Post by beks on Aug 30, 2006 8:57:44 GMT
Mosh4Dosh REVIEW Mosh4Dosh Sunday 13th August :
The Telegraph - Brixton This was a very good, nay, excellent attempt to put on an all day event featuring 7 quite different bands - and not all local to the area. Beks from MIG Promotions clearly worked hard in planning the event and, if there was a downside to the day, it was not through her efforts but was down to some of those involved not putting their full weight behind bringing some of their own supporters to fill out the numbers. It also helps, I think everyone in a band would agree, if those that do come to see a particular band are encouraged to offer support to other bands on the bill also. We are all in this together and have to work together to make every event like this a success. So .... to the bands.
First up were RIOT PLAN who travelled from Luton. I must admit that my first thought was that the engineer was not quite getting the sound right - but it soon became clear that, although this band were quite tight and well rehearsed they had not given a great deal of thought to their live sound. The guitar mix was very muddy and I think they were too loud onstage to give the soundcrew any leeway with the mix - or, more importantly, the vocalist a fighting chance to hear himself. That said, they did play a few quite catchy songs in the melodic metal style they describe themselves as. Not sure about the 'punk' description though. The bass player stole the show, placed as he was right in the middle - with the singer kind of marginalising himself on the far right, which I found a little off-putting. They have potential to be bigger - if they can get their live sound sorted and work a little on the overall 'live-impact' thing that is so important when you don't have that long to make a positive impression.
FOUR FACES followed, just off the 'plane having travelled all the way down from Scotland.They delivered a pretty solid and professional set of alternative/indie rock which didn't, I must admit, really grab me until a couple of songs from the end when suddenly the bass and drums really started pumping out a solid 4-to-the-floor rhythmic backdrop and the guitars shimmered with an almost impenetrable wall of 80s crunch - bit like Robert Palmer or, dare I say it, Status Quo (only better ...). I think they were called 'The Very Last Time' and/or 'Wasting My Time'. Cool sounding anyway. It must have been a long day for them and I think they needed a few songs to 'play themselves in'. Much better at the end than at the beginning which - for me anyway, watching OR playing, is always a result. I'm glad they made the effort to get involved and hope they enjoyed the experience.
THE THIRST, a local band who had just played up the road as part of an outdoor carnival/festival took to the stage next. As the engineer hunted for a mic for the drummer I tried to guess what they were going to sound like from the snippets the others were playing as they waited: a bit of South African style clean guitar riffery, a bluesy jam, a solid reggaeish bass line ..... what will it be? Sound sorted up they stood and I must say, from the moment they started to the very very very last note, they were fuckin' awesome. They are certainly not the first, and nor I expect will they be the last unsigned band that I have seen that really hits home the plain and simple fact that our industry is well and truly fucked. The music was ... well ... rocky, funky, ballsy, catchy, singalong -y, dancey and oh .... so so commercial. If this band haven't got what ANY major record label is looking for - well ..... I'm actually lost for words. Yes, there are other great unsigned bands out there, but few with so clearly a 'product' that could be raking in the cash for some sponging major label without the band having to even consider for one second compromising their artistic output.The singer/guitarist just oozed confidence, as did they all; not just in themselves but in what they were actually doing ... and there is a difference there. I, along with just about everyone else in the room, remained transfixed throughout their entire set. They played the crowd with a deft hand and produced the goods time and time again. GO SEE THIS BAND ..... 'nuff said.
I felt a bit sorry for DIXIE; The Thirst cast a long shadow and I certainly wouldn't want to follow them on stage. To be honest what they played was not for me ... but I can appreciate they were bloody good at it. The singer had a great voice for the style, which put me in mind of the Stones, Rod Stewart ... in fact any and all of the mid 70s rock giants. AND they surely had the songs to back up the style as well. For me they would be a fantastic pastiche / covers / tribute band to that era who provide new songs to go with the classics they have undoubtably studied. Good stuff if you like it - and a definite future in cabaret / corporarate entertainment if the material doesn't take the current punk/metal/rock-loving gig-going audience's fancy.
Up next, KRAKATOA. With their sharp, bright punky/modish sound, the biting vocals ripped through the aggressive wall of guitar to deliver a set packed full of great songs. Humourous, down to earth lyrics were delivered in great style by their very watchable frontman - who's attention seemed to wander all over the place when he wasn't actually singing. Massively catchy, dare I say anthemic choruses were slammed home again and again by the bassist, drummer and two guitarists, and given that extra push by the vocals, which transform this band into something else. Yes, they did put me in mind of early Oasis - but not so much because of their sound, although they do share common roots, but because of the attitude with which this band perform. They are not slavish copyists - they do what they do because they want to, because this is what it sounds like, and if you don't like it ....... (fill in your own expression here). I think their current recordings on MySpace don't do them justice as a live act and I'm eagerly waiting their new set of songs which they are due to record as soon as .......
NINEPAGES waited all day to play and were good enough to cut their set short due to the event running a little later than planned. They played a highly convincing set of metal/rock - tight as you like and sounding well mixed and well thought out throughout. The singer worked hard -changing between screaming and singing very smoothly, almost elegantly - and I actually found the vocals to be quite melodic given the style. He also never kept still, nor stayed in the same place for more than a minute. Good rhythmic work between the guitarists and rhythm section kept the music flowing. Theirs is a dark pulsating sound and I imagine it would come across a lot better if both the PA and the crowd were bigger, and more into the sort of vision they are offering.
UNDER THE THUMB finally took to the stage at 9:45 after having been at the venue, together with their sizeable army of fans, since about 1pm. I last saw Trevor perform with his previous rock-based outfit back in November last year, and I must say that the most immediate thought was that he had now found a band with which he himself was more comfortable and relaxed being with. It was a long, long day for all of them and I think that was reflected slightly in their performance, which was not quite as sparky as I imagine it could have been. That said though the band were tight enough, and the use of three singers really made the sound soar in those important places. Martin and Trevor worked together pretty well as dual frontmen, and I think that their onstage chemistry will only get better as they play together more and more. I much, much, much preferred their own material to the covers they played (being a relatively new unit it takes time to get a full set of originals together) and its in their own songs that their strength as a band will lay. 'That Guy' shows very clearly their melodic intent - AND the underlying funky nature of their sound, as does 'Fade Away', which worked particularly well live and really brought into focus not only the dual-frontman approach, but also the 3 part harmonies in the choruses. My current favourite, 'Better Off', came across as very muscular - particularly during the harder sections. Jason and Theo provide a very solid musical backing, both rhythmically and melodically, and Sam on drums does a mean vocal harmony without dropping a beat. Stylistically they came across more 'rock' live than on the demo, which I liked, and put me a little in mind of Black Grape, which is no bad thing in my book. I like the slightly chaotic nature of finding each of the vocalists at some time or another amongst the crowd - leading the fray - as the other struts their stuff alone on the stage. I think they have great potential, and the musical abilty to take the sound of each song anyway they want it to go - from gentle ballad to funk-rock monster. As they play together more they will understand the best and worst parts of what they are capable of, and use this to get the most from what they, as a group, have to offer. Its hard enough for any band to coordinate (in terms of both movement AND musical output) what each of them is doing with just one free-standing vocalist - let alone two, but I do think they will master it and mature very well over the coming months as they solidify their many strengths and eliminate their few weaknesses.
All in all a very good day. There was a good at[mosh]sphere amongst everyone, and I think over 150 quid was raised. A BIG thanks to Beks for having the vision and energy to put this on - and the bands for giving of their time to take part - and also the people who turned out to support it. Cheers also to the engineers - I think it was Jon and
?? (sorry ...). They worked hard setting up all 7 bands and trying to do their best for them given that there was no soundcheck time available. Top work guys. And, of course, MASSIVE thanks must go to the UNDER THE THUMB travellers who remained in great spirits all day despite their marathon wait, and because they showed support for each and every band that played - even if they didn't stay for the entire set they did gather for the opening few numbers to give everyone a chance ..... and you can't really ask for any more than that can you.
Dominic- UKbands.net / First.Subject
The Telegraph - Brixton This was a very good, nay, excellent attempt to put on an all day event featuring 7 quite different bands - and not all local to the area. Beks from MIG Promotions clearly worked hard in planning the event and, if there was a downside to the day, it was not through her efforts but was down to some of those involved not putting their full weight behind bringing some of their own supporters to fill out the numbers. It also helps, I think everyone in a band would agree, if those that do come to see a particular band are encouraged to offer support to other bands on the bill also. We are all in this together and have to work together to make every event like this a success. So .... to the bands.
First up were RIOT PLAN who travelled from Luton. I must admit that my first thought was that the engineer was not quite getting the sound right - but it soon became clear that, although this band were quite tight and well rehearsed they had not given a great deal of thought to their live sound. The guitar mix was very muddy and I think they were too loud onstage to give the soundcrew any leeway with the mix - or, more importantly, the vocalist a fighting chance to hear himself. That said, they did play a few quite catchy songs in the melodic metal style they describe themselves as. Not sure about the 'punk' description though. The bass player stole the show, placed as he was right in the middle - with the singer kind of marginalising himself on the far right, which I found a little off-putting. They have potential to be bigger - if they can get their live sound sorted and work a little on the overall 'live-impact' thing that is so important when you don't have that long to make a positive impression.
FOUR FACES followed, just off the 'plane having travelled all the way down from Scotland.They delivered a pretty solid and professional set of alternative/indie rock which didn't, I must admit, really grab me until a couple of songs from the end when suddenly the bass and drums really started pumping out a solid 4-to-the-floor rhythmic backdrop and the guitars shimmered with an almost impenetrable wall of 80s crunch - bit like Robert Palmer or, dare I say it, Status Quo (only better ...). I think they were called 'The Very Last Time' and/or 'Wasting My Time'. Cool sounding anyway. It must have been a long day for them and I think they needed a few songs to 'play themselves in'. Much better at the end than at the beginning which - for me anyway, watching OR playing, is always a result. I'm glad they made the effort to get involved and hope they enjoyed the experience.
THE THIRST, a local band who had just played up the road as part of an outdoor carnival/festival took to the stage next. As the engineer hunted for a mic for the drummer I tried to guess what they were going to sound like from the snippets the others were playing as they waited: a bit of South African style clean guitar riffery, a bluesy jam, a solid reggaeish bass line ..... what will it be? Sound sorted up they stood and I must say, from the moment they started to the very very very last note, they were fuckin' awesome. They are certainly not the first, and nor I expect will they be the last unsigned band that I have seen that really hits home the plain and simple fact that our industry is well and truly fucked. The music was ... well ... rocky, funky, ballsy, catchy, singalong -y, dancey and oh .... so so commercial. If this band haven't got what ANY major record label is looking for - well ..... I'm actually lost for words. Yes, there are other great unsigned bands out there, but few with so clearly a 'product' that could be raking in the cash for some sponging major label without the band having to even consider for one second compromising their artistic output.The singer/guitarist just oozed confidence, as did they all; not just in themselves but in what they were actually doing ... and there is a difference there. I, along with just about everyone else in the room, remained transfixed throughout their entire set. They played the crowd with a deft hand and produced the goods time and time again. GO SEE THIS BAND ..... 'nuff said.
I felt a bit sorry for DIXIE; The Thirst cast a long shadow and I certainly wouldn't want to follow them on stage. To be honest what they played was not for me ... but I can appreciate they were bloody good at it. The singer had a great voice for the style, which put me in mind of the Stones, Rod Stewart ... in fact any and all of the mid 70s rock giants. AND they surely had the songs to back up the style as well. For me they would be a fantastic pastiche / covers / tribute band to that era who provide new songs to go with the classics they have undoubtably studied. Good stuff if you like it - and a definite future in cabaret / corporarate entertainment if the material doesn't take the current punk/metal/rock-loving gig-going audience's fancy.
Up next, KRAKATOA. With their sharp, bright punky/modish sound, the biting vocals ripped through the aggressive wall of guitar to deliver a set packed full of great songs. Humourous, down to earth lyrics were delivered in great style by their very watchable frontman - who's attention seemed to wander all over the place when he wasn't actually singing. Massively catchy, dare I say anthemic choruses were slammed home again and again by the bassist, drummer and two guitarists, and given that extra push by the vocals, which transform this band into something else. Yes, they did put me in mind of early Oasis - but not so much because of their sound, although they do share common roots, but because of the attitude with which this band perform. They are not slavish copyists - they do what they do because they want to, because this is what it sounds like, and if you don't like it ....... (fill in your own expression here). I think their current recordings on MySpace don't do them justice as a live act and I'm eagerly waiting their new set of songs which they are due to record as soon as .......
NINEPAGES waited all day to play and were good enough to cut their set short due to the event running a little later than planned. They played a highly convincing set of metal/rock - tight as you like and sounding well mixed and well thought out throughout. The singer worked hard -changing between screaming and singing very smoothly, almost elegantly - and I actually found the vocals to be quite melodic given the style. He also never kept still, nor stayed in the same place for more than a minute. Good rhythmic work between the guitarists and rhythm section kept the music flowing. Theirs is a dark pulsating sound and I imagine it would come across a lot better if both the PA and the crowd were bigger, and more into the sort of vision they are offering.
UNDER THE THUMB finally took to the stage at 9:45 after having been at the venue, together with their sizeable army of fans, since about 1pm. I last saw Trevor perform with his previous rock-based outfit back in November last year, and I must say that the most immediate thought was that he had now found a band with which he himself was more comfortable and relaxed being with. It was a long, long day for all of them and I think that was reflected slightly in their performance, which was not quite as sparky as I imagine it could have been. That said though the band were tight enough, and the use of three singers really made the sound soar in those important places. Martin and Trevor worked together pretty well as dual frontmen, and I think that their onstage chemistry will only get better as they play together more and more. I much, much, much preferred their own material to the covers they played (being a relatively new unit it takes time to get a full set of originals together) and its in their own songs that their strength as a band will lay. 'That Guy' shows very clearly their melodic intent - AND the underlying funky nature of their sound, as does 'Fade Away', which worked particularly well live and really brought into focus not only the dual-frontman approach, but also the 3 part harmonies in the choruses. My current favourite, 'Better Off', came across as very muscular - particularly during the harder sections. Jason and Theo provide a very solid musical backing, both rhythmically and melodically, and Sam on drums does a mean vocal harmony without dropping a beat. Stylistically they came across more 'rock' live than on the demo, which I liked, and put me a little in mind of Black Grape, which is no bad thing in my book. I like the slightly chaotic nature of finding each of the vocalists at some time or another amongst the crowd - leading the fray - as the other struts their stuff alone on the stage. I think they have great potential, and the musical abilty to take the sound of each song anyway they want it to go - from gentle ballad to funk-rock monster. As they play together more they will understand the best and worst parts of what they are capable of, and use this to get the most from what they, as a group, have to offer. Its hard enough for any band to coordinate (in terms of both movement AND musical output) what each of them is doing with just one free-standing vocalist - let alone two, but I do think they will master it and mature very well over the coming months as they solidify their many strengths and eliminate their few weaknesses.
All in all a very good day. There was a good at[mosh]sphere amongst everyone, and I think over 150 quid was raised. A BIG thanks to Beks for having the vision and energy to put this on - and the bands for giving of their time to take part - and also the people who turned out to support it. Cheers also to the engineers - I think it was Jon and
?? (sorry ...). They worked hard setting up all 7 bands and trying to do their best for them given that there was no soundcheck time available. Top work guys. And, of course, MASSIVE thanks must go to the UNDER THE THUMB travellers who remained in great spirits all day despite their marathon wait, and because they showed support for each and every band that played - even if they didn't stay for the entire set they did gather for the opening few numbers to give everyone a chance ..... and you can't really ask for any more than that can you. Dominic- UKbands.net / First.Subject