crap to watch a copy. A "cheap immitation, son of fake," as The Sid Presley Experience once said. However, against my better judgement and with hopes of a similar experience to The Bootleg Beatles/T-Rextacy tribute bands, I was dragged along to see this lot.

The Saturday night was wet and windy, (which helped), the venue was the social club known as St.Austell`s Band Club, (which more linked to brass band music officially than the regular tribute acts that play there), and tonight`s tribute band was called The Kult. Can you guess who they were a tribute to, boys and girls? The answer would seem pretty obvious from the name, but I bet you couldn`t have guessed if you`d only been able to see them.

Their line up appeared to contain a chunky, dehydrated Axl Rose on vocals, a nervous cowboy version of John Power (from Cast/La`s) on one guitar and James Dreyfus (TV gay actor from Gimme, Gimme, Gimme & Rowan Atkinson`s Thin Blue Line cop comedy), playing the part of a camp Billy Duffy on the other guitar. What ex-Man U star Eric Cantona was doing on the drums was anyone`s guess. It was a truely bizarre sight.

That said, the band played well to a half empty room which contained maybe three or four Cult fans, (well done if you guessed correctly!), and there was even a spate of dancing girlies by the last few numbers. Sound-wise, the band were pretty close to the originals and played many album tracks mixed in with the hit singles that showed they had a real love of the band. The hits were nailed, as you would expect, (with the exception of `She Sells Sanctuary`) and the job was done.

Overall I`d say that the band were average and the audience worse. I`d say they deserved each other, but the imbalance would make that untrue. As a tribute act, the sound was fine, the visuals less so.

At £6 per non-member, I have to say I`ve seen better for a lot less.

www.thekult-tribute.co.uk

2007-02-07T05:54:00.000-08:00

THE SWAN INN, TRURO (5TH FEBRUARY)

BLINDFOLD GARDEN

Not the first time I'd seen Blindfold Garden but the first time I've been compelled to write a review of the band as they are one of the finest this county has produced. They swaggeringly took to the stage to belt through the first five songs in their set with barely a pause for breath. Their sound is hard to define, although they seem to wear their influences on their sleeves (The Smiths & Queens of the Stone Age are the obvious examples), but their mix of old and new pays off, merging uplifting and floating melodies with powerful riffs and noise, often in the course of the same song (check out the 7- minute epic Nazi Sinatra for a perfect example of how to balance the two). Martyn Whitfords' bass-lines are reminiscent of Peter Hooks' chorus-laden sound, while Jason Brown could out-do Keith Moon (clearly his idol) on drum fills and prescence alone. Kevin Pearce showed promise on lead guitar, his first gig with the band, mixing Pink Floyd-esque effect work with crushing power chords while Bryn Powell filled the pub with his honeyed vocals (Morrissey, anyone?) and solid rhythm guitar. Not even a technical problem with the mic during the last song could stop their hour-long set from being tight, raucous, exhilarating and beautiful all mixed into one. All this and their first gig with a new guitarist.

The future is bright.

www.myspace.com/blindfoldgarden2007

ELUSIS

The Swan's Broken Egg Night has always attracted talented bands and this evenings proceedings were no exception. The gig kicked off with Elusis, a 5-piece band formed 18 months ago, and very pleasant on the ears they were too. Imagine a funkier Incubus with a hint of A Perfect Circle and you're almost there. Rogans' drums and Matts' Bass were locked tightly while Sonny and Ash layered guitar melodies over the top in epic and sweeping movements. The lead singer, Ray, had some interesting stage mannerisms and kept the audience watching. If there was any criticism, I would say they lacked a few 3-minute rock blasts to keep their set moving along, but I couldn't fault them on sound and performance. One to look out for.

www.myspace.com/elusisband

(Review by David Borden/Photos by Nathan Lance)

2007-01-29T07:20:00.000-08:00

THE SIXTH EDITION IS OUT NOW!!

AVAILABLE AT -
MUSIC TECHNOLOGY (ST.AUSTELL)
SOLO RECORDS (TRURO)
JAM RECORDS (FALMOUTH)
NICALS (BODMIN)
...and other fine outlets and venues throughout the county!

SO GET SWEATY WITH EL MAJESTICO AND THE CLGR!

2007-01-26T19:38:00.000-08:00

GIGS IN JANUARY 2007

FALMOUTH ART COLLEGE (26TH JANUARY)

THE REELS

Top the bill tonight was never going to be a great place after the previous acts, but local heroes The Reels showed how professional they were with a quick turn around and a more mellow style that contrasted with the previous Exeter hordes.

Down to a three piece nowadays, (Alex`s guitar easily filling the gap on both old and new songs), the band were planning on showcasing some new material amongst their regular set but were restricted by time into cutting large chunks from their intended setlist. Coupled with technical problems, The Reels performed valiently against the odds and did finish strongly. Their mix of Radiohead and Oasis came to the fore with a feedback led finale that suddenly took the audience up a gear and left us wanting more of the same.

Having seen The Reels perform before, I`d say they`ve done better - this was good, but The Reels can be stunning on top form.

Disappointment all round, I`m afraid.

(Photos by Lord Itchfield)

2007-01-26T19:32:00.000-08:00

OK PILOT

Also down on a daytrip from Exeter, Ok Pilot quickly took to the stage area to follow their city mate`s performance. Already noted by Rocksound magazine as one of the "100 bands to watch in 2007", this three piece had some serious ass to kick as they launched into their first number. An action packed performance followed led by Chris (bass) and Tom (guitar), reined in only slightly by a sweat-covered Ben on drums, which saw outbreaks of bizarre headbanging-stylie dancing from the excited and growing crowd. More hardcore punk than The Computers, Ok Pilot are a powerful raawk machine that made me think of Therepy? more than anything else and their original material certainly does mark them down as a band worth seeing in 2007.

With little time to chat to the crowd, the boys let the music do the shouting and showed the Falmouth crowd why Exeter is fast becoming the punk/rock capital of the southwest. Over all too soon for the cheering crowd, Ok Pilot left us wanting much more.

Ok Pilot - more than okay!

(Photos by Lord Itchfield)

2007-01-26T19:26:00.000-08:00

THE COMPUTERS

Second up on tonight`s four band bill, came The Computers, down from Exeter to share a little love with the locals. Dressed in a uniform of red skinny keks, white shirts and a smart black tie, these four maniacs completely tore the place apart.

Alex, Will, Sonny and Nic came out fighting in all directions with a punked set of tunes that would`ve sat proudly next to any of the best from The Clash or early Costello, they easily stole the evening`s show with their bravado. And what a band? - Led by a Mark Lamar look-a-like with a cross between Jude Law and Damon Albarn on the bass, The Computers were winning before they even opened their mouths. With a front line three part harmony, mental guitar breaks that saw an audience invasion by the band and a rythmn section to die for, our mouths were gaping like loons before the first song was over. We never stood a chance! Banter between songs was genuinely funny and relaxed which made for one of the best performances I`ve seen in Cornwall, (and `performance` is the key word here, because where some `play` or `gig`, The Computers truely `perform`).

Jeez, they could`ve played all night, (if they knew more songs!), and we would`ve cheered louder and louder. Absolutely stunning. They`re back at the end of March, this time in Truro (TBC), and if you don`t see them then, I suggest you dig a large hole, jump in it and cover yourself over with the soil, because you might as well be dead!

The Computers are without doubt, the bees bollocks!

(Photos from Lord Itchfield)

2007-01-26T19:22:00.000-08:00

MIKE ANDREWS

Falmouth Uni used to be called Falmouth Art College and has for many years been the centre of all things `art schooly`, creative and alternative for the next generation of artists living in Cornwall, (forget St.Ives - that`s for tourists and old semi-professionals). This is where they learn and hone their skills, where the students can experiment with different genres until they find their personal niche.And so it was tonight, keeping within this remit, the four acts varied between ability and style, but showed their passion and desire throughout the evening`s entertainment.

Held in the non smoking student uni bar, (where else?), the first to take to the microphone was local lad Mike Andrews and his acoustic guitar. Poll position is never easy, but Mike quickly started his set with songs that recall his self confessed influences, Bright Eyes and Arcade Fire. A nervous performance of "pseudo-political songs" about things he claims to know little about, with much re-tuning between songs that made every new tune stand alone, Mike Andrews only began to relax as the last song loomed. Although supported by his friends, he needs to engage with the audience between songs if he`s not to lose their interest as he constantly tunes up.

(Photos by Lord Itchfield)

2007-01-20T04:03:00.000-08:00

THE GREEN ROOM, REDRUTH (19TH JANUARY)

MY ELVIS BLACKOUT

Headlining tonight`s gig, My Elvis Blackout were the cherry on the top of tonight`s particular musical cake and showed the rammed pub what they`d learnt from months of touring with established bands around the country last year. Clearly the main thing that Harry and the boys have learnt is to give 110% in their performance, and to pace themselves for a powerful finale.

For a five piece band, the stage was a little too cramped to allow MEB to physically perform to their finest, but musically the surroundings couldn`t constrain them as they played crowd pleasing versions of `Vitamin MEB` and other Blackout classics. Showcasing some newly written songs that illustrated a more worldly-wise and mature viewpoint, the band sweated along with the audience as the riotous music enveloped us all.

Smoke machines and stripping drummers aside, (nice vest Jason!), My Elvis Blackout have no need of visual special effects and let the music do the talking for them. Their performance was solid muscle.

(Photos by Lord Itchfield)

2007-01-20T03:57:00.000-08:00

GLASS SHARK

Taking their place on the corner stage at The Green Room, I imagine Glass Shark have rarely had to follow such a tough act and I have to admit I was glad not to be in their shoes. You`ve got to see this band right now! But fear not, yea of little faith, the mighty Shark is not afraid - they see a challenge to their role as protector of all that is good in music and they rise from the deep like a torpedo, breaking the surface with a healthy yell of triumph. You`ve got to see this band right now!

With the first beat of Tam`s drum, the duelling bass and guitar of Matt and Jimmy smacked into the room and they led Glass Shark and the audience into the wicked world of Disco Robots. You`ve got to see this band right now! Electronic beats mashed up with distorted guitar and a thumping rhythm section, created an electric atmosphere with sweat quickly falling from the brows of the dancing audience of students, stray punters and Friday night nutters. You`ve got to see this band right now!

Glass Shark presented a polished and powerful performance from a band at the top of their game to an audience that helped to put them there. You`ve got to see this band right now!

Understandably, Glass Shark have gained a great reputation; people who`ve never actually heard the band tell me they`ve heard how good they are and word is starting to get around. You`ve got to see this band right now! This is good news for people who speak and wot read wot uvvers ave writ, but to those that can `hear`, it is surely music to thine lug `oles!

(Photos by Lord Itchfield)

2007-01-20T03:33:00.000-08:00

RICKS REBELS

The Green Room in Redruth played host to a stellar line-up of local talent on Friday night and continued to illustrate how many great venues this county actually has hidden away down backstreets. The pub itself is on two floors with an open staircase, that doubled as a viewing platform when the bands performed, dominating the large victorian ground floor, with two bars and some pool tables upstairs it made queueing for a drink redundant as the downstairs filled up.

But onto the music; for a very reasonable £3.50, an excellent night`s entertainment kicked off with the "youthful exuberance" (Harry, MEB) of Ricks Rebels. The name is a misnomer, don`t be fooled into thinking this is a rockabilly outfit or some dodgy C&W covers band - far from it in fact. Ricks Rebels are punked up to fuck! Musically leaning on The Ramones, (checkout the Joey Ramone look-a-like on the drums by the way, coincidencely called Joe Black!), The Clash and Metallica in their own material, they also camp it up with glam when hitting the disco covers. Leading the way, is frontman extraodinaire Jordan Doidge (Jordski), who`s performance was stunningly spell-binding. Pulling shapes and faces as he lept into the audience, Jordski is without doubt the Keith Moon of front men with a visual and vocal style that demand your attention. Like another Joe, (this time Strummer), Martin Skews manhandled his guitar with panache and powered the band throughout their all too brief set, aided and abetted by Ele Lucas on her pounding bass and vocals.

The conclusion came with the appearance of an `exotic dancer` on the staircase and goodybags being thrown to the excited crowd. As far as `opening act` goes, I`ve yet to see a better one and in any other circumstance you`d have to pity the band that had to follow Ricks Rebels - they were magnificent.

(Photos by Lord Itchfield)

2007-01-05T16:52:00.000-08:00

NICALS, BODMIN (5TH JANUARY)

OBSYDIAN TEARS

Headlining tonight`s charity gig at Nicals, (in aid of the Cornish Air Ambulance - what a good idea!), Obsydian Tears had little to prove to their hardcore fans in attendance. As the first chord was struck, the heads came down and hair flew in the air from the audience to the band. With the exception of Todd the drummer and Adam on vocals, the band instigated and joined the audience headbanging with every power chord they struck. Like a cat fight in a heavy metal hairdressers, the follicles flew and even those cranially challenged gave it a fair crack!

With influences coming from areas such as Pantera, In Flames and Chimaire, the Penzance based Obsydian Tears were obviously heavy as hell. The hypnotic pounding aura around the band`s performance is surely indebted to the combination of the duel guitars of James and Tim bouncing off the band`s engine housed in Todd`s drums and Andrew`s bass.

So what else do you wanna know? Obsydian Tears are heavy as fuck and your tattoos will slip off if you stand too close!

STALKING NORTH

Organisers of tonight`s charity fund raising gig and all round good eggs, (they didn`t even put themselves on as the headliners!), Stalking North took second billing and control of the crowd that started to fill Nicals at this point in the evening.

Then the lights went down and darkness was all around, when suddenly the lead guitar of Joe Pamplin literally lit up! Little blue lights along the fret board gave a continued Christmassy feel to the occasion as the mad guitarist thrashed his fingers and led the band into their set : Limmer on vocals calling the audience to their feet, Gooch`s Flying V battling with the taught rythmn section of Rowse on drums and Dan on bass - it was a powerhouse performance from a band at the top of their game. With influences rangeing from Iron Maiden, Slayer and Metallica to Trivium, Stalking North are seriously crowd pleasing and tonight was no exception. With drum solos, guitars played behind heads, (can you guess the culprit?), and screaming vocals, this is a band that demands your attention.

More fun than you can shake a sticky thing at !

SOLD IT ON THE SOFA

Hailing from Newquay and celebrating the lead singer`s birthday - it was destined to be a good night for Sold It On The Sofa as they took the second spot on tonight`s gig. Playing a mixture of original and covers, the band put in a professional performance that illustrated a confidence that only comes from regularity or arrogance. Luckily it was the former in this case and the atmosphere went up a notch as the band ripped into their set.

Clearly influenced by Nirvana and The Misfits (illustrated through a combined cover), but with a bass tom pounding drum pattern, I started to hear Ramones influences and a sixties/Cramps style in their own material. Twangy lead guitar suddenly distorting into heavy riffs, confused initially until the style became recognisable as truely their own.

A birthday treat for all concerned.

BREATHE

As this was the incredibly young band`s first ever gig, you would have expected a few shakey starts and general cock ups to occur, however Breathe produced a startlingly good performance in front of proud parents and friends as they raced through six original numbers to start this charity evening in style.

A damn fine guitarist was backed by an equally good bass, running lead riffs across the pounding drums. With hints of Metallica, Breathe`s own material is strong and melodic, anthemic and in your face. Unfortunately the volume of the vocals was far too low to hear and this was annoying because clearly this is a band with a strong future and I for one, would like to hear what they`ve got to say for themselves.

Breathe deeply.

(Photos by Lord Itchfield)

2006-12-30T03:13:00.000-08:00

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)

2006-12-22T02:15:00.000-08:00

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)

2006-12-03T03:32:00.000-08:00

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)

2006-11-29T09:12:00.000-08:00

THE BURNING QUESTIONS - DUMMY RUN

Name of Band - Dummy Run

Where does the name come from? We stole it from El Majestico

Booking/contact details - www.myspace.com/dummyrunmusic dummy.run@hotmail.co.uk

Names of members of the band and instruments played - Sam Foster - Piano/Lead Vocals, Andrew Balin - Bass/Backing Vocals, Ben Harris - Drums/Backing Vocals

What has been the highlight of the 2006 for you? Our first songs and gigs

What does xmas mean to you? The only thing that makes winter worthwhile. Money and presents. But we hear it has something to do with love and kindness too....

What was you best ever xmas present/memory?
Andrew: When Santa Claus ACTUALLY came to my house on Christmas day when i
was 5 and gave me a watch that changed colour with temperature.
Ben:A half eaten bag of crisps from my somewhat senile Grandmother
Sam: Nintendo 64- unfortunately it left me socially inept for the rest of my life.

Who is your musical inspiration?
I guess communally and predominantly Ben Folds, but any well formulated music is attention grabbing to us

Where do you see yourself in ten years? A band! (we wish)

What are your plans for 2007? To write some more songs and get to play more venues

Best venue in Cornwall? So far, our first venue, Bunters

Recommend a book to the world -
Andrew: Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card
Ben: Delia Smith's 'how to cook with eggs'
Sam: 50 Cent's 'Get Rich or Die Trying- the Official Adaptation of the Motion Picture'

Recommend an album -
Andrew: Absolution - Muse
Ben: Silver Sun - Silver Sun
Sam: Meligrove Band-Planets Conspire (under strict instruction of Ben)

Half full or half empty? Half full AND half empty (and visa versa)

A message to your fans - Hi Mum & Dad!

If you were a biscuit, what type would you be and why? A chocolate chip cookie, for our little brown nuggets of joy

2006-11-29T09:03:00.000-08:00

THE BURNING QUESTIONS - GOWEN AND CROSS

Name of Band – Gowan and Cross

Where does the name come from? Mark and Merv met and started a band called Zenith back in 1979. They joined forces as songwriters and decided that Cross and Gowan sounded like a tin of soup.

Booking/contact details – markgowan@uwclub.net 01209 891345 / 01492 530265

Names of members of the band and instruments played – Mark Gowan on acoustic, electric and bass guitars. He plays mandolin, piano and keyboards as well. Mark also sings lead and backing vocals. He’s a goddamn one man band!!!
Elliott Gowan on drums and percussion. The best drummer in Cornwall, and only 17! Watch out for him DJing as well! "Ell-Z"… bookings on above contacts.
Mervyn Cross on acoustic, electric and bass guitars. Merv also sings both lead and backing vocals.

What has been the highlight of the 2006 for you? Having the facility to write, record and produce songs at our own pace. We never tire, only in the summer when it’s too hot to breath! Global warming?

What does xmas mean to you? January’s credit card bill.

What was your best ever xmas present/memory? Getting snowed in at a recording studio in North Wales. Our keyboard player said that a polar front was due and we should consider going home. We told him to f**k off…24 hours later, no munchies, no booze! Keyboard players eh?…Think they’re soooooo smart!

Who is your musical inspiration? I don’t think people are really that arsed to be honest.

Where do you see yourself in ten years? Just like today…………….Happy.

What are your plans for 2007? Plans? Ha Ha!

Best venue in Cornwall? Got to be Newquay Rowing Club, without a doubt!!!!
(Except for the bloody stairs)

Recommend a book to the world –Lee’s Lieutenants by Douglas Freeman and the latest Gibson catalogue.

Recommend an album – The Division Bell – Pink Floyd, a master piece!

Half full or half empty? Doesn’t matter as long as there’s something left.

A message to your fans – You still owe us a beer, remember Alien!

If you were a biscuit, what type would you be and why? A Ginger nut, coz unlike the rest, when dipped in a hot liquid it stays firm and hard!! A rock an’ roll treat to behold! You did ask!

2006-11-29T09:00:00.000-08:00

THE BURNING QUESTIONS - THE REELS

Name of Band - The Reels

Where does the name come from? - A random search from a dictionary!

Booking/contact details - www.myspace.com/thereelsband / Alex 07910030540

Names of members of the band and instruments played - Alex Hill - Vox, Guitar / Neil Hawkins - Bass / Jeremy Chapman - Drums (Currently looking for new lead guitarist!)

What has been the highlight of the 2006 for you? K Festival - Playing with the likes of Athlete, GLC, John Butler Trio and Upper Room was a great experience for an at the time 8-month old band!

What does xmas mean to you? Family, good food great TV!

What was you best ever xmas present/memory? My first bass. Who knows what I might be doing now if it weren't for that!

Who is your musical inspiration? As a band, we're all big admirers of The Beatles and Radiohead.

Where do you see yourself in ten years? Touring, a few albums under our belts and a boat! haha

What are your plans for 2007? Same as 2006. Keep writing, recording, gigging and progressing very nicely as we have. Hopefully, an album will be finalised!

Best venue in Cornwall? St Agnes Hotel is a really nice place to play. Great landlady and locals. But we do have a soft spot for the Prince of Wales in Falmouth. It's where it all started for us!

Recommend a book to the world - Angels & Demons by Dan Brown. The prequel to the Da Vinci Code, and perhaps better!

Recommend an album - Cliche time! The Bends by Radiohead.

Half full or half empty? Full!

A message to your fans - Do we have any? Ummm... have a great Xmas. Eat and drink lots, all the best for 2007 and see you at a gig soon!

If you were a biscuit, what type would you be and why? Blatantly a Fox's Cream Crunch! Good solid unit for the biscuit, and an intriguing but delightful creamy centre!

2006-11-29T08:57:00.000-08:00

THE BURNING QUESTIONS - PSYKIC FARMERZ

Name of Band - Psykic Farmerz, aka the piss kick wankers aka the fizzkick pharmacy aha no1 can spell our name on flyers.

bEz: Before we start i'd just like to apologise on behalf of dj buddy b who couldnt attend this interview.
I'm sure he's deeply gutted and in a way..we all are.... That guy can really talk. If he was here you'd probably need more pages... anyway...

Where does the name come from?

bEz: from the deepest realms of our stupidly corrupted minds. we actually thought of it in asutralia... so.. musta been the heat. blame the ozzies.

Juraff: wot bez said, but add some spinich, i'm sure i was baked
bEz: no doubt mate

Booking/contact details - www.myspace.com/psykic farmerz or call 07877 297052.
BRING THE LOVE! We'll play anywhere. If you dont have a phone or the internet you can contact us by standing in the street and clapping 3 times while humming the theme tune to rocky.

Names of members of the band and instruments played - Dj Buddy B - using the 1 and the 2's aka the decks to scratch and cut some lovely noises during the live show. bEz + Juraff - the mic is our instrument! Verbal communication, a way to touch without hands.

What has been the highlight of the 2006 for you?
bEz: for me I'd say supporting Coolio at Barracuda. It was the biggest crowd we've played to, like 600 +.. and good to get our name to the "masses" aha. Shit I also liked our beach cafe gig not long ago, it was like a home comming thing. yeh.
Juraff: yeh coolio was pretty dope

What does xmas mean to you?
bEz: um..... watch the cash. spend a day with the family. Have an excellent piss up on xmas eve. "man last year went well quick"..
Juraff: A day off.
bEz: ahahahahaaa

What was you best ever xmas present/memory?
Juraff: Just being with family, the normal christmas gatherings around a tree and opening of presents which i'd end up breaking later that day.

bEz: hmmmmm. I remember I got a wicked orange mountain bike when i was
about 11. does that sound gay? who cares It was the best thing ever. You couldnt stop me, i was like a wobbley version of superman. Turns out the breaks were shit but I'm alive to reminis the good times.

Who is your musical inspiration?
Juraff: hmm, who inspired me to start rapping was cypress hill, but musical inspiration comes from everything around me could be anyone i meet, or a place or something that's happened in the past.

bEz: Loads of stuff really. hip hop wise it has to be quirky stuff like ugly Duckling, combined with the rawness of Cypress hill, plus a bit of wu tang chopped up in a bowl with some Braintax and Foriegn Beggers. Sprinkled with some tasty green. I find loads of other music influences too, like old Sinatra classics, great for sampling. Oh and s club 7... yeh... they`re like amazing raw hardcore head nodding shit.

Where do you see yourself in ten years?
Juraff: Out on the street, homeless, still carrying with me a poster of memories from the past, telling passer bys, how I used to be famous, as they look upon me with disgust and spit in my face.

bEz: Musically I doubt we'll be doing it, not cos I'm negative, but unless we get signed or something I can't see us persuing it past the age of 30. Our kids would just laugh at us. Imagine your dad rapping... exactly.

What are your plans for 2007?
Juraff: to take it as it comes, I've not actually thought about it.

bEz: I have... we want loads of gigs. we want festivals, we want big support slots, we want an new ep in January. we want more radio play, we want to be busy and spread the psykic word. we want groupies to chase us down the street so fast that their clothes fall off so by the time they reach us they`re all just naked and damn we'd have to succumb to them because we're just that nice.

Best venue in Cornwall?
Juraff: I dunno, they all come with different experiences, I like each place we've been too.

bEz: The Stannary is good when full up. Maybe not for us because we'd never fill it, but for a big band the stannary can be pumping. I also like the Koola bar for hip hop gigs.

Recommend a book to the world - Richard Branson Biography. Great advice for anyone with ambition who
doesnt mind taking risks.

Juraff: Aint read a book in ages, am a thicko.

Recommend an album -
Juraff: Cypress hill, temples of boom, such a great album to chill too.

bEZ: Fugees The Score. I'm old school. Never get sick of that one.

Half full or half empty?
Juraff: Neither, no such thing.

bEz: Depends how much coke you have with your JD. but if you add ice... does that count? was this question an attempt at trying to get us into some deep spiritual discussion? we failed? nah wait you failed!

A message to your fans -
Juraff: Buy our music and make us rich, I don't wanna work at asda anymore, nah only joking, hope you're all well and enjoy yourselfs at chrimbo, peaceeeee.

bEz: COME HUG US IN THE STREET. Jump on us.. girls kiss us... flash us... touch us. come to gigs! Tell your mum,tell your mums mum. Buy the EP! I need a girlfriend by the way so...

If you were a biscuit, what type would you be and why?
Juraff: no idea, soo many to chose from.

bEz: Hob Nob....... ahah this question has spun me out, so I can`t give you a reason right now. Instead I'll spit a free.
"yo, for me to be a biscuit I`d be crunchy and sweet, coming unwrapped give ya mum something to eat, dip me in a cuppa but u never seen me crumble, chocolate chipped with whipped cream pick my biscuits in the jungle, zippie and bungle type magical flavours, come in a packet like having a wank while eating quavers. save the day by consuming more snacks that a fat lady stuck on her back undernath a flat packed factory stack, of milky ways, my silky sprays make milfs think it was happy days, so pass the rich tea, quickly, so we can sip three cups of coffees and sniff green till infinity. aha. yeh."

PEACE