Reviewed by Chris Render
As a big fan of Irish rockers The Answer, I jumped at the chance to see them live last Saturday at the 02 Academy, on the fourth night of their first headlining tour. After all, Everyday Demons, the band’s second album, is a strong contender for my album of the year. So any opportunity to see the band play one of Newcastle’s best venues was one I had no intentions of missing.
Much to my disappointment, I missed the support acts due to an interview with the band, but I am assured that both Toxic Federation and General Fiasco played brilliantly, and perfectly set the tone for what was to follow. So, with eager anticipation, I waited for The Answer.
The crowd went wild as the band reached the stage, and not without good reason. The Answer were phenomenal. Clearly a band comprised of dynamic and talented performers, the raw energy and stage presence exuded by the band, in particular vocalist Cormac Neeson, was indescribable. It was clear to anybody watching that The Answer displayed an amazing chemistry, four top quality musicians working in perfect synchronisation, and obviously having a great time doing it.
The set was astonishing, a mix of material from the new album and older fan favourites from the band’s debut, Rise. Fast paced crowd pleasers like Demon Eyes and Under the Sky were combined with more considered and thoughtful anthems like Why’d You Change Your Mind and Comfort Zone, but the band never lost its energy or dynamism. The Answer are a band that are at their finest live, and their finest is something well worth seeing.
The Answer have been described as keeping the classic rock genre alive, and from what I’ve seen, they don’t need much help. I can confidently say that this is the single best gig I’ve seen at the Academy in my long years of rock fandom.
5/5
Sunday, 31 January 2010
Codeine Velvet Club @ the O2 Academy
Reviewed by Chris Render
I was never a huge fan of The Fratellis, so initially I approached Jon Lawler’s new project Codeine Velvet Club with some apprehension. However, after listening to their eponymous debut album, I realised my doubts had been misplaced, and was therefore rather excited at the chance to see them live. And they did not disappoint.
Lawler is a performer in every sense of the word, displaying notable musical talent and wielding considerable stage presence. Of course, it would be unfair not to mention Lawler’s collaborator Lou Hickey, whose dynamism and stage presence rivalled Lawler’s. Supported by a group of exceptionally talented musicians, these two went on to give a performance well worth seeing. Specific highlights of the night included Little Sister, single release track Vanity Kills and a phenomenal cover of The Rolling Stones’ Gimme Shelter.
All in all, Codeine Velvet Club delivered one of the most triumphantly entertaining shows I’ve ever seen. Their unique sound, coupled with the on stage dynamism of the lead performers, made for a great concert.
I was never a huge fan of The Fratellis, so initially I approached Jon Lawler’s new project Codeine Velvet Club with some apprehension. However, after listening to their eponymous debut album, I realised my doubts had been misplaced, and was therefore rather excited at the chance to see them live. And they did not disappoint.
Lawler is a performer in every sense of the word, displaying notable musical talent and wielding considerable stage presence. Of course, it would be unfair not to mention Lawler’s collaborator Lou Hickey, whose dynamism and stage presence rivalled Lawler’s. Supported by a group of exceptionally talented musicians, these two went on to give a performance well worth seeing. Specific highlights of the night included Little Sister, single release track Vanity Kills and a phenomenal cover of The Rolling Stones’ Gimme Shelter.
All in all, Codeine Velvet Club delivered one of the most triumphantly entertaining shows I’ve ever seen. Their unique sound, coupled with the on stage dynamism of the lead performers, made for a great concert.
Asobi Seksu @ the O2 Academy
Reviewed by Chris Render
Asobi Seksu provided me with a musical experience that I don’t expect to forget any time soon. The eclectic New York dream-pop extravaganza was unlike anything I had ever seen, a fantastic window into the shoegazing genre.
The dynamic performance of the band, most notably lead vocalist Yuki Chikudate, only acted to further improve the experience, adding to the talented and innovative music of the band. As an introduction to a genre I had very little experience with, they were more than sufficient. As a musical experience, they were sublime. Asobi Seksu were, essentially, indescribable, other than to say they were brilliant.
If you’re a fan of shoegaze, you can’t go wrong with Asobi Seksu. If you aren’t, check them out. I expect you soon will be. After all, it’s not often a support act manages to upstage performers like White Lies, but Asobi Seksu were by a substantial margin the best band I saw that night.
Asobi Seksu provided me with a musical experience that I don’t expect to forget any time soon. The eclectic New York dream-pop extravaganza was unlike anything I had ever seen, a fantastic window into the shoegazing genre.
The dynamic performance of the band, most notably lead vocalist Yuki Chikudate, only acted to further improve the experience, adding to the talented and innovative music of the band. As an introduction to a genre I had very little experience with, they were more than sufficient. As a musical experience, they were sublime. Asobi Seksu were, essentially, indescribable, other than to say they were brilliant.
If you’re a fan of shoegaze, you can’t go wrong with Asobi Seksu. If you aren’t, check them out. I expect you soon will be. After all, it’s not often a support act manages to upstage performers like White Lies, but Asobi Seksu were by a substantial margin the best band I saw that night.
Remedy, Slaves to Gravity and The Butterfly Effect @ O2 Academy
Three bands in one night, and only one I’d heard much from in advance. And they were up first. Newcastle based heavy metal four-piece Remedy were, in my opinion, the highlight of the night. Dynamic, entertaining and clearly enjoying themselves, these talented musicians provided a great start to the night, and vocals of Jenn Cherene provided a refreshing female element to a genre more commonly male dominated. If you like heavy metal, Remedy are definitely a band to keep an eye on.
They were followed by Slaves to Gravity, a band I’d heard less from, but was still eager to see. And not without reason. This hard rock band from London were entertaining and skilled, displaying extensive musical talent. The thirty minute set, comprised mainly of songs from the upcoming album UNDERWATEROUTERSPACE (scheduled for release in March of this year, and something I’d advise you check out), was a catchy, cool exhibition of the band’s ability. It wasn’t difficult to understand why they were named Kerrang!’s “Best British Newcomer” in 2008.
Ironically enough, the low point of the night (although by a fairly narrow margin) came from the headline act, Australian art rock group The Butterfly Effect. Although the band played more than competently, they seemed to lack the presence of the other two groups, and their music struck me as somewhat generic. However, that is not to say that The Butterfly Effect lacked any particular talent, far from it in fact. They simply couldn’t live up to the bands that had opened for them. However, on the whole, this proved to be a great night.
They were followed by Slaves to Gravity, a band I’d heard less from, but was still eager to see. And not without reason. This hard rock band from London were entertaining and skilled, displaying extensive musical talent. The thirty minute set, comprised mainly of songs from the upcoming album UNDERWATEROUTERSPACE (scheduled for release in March of this year, and something I’d advise you check out), was a catchy, cool exhibition of the band’s ability. It wasn’t difficult to understand why they were named Kerrang!’s “Best British Newcomer” in 2008.
Ironically enough, the low point of the night (although by a fairly narrow margin) came from the headline act, Australian art rock group The Butterfly Effect. Although the band played more than competently, they seemed to lack the presence of the other two groups, and their music struck me as somewhat generic. However, that is not to say that The Butterfly Effect lacked any particular talent, far from it in fact. They simply couldn’t live up to the bands that had opened for them. However, on the whole, this proved to be a great night.
Breed 77 @ the O2 Academy
Reviewed by Chris Render
I arrived at the O2 Academy a little late for this gig, and so much to my regret, I missed the first support, so you’ll have to make your own judgements on Symphony Cult. The second support, however, a band called Our Malevolent Tyranny, were more than sufficient, the perfect opener for Breed 77.
Now this wasn’t the first time I’d seen the Gibraltarian metal group in action, so I had some idea of what I was in for, but that did nothing to detract from the performance. Experienced and accomplished musicians all, Breed 77’s unique blend of flamenco and heavy metal must be heard to be believed. And it is definitely worth hearing.
And seeing, for that matter. Paul Isola is a fantastic performer and a talented musician, charismatic and dynamic. Of course, the same can be said for the rest of the band, evidenced by a memorable drum solo by the band’s newest member, Mexican Oscar Preciado Zamora.
Throughout an expansive set covering older material and plenty of tracks from the new album Insects, Breed 77 provided an extremely entertaining night, and I eagerly await their return to the city.
I arrived at the O2 Academy a little late for this gig, and so much to my regret, I missed the first support, so you’ll have to make your own judgements on Symphony Cult. The second support, however, a band called Our Malevolent Tyranny, were more than sufficient, the perfect opener for Breed 77.
Now this wasn’t the first time I’d seen the Gibraltarian metal group in action, so I had some idea of what I was in for, but that did nothing to detract from the performance. Experienced and accomplished musicians all, Breed 77’s unique blend of flamenco and heavy metal must be heard to be believed. And it is definitely worth hearing.
And seeing, for that matter. Paul Isola is a fantastic performer and a talented musician, charismatic and dynamic. Of course, the same can be said for the rest of the band, evidenced by a memorable drum solo by the band’s newest member, Mexican Oscar Preciado Zamora.
Throughout an expansive set covering older material and plenty of tracks from the new album Insects, Breed 77 provided an extremely entertaining night, and I eagerly await their return to the city.
A Place To Bury Strangers @ The Other Rooms
Reviewed by Chris Render
I hadn’t really heard much from this band before the night, but heralded as “the loudest band in New York”, A Place to Bury Strangers were always going to be something special. However, I had no idea quite what I was in for as the NY trio took to the stage in Digital’s Other Rooms on the 13th of November this year. They were phenomenal.
The set, although relatively short, was one of the most impassioned I have ever seen, a factor emphasised by the nature of the venue. A Place To Bury Strangers were perfectly suited to The Other Rooms, the bands characteristic intensity magnified by the intimate venue, leading to one of the most dynamic performances I’ve ever seen. The image of guitarist and singer Oliver Ackermann violently de-stringing a guitar mid-song will stay with me to the grave
The charismatic Ackermann is one hell of a performer, not just in terms of his notable musical talent, but also in terms of his commanding stage presence. He was one of the most dynamic stage performers I’ve ever seen, constantly in motion, injecting each song with intense passion. Adding to the band’s already formidable presence were drummer Jay Space and bassist Jono MOFO, one of the most talented rhythm sections I’ve ever encountered.
On the whole, the set was concise, brutal and amazing. Not a moment was wasted, the entire performance being imbued with the band’s trademark intensity and passion. I was left breathless and desperate for more. A Place To Bury Strangers were, in many ways, the musical equivalent of a rollercoaster: fast, intense, brutal and thrilling. One of the best performances I’ve ever seen.
I hadn’t really heard much from this band before the night, but heralded as “the loudest band in New York”, A Place to Bury Strangers were always going to be something special. However, I had no idea quite what I was in for as the NY trio took to the stage in Digital’s Other Rooms on the 13th of November this year. They were phenomenal.
The set, although relatively short, was one of the most impassioned I have ever seen, a factor emphasised by the nature of the venue. A Place To Bury Strangers were perfectly suited to The Other Rooms, the bands characteristic intensity magnified by the intimate venue, leading to one of the most dynamic performances I’ve ever seen. The image of guitarist and singer Oliver Ackermann violently de-stringing a guitar mid-song will stay with me to the grave
The charismatic Ackermann is one hell of a performer, not just in terms of his notable musical talent, but also in terms of his commanding stage presence. He was one of the most dynamic stage performers I’ve ever seen, constantly in motion, injecting each song with intense passion. Adding to the band’s already formidable presence were drummer Jay Space and bassist Jono MOFO, one of the most talented rhythm sections I’ve ever encountered.
On the whole, the set was concise, brutal and amazing. Not a moment was wasted, the entire performance being imbued with the band’s trademark intensity and passion. I was left breathless and desperate for more. A Place To Bury Strangers were, in many ways, the musical equivalent of a rollercoaster: fast, intense, brutal and thrilling. One of the best performances I’ve ever seen.
Tuesday, 26 January 2010
Exit Ten @ Eddie's, Birmingham
Reviewed by Izaac Carlisle
Exit Ten are from Reading. That is as much as I knew as I trundled through the rainy streets of Birmingham to Eddie’s Rock Bar (think Trillians but without a lick of paint. Or paint for that matter). A friend had recommended them; however their choice of support bands didn’t really fit in with the headline act.
Just for those not that filled in about these things, Exit Ten are essentially a 5 piece progressive metal band; imagine metal rifts but mashed with a vague representation of the vocalist from Alexisonfire. They liked to occasionally add a little bit of ‘scream’. For this genre, it would be rude not too.
Anyway, their support decided to go one further with the Alexis comparison and essentially copy them. With the pretentiously sounding names ‘Dividing the Line’ and ‘Casino Brawl’, the latter call the North East home and receiving the customary Geordie slang shouted at them, both had an air of similarity. Both had five members, with the same instruments, both had a singer, both…well had somebody that doesn’t sing and both, well sounded the same. Which is unfortunate because they weren’t that bad, Casino Brawl especially had a few nice numbers. It’s just that you can’t help thinking in your head ‘we’ve seen this all before’. Which I had. About half an hour ago.
Anyway, Exit Ten came on to the squeal of their teenage fan club and to congratulate my friend for the band choice, sounded actually quite good. They were quite tight playing, but their singer (Ryan) after suggesting his voice was a little rough, sang well. Technically alive came across really well, and overall it was a good performance. The venue didn’t really help, feeling more like a pool hall than a venue but overall a strong performance that leaves me suggesting that you go out and purchase their album or at least Myspace them at: http://www.myspace.com/exitten
Exit Ten are from Reading. That is as much as I knew as I trundled through the rainy streets of Birmingham to Eddie’s Rock Bar (think Trillians but without a lick of paint. Or paint for that matter). A friend had recommended them; however their choice of support bands didn’t really fit in with the headline act.
Just for those not that filled in about these things, Exit Ten are essentially a 5 piece progressive metal band; imagine metal rifts but mashed with a vague representation of the vocalist from Alexisonfire. They liked to occasionally add a little bit of ‘scream’. For this genre, it would be rude not too.
Anyway, their support decided to go one further with the Alexis comparison and essentially copy them. With the pretentiously sounding names ‘Dividing the Line’ and ‘Casino Brawl’, the latter call the North East home and receiving the customary Geordie slang shouted at them, both had an air of similarity. Both had five members, with the same instruments, both had a singer, both…well had somebody that doesn’t sing and both, well sounded the same. Which is unfortunate because they weren’t that bad, Casino Brawl especially had a few nice numbers. It’s just that you can’t help thinking in your head ‘we’ve seen this all before’. Which I had. About half an hour ago.
Anyway, Exit Ten came on to the squeal of their teenage fan club and to congratulate my friend for the band choice, sounded actually quite good. They were quite tight playing, but their singer (Ryan) after suggesting his voice was a little rough, sang well. Technically alive came across really well, and overall it was a good performance. The venue didn’t really help, feeling more like a pool hall than a venue but overall a strong performance that leaves me suggesting that you go out and purchase their album or at least Myspace them at: http://www.myspace.com/exitten
Mausi – Formerly: Paper Planes
Reviewed by Scott McLoughlin
Mausi are a quintessential Indie, University band experience. The Band however has ruined my flattering and ‘Punny’ review by changing their name (apparently for ‘legal reasons’). Formerly Paper Planes, they are now ‘Mausi’. Nevertheless due to my need to use aviation based metaphors, and as I haven’t seen them under their new name this review will still put across their high-flying nature. Though ‘Mausi’s can’t fly, unless you strap them to seagulls. I digress.
Despite only being a relatively new band they have a good range of original material and covers. Brother and sister (Thomas and Daisy) alternate between lead vox. Both have unique sing styles. As a consequence Mausi draw from a huge range of musical styles, and frequently delve into many genres. The truly take songs and make them their own. Set highlights include: the Planes own delightful compositions ‘Should I’ (enjoyable in both its acoustic and amplified forms), ‘What You Did Boy’, and a cover of Corrine Bailey Rae’s ‘put your records on’, a song that suits Daisy’s voice to a T. Daisy’s voice seems the kind that probably wouldn’t be out of place in a ‘50s speak easy. It has an effortlessly rich tone. Daisy’s harmonies also give Thomas’s ‘Indie style’ vocals a level of sophistication not usually encountered in grass roots music. Furthermore Mausi do not restrict themselves in the presentation of their live performance. [Cue ‘Plane’ based analogies] Mausi seem to ride thermals just as easily as an acoustic three piece or an electrified four piece. Ben and Benji (the bands lead guitarist and drummer) make Mausi’s decibel level comparable to that of a Boeing 747. The band might only be taxi-ing the runway at the moment, but they look destined to take of soon: unlike my metaphors. From now on I’ll be quiet as a ‘Mausi’…lame.
4/5
http://www.myspace.com/mausimusic
Mausi are a quintessential Indie, University band experience. The Band however has ruined my flattering and ‘Punny’ review by changing their name (apparently for ‘legal reasons’). Formerly Paper Planes, they are now ‘Mausi’. Nevertheless due to my need to use aviation based metaphors, and as I haven’t seen them under their new name this review will still put across their high-flying nature. Though ‘Mausi’s can’t fly, unless you strap them to seagulls. I digress.
Despite only being a relatively new band they have a good range of original material and covers. Brother and sister (Thomas and Daisy) alternate between lead vox. Both have unique sing styles. As a consequence Mausi draw from a huge range of musical styles, and frequently delve into many genres. The truly take songs and make them their own. Set highlights include: the Planes own delightful compositions ‘Should I’ (enjoyable in both its acoustic and amplified forms), ‘What You Did Boy’, and a cover of Corrine Bailey Rae’s ‘put your records on’, a song that suits Daisy’s voice to a T. Daisy’s voice seems the kind that probably wouldn’t be out of place in a ‘50s speak easy. It has an effortlessly rich tone. Daisy’s harmonies also give Thomas’s ‘Indie style’ vocals a level of sophistication not usually encountered in grass roots music. Furthermore Mausi do not restrict themselves in the presentation of their live performance. [Cue ‘Plane’ based analogies] Mausi seem to ride thermals just as easily as an acoustic three piece or an electrified four piece. Ben and Benji (the bands lead guitarist and drummer) make Mausi’s decibel level comparable to that of a Boeing 747. The band might only be taxi-ing the runway at the moment, but they look destined to take of soon: unlike my metaphors. From now on I’ll be quiet as a ‘Mausi’…lame.
4/5
http://www.myspace.com/mausimusic
Saturday, 16 January 2010
DJ Yoda @ Academy 2
Reviewed by Matt Hudspith
After seeing Dj Yoda perform before at Bestival, I was extremely fortunate and excited to see him perform again. This time however, it was a bit different.. It was 9 o'clock on a wednesday evening at an intimate Academy 2 in Newcastle. The brilliant thing about seeing Dj Yoda play is that you have no idea what to expect, whether its just a dj set or an Audio-Visual set, he is sure to have you moving, laughing and talking within the first 5 minutes. He is possibly one of the biggest players in the audio-visual scene right now, if no the pioneer. He is amazing with just two turntables, but throw in some more and a DVD mixer, and you are in shock with what he is able to achieve. Songs move seamlessly into one another and the visual just makes the experience that much better.
The brilliant thing about this performance was how unique it was. Yoda threw in some video clips of Alan Shearer playing for Newcastle Utd, which had the crowd going bonkers, and a few photos he had taken of the university campus which got the students among us a bit hyped, not to mention all of this being backed up by the Byker Grove theme tune. This was one moment that only those in the club would experience which made that night just soo much better. I would strongly recommend anyone to go and see him play because not only does he put on an amazing show, but he has got raw talent, and If you don't understand the term 'going to see a dj', then look no further than this one.
After seeing Dj Yoda perform before at Bestival, I was extremely fortunate and excited to see him perform again. This time however, it was a bit different.. It was 9 o'clock on a wednesday evening at an intimate Academy 2 in Newcastle. The brilliant thing about seeing Dj Yoda play is that you have no idea what to expect, whether its just a dj set or an Audio-Visual set, he is sure to have you moving, laughing and talking within the first 5 minutes. He is possibly one of the biggest players in the audio-visual scene right now, if no the pioneer. He is amazing with just two turntables, but throw in some more and a DVD mixer, and you are in shock with what he is able to achieve. Songs move seamlessly into one another and the visual just makes the experience that much better.
The brilliant thing about this performance was how unique it was. Yoda threw in some video clips of Alan Shearer playing for Newcastle Utd, which had the crowd going bonkers, and a few photos he had taken of the university campus which got the students among us a bit hyped, not to mention all of this being backed up by the Byker Grove theme tune. This was one moment that only those in the club would experience which made that night just soo much better. I would strongly recommend anyone to go and see him play because not only does he put on an amazing show, but he has got raw talent, and If you don't understand the term 'going to see a dj', then look no further than this one.
Chinese Sate Circus @ The Sage, Gateshead
Reviewed by Matt Hudspith
Last night was the first time I had ever been to a circus, and although The Chinese State Circus is not your typical circus, it still had me glued to my seat at The Sage in Gateshead. We were treated to watch the story of 'Mulan' unfold right before our eyes and although this was a performance geared towards children the majority of the crowd was made up of adults, all extremely impressed.
The first half contained The Shaolin Warriors who amazed the audience with their sword trickery and martial art skills, which involved twisting their bodies into shapes I thought weren't humanly possible. I was extremely impressed by the strength, balance, and determination of the men who were involved in this part of the show. After the Shaolin Warriors came the Lantern throwers who balanced 15ft lanterns on just one arm and would seamlessly complete forward rolls while still holding them. The Lantern throwers finished off their performance with a routine that involved throwing the lanterns to one another in a straight line without looking, this part of the performance was extremely well received by the crowd.
The final performance of the first half was by the female Unicyclists. This was arguably one of the best performances of the show. The girls would ride around on unicycles, balancing bowls on top of their heads then flip other bowls onto the one on their heads using their feet, it was truly incredible, all that I can say is that you need to see it to believe it! This was a fantastic end to the first half.
After the interval we were treated to more acrobatics. We saw men flying through hoops doing many a front flip and still managing to land on their feet as well as the second installment from the Shaolin Warriors. However in my eyes, the best part of the show came immediately after the interval when a group of gymnasts scaled two large vertical poles and flipped, slid and swung round them without breaking a sweat. This performance was simply fantastic.
I would highly recommend seeing the Chinese State Circus if given the chance as the words put before you do not do it justice, it really is something you have to see and experience to believe it.
Last night was the first time I had ever been to a circus, and although The Chinese State Circus is not your typical circus, it still had me glued to my seat at The Sage in Gateshead. We were treated to watch the story of 'Mulan' unfold right before our eyes and although this was a performance geared towards children the majority of the crowd was made up of adults, all extremely impressed.
The first half contained The Shaolin Warriors who amazed the audience with their sword trickery and martial art skills, which involved twisting their bodies into shapes I thought weren't humanly possible. I was extremely impressed by the strength, balance, and determination of the men who were involved in this part of the show. After the Shaolin Warriors came the Lantern throwers who balanced 15ft lanterns on just one arm and would seamlessly complete forward rolls while still holding them. The Lantern throwers finished off their performance with a routine that involved throwing the lanterns to one another in a straight line without looking, this part of the performance was extremely well received by the crowd.
The final performance of the first half was by the female Unicyclists. This was arguably one of the best performances of the show. The girls would ride around on unicycles, balancing bowls on top of their heads then flip other bowls onto the one on their heads using their feet, it was truly incredible, all that I can say is that you need to see it to believe it! This was a fantastic end to the first half.
After the interval we were treated to more acrobatics. We saw men flying through hoops doing many a front flip and still managing to land on their feet as well as the second installment from the Shaolin Warriors. However in my eyes, the best part of the show came immediately after the interval when a group of gymnasts scaled two large vertical poles and flipped, slid and swung round them without breaking a sweat. This performance was simply fantastic.
I would highly recommend seeing the Chinese State Circus if given the chance as the words put before you do not do it justice, it really is something you have to see and experience to believe it.
Good Shoes @ The Other Rooms, Newcastle
Reviewed by Christian Allen
It’s been over two years since Good Shoes released their debut album, Think before You Speak, and 3 years since they’re early demos dominated British music website discussion boards. For a band who have been extremely quiet throughout most of 2008 and 2009 tonight’s turn out is testament to their sound, especially in the stronghold for lad-rock that is Newcastle-Upon-Tyne. This considered the current tour is quite a change for a band that, in 2007, headlined the 2,000 capacity Astoria. It’s an opportunity for the band to almost start from scratch and play those kind of back of pub venues full of sweaty teens that their music led’s itself to.
Lead singer Rhys Jones fully embraces the intimate setting throughout the set, warning me in the interview prior to the gig that he’s prepared to join the crowd as many times as it takes to get them animated and rowdy. Despite the stagnant crowd’s best efforts the band remains upbeat and uses the opportunity to play a selection of tracks off the impending 2nd album ‘No Hope, No Future’. It’s difficult to judge them after one listen, and with the new wave of tracks ‘The Way My Heart Beats’ already seems like a classic. ‘Under Control’ has quickly found itself a crowd favourite and a couple of new tracks show the band perhaps going for a more angular, distorted sound with this follow up.
In with the new tracks were the expected, established hits from the debut album, Ice Age, Small Town Girl and Morden all sounding sharper and speeder than ever. An exuberant, enthusiastic gig marks the return of Good Shoes and on tonight’s evidence the band’s brand of jaunty indie pop look set to find it’s home once again on national radio playlists and in larger venues across the U.K.
It’s been over two years since Good Shoes released their debut album, Think before You Speak, and 3 years since they’re early demos dominated British music website discussion boards. For a band who have been extremely quiet throughout most of 2008 and 2009 tonight’s turn out is testament to their sound, especially in the stronghold for lad-rock that is Newcastle-Upon-Tyne. This considered the current tour is quite a change for a band that, in 2007, headlined the 2,000 capacity Astoria. It’s an opportunity for the band to almost start from scratch and play those kind of back of pub venues full of sweaty teens that their music led’s itself to.
Lead singer Rhys Jones fully embraces the intimate setting throughout the set, warning me in the interview prior to the gig that he’s prepared to join the crowd as many times as it takes to get them animated and rowdy. Despite the stagnant crowd’s best efforts the band remains upbeat and uses the opportunity to play a selection of tracks off the impending 2nd album ‘No Hope, No Future’. It’s difficult to judge them after one listen, and with the new wave of tracks ‘The Way My Heart Beats’ already seems like a classic. ‘Under Control’ has quickly found itself a crowd favourite and a couple of new tracks show the band perhaps going for a more angular, distorted sound with this follow up.
In with the new tracks were the expected, established hits from the debut album, Ice Age, Small Town Girl and Morden all sounding sharper and speeder than ever. An exuberant, enthusiastic gig marks the return of Good Shoes and on tonight’s evidence the band’s brand of jaunty indie pop look set to find it’s home once again on national radio playlists and in larger venues across the U.K.
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