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“Our Girl” headlining at The Lexington as part of”The Line of Best Fit’s Celebration of New Music”-18/01/2019.

Back at the Lexington in January 2019 for first outing of the year. Headlined as “The Line of Best Fit ‘s Annual Celebration of New Music” it was the culmination of five nights of showcasing lesser known bands. I booked this randomly on the back of “Our Girl” headlining who were the key draw on the night. Knew they were female led indie band so didn’t expect it to be too taxing on the brain cells or auditory senses. However as often happens these days there were actually less punters there at the end than for the minor bands. Indeed I had to queue to get in although arriving just after 7.30.

So on to the music. First band “Black Country New Road” are to be honest the ones to watch. Already championed in the Windmill Pub scene in South London they are attracting attention. Here is a section of the recent review in Clash music blog available at https://www.clashmusic.com/news/listen-black-country-new-road-athens-france “Pierre Hall puts it best: “Every song twisted and turned in ways you didn’t expect, and lyrically, Isaac had this whole The Fall meets (William) Burroughs cut-ups thing going on, the lyrics seemed to tumble out of him – but they were clever and acerbic in equal measure. It was captivating to watch.”

The songs are self-contained stories and reflections on the current state of the world with universally recognised references to the fascination of social media and the world of Netflix.

They are young band, led by a charismatic front man, in the tradition of the anti-fashion music hero. Having never seen or heard anything of them before I did think that you had to be that young to get away with some of the intensity and pretentiousness on show but that rock and roll I guess. As per the quote above you can think “The Fall” or “Velvet Underground “or avant-garde Jazz, due to the Saxophonist and lesser extent violin.

But I do like the element of experimentation and sheer gutsy attempt to produce something a bit different. Also despite some of the meanderings the rhythm section keeps it on track with a more traditional rock feel. I would seek them out again and musically they can only grow further as they give the impression of being interested in honing their craft.

Second band were “Squid” who are a POP band who I’m sure on hearing a few times infectious guitar led memorable songs. They also are a little unusual as the drummer is the main vocalist. When I did a little research there songs sounded more synthesiser led but in the live setting the guitars were stronger. So in order to give you a feel for the sound the guitars were sometimes heading towards “Dire Straits “ or even at points “Status Quo as they enjoyed themselves and rocked out. But may be that’s just my interpretation of their sound and how my ears were processing it.

Next band and last before headliners were “Gently Tender”. Vocalist kept the attention of the room with songs mainly exploring the more joyous end of relationships. With the vocalists fairly high register they reminded me a of a more optimistic version of “The Magic Numbers” mixed with a bit of “Veronica Falls “ from a few years ago. A really competent set but not sure they had a real USP (Unique selling point) and in a very crowded market I don’t know how far they might go (maybe they don’t care?). Funnily enough just doing a bit of last minute research for my blog and it appears they are made up of ex members of “Palma Violets”. Didn’t see that at the time but now I’ve just listened to the voice there it is. Wow. And by the way they are extremely ambitious they are on record as saying.

As mentioned previously the place was really crowded up to this point but possibly due to the lateness of the hour the crowd had thinned a bit by 10.30. “Our Girl “once they got started played for about 40 minutes and in this intimate venue sounded like a band on the indie side of the spectrum. Lead singer and guitarist Soph Nathan (who is also in “The Big Moon”) uses the guitar to alliterate her vocals in the live setting to greater effect I would say than on record. They are heavier musically and that’s there edge I would say as on first hearing by the un-initiated you could say why the fuss.

But as an observer the audience were enthusiastically grooving along and there were a few comments after on the stairwell by some about the best band they had ever seen. They are gaining a lot of critical acclaim and are darlings of BBC Radio 6.Comparisons to certain aspects of the “Pixies” sound have been made such as the juxtaposition of loud and quiet passages. Also “Breeders” and “Nirvana” (gently) in the influences here possibly I would say .They sound tight as a band and the rhythm section provide a solid background to the grungy guitar sound that dominates the musicality of the band.

I have of course performed my normal trick here of “bigging up” some of the supports and being slightly less enthusiastic about the headliner. That’s just life I guess and probably a very bad personality trait of mine.

In reality as always you have to approach these events with an open mind and I suppose it does as always depends where you are on your musical journey. Again the test is probably not to try to compare too much but just enjoy it for what it is. And just maybe you’re listening to your next musical hero.

If you haven’t been to the Lexington as a venue it’s one of the better smaller venues for atmosphere, ability to see and beer prices.

Stick To Your Guns – The Dome-14/12/2018

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This is my last gig of 2018 (maybe) so Merry Xmas and a Happy New Year.

I had been looking forward to this evening. I saw “Stick to your Guns” (STYG) about two years ago supporting “Architects” at Brixton O2. They had strong stage presence and got a lively reception from the early evening audience on that occasion. I was hopeful of another energy packed evening.

It has to be said that we weren’t to be disappointed. The Dome is a good medium sized venue and with a new PA and stage this year really packs a punch. So it was well suited to the music on offer which was pretty hardcore. The audience were happy to match the bands energy levels and I can’t think of another gig I’ve been to, where the relatively young audience, gave all three bands 100% participation.

STYG were playing two nights and the second took place downstairs on the smaller stage. My eldest son went to the second night so I have included a couple of crowd pictures which I think were representative of the pandemonium on both nights. It certainly wasn’t a country for old men so I stayed to the side and was just was amazed no one was seriously hurt as people literally somersaulted into the assembled punters.

At the end of the gig as the crowd dispersed a very slippery floor emerged. Glad I didn’t have to sort that mess out.

Anyway back to the show. First band were “Employed to Serve” who set the tone swearing at the crowd to join in. Lead by a female vocalist, which is a bit unusual for this genre of music they played full throttle for 30 minutes. A UK band, the vocalist growls and screams with the best of them as they smashed through the songs. No change of texture here and even though I had done a bit of research I didn’t recognise any songs specifically. But I’m not sure that’s the point. It’s just a wave of aggression washing over you and taking you in. I bought a T shirt on the strength of the performance, possibly because few people will know who they are and I like to support what is clearly a young and up and coming band.

Next band were “Counterparts “who had a bigger following at the Dome. The crowd really got into full enjoyment mode with numerous crowd surfers clambering on stage to throw themselves back into hopefully the supportive arms of their fellow gig goers. Hailing from Ontario they are a mature sounding band both the musically and age wise (formed in 2007). Categorised as melodic hardcore in the live setting again it was full on thrash from start to finish. From a historical point of view the lead singer is the only original band member left, apropos nothing, although these heavier bands do seem to go through quite a few changes.

Set List (courtesy of Setlist.fm

After another quick changeover STYG were up and running and again didn’t disappoint. There was a bit of banter between songs. At one point vocalist Jesse Barnett started a bit of a political diatribe on the state of the world and politics. When he said that he was aware of what was going on in the UK a spontaneous chorus of “Oh Jeremy Corbyn” started up. It was quite funny. STYG are a band that have a strong political stance, which is the subject of most of their material. At one point Jesse said that we do this for the love because we don’t make much money. I’m sure that’s true and at this point in their career they are unlikely to make a big breakthrough having formed way back in 2003. They sing about uncomfortable truths with a political or social message.

Not sure how long they played but they left without encore after a very energetic set with almost 50% of songs from the last album “True View” which I recognised but the remainder were die-hard fan pleasers from back in the day.

Great night out and felt suitably cleansed after having my eardrums battered for over two hours in total.

Set list (courtesy of Setlist.fm)

You Me At Six-Take Off Your Colours Tour-Brixton Academy-30/11/2018

Had a good night out at Brixton Academy. Officially sold out the O2 was busy but not absolutely heaving. The crowd was pretty good natured and of a younger demographic, I think the main concert goer here was predominantly female and reliving their early teenage crush for the guys in “You Me At Six”.

Not a band I’ve ever listened to I was there on free ticket courtesy of one of my son’s girlfriends who was a fan of the lead singer, Josh, back in the day.

Support was delivered by” Xcert”, (on their fourth album) who hail from Scotland I believe, were competent and rocky enough to get the early crowd on their side and clapping along.

Second support were the mighty “Marmozets” who powered through a 30 minute set but I felt were let down a bit by the quality of the PA. Curse of Brixton I think that has seriously afflicted a few bands I have seen there before at this venue.

Headliners came on at 9.15, had a stepped, extravagantly backlit and clearly very expensive stage set , and just launched into song after song which by the audience reaction were all what they had come to see. First song “Fast Forward” is probably the most energetic track both lyrically and musically on the latest album. The band are a bit heavier in the live setting compared to their recording style, although the latest album “VI” sees them moving into more pop territory and experimenting with a new sound in general. Perhaps the pains of growing old or search for larger audiences. Always difficult to know if this will be a springboard to new fans or a turn off for the old fans fuelled by nostalgia.

Again although being predominantly millennial there were some obvious teenagers in the crowd so possibly they have manged to cross over generations.

As mentioned they did stop for a few words occasionally but for 90 minutes they ploughed on. Not having listened to the back catalogue before the gig it was difficult to say if there were any real stand out numbers but everything on offer was gratefully accepted by the audience and I just let it wash over me and get absorbed. They did remind me of a boy band that had been infused with a heavier vibe and I would say despite being English they are in the vein of “Fall out Boy” and associated acts but without the same overblown melodic hooks in their songs. Perhaps again a good thing for longevity as their songs are slightly more subtle.

They are obviously currently popular as they have added a third date at Brixton due to demand.

Set list courtesy of setlist.fm.

(Tour debut)

Encore

They played songs from all six albums but only one from the Anniversary album“Take off your Colours “which may have been different from other nights on the tour but I think it was well curated and the different styles of album merged seamlessly on the night. Good time had by all that attended I would say.

The Damned-Evil Spirits Tour-Shepherds Bush-23/11/2018

LONDON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 23: Captain Sensible of The Damned performs at the O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire on November 23, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Lorne Thomson/Redferns)

The Damned are one of my all time favourites having seen them three times in the period up to their first anniversary back in June 1977. I left them at that point and didn’t see them again until two/three years ago when having a sentimental twinge I revisited.

It’s clear they have a certain loyal following that has followed them throughout the period and it was evident at the O2 Shepherds Bush they have fans who were also picked up in the 80’s and 90’s.

They also played three or four tracks off the latest album “Evil Spirits” which has received critical acclaim and it could be argued takes them a world away from their original modus operandi, producing music that they had originally railed against. These songs were delivered with fresh enthusiasm.

The world moves full circle even if it has taken 42 years. This has been a yearly pilgrimage for me over the last few years and I wasn’t really in the right head space this time around so ended up only staying for the first half of the set. I guess due to boredom of playing the same old songs they have often re-arranged the classics which is understandable but you know what its like –people want to hear the classics.

In terms of quality and stage craft they feel like a big band and are arguably the only band of their time that can get such a crowd to turn out year after year. It does help that they seem to have pictures in various attics with the Captain now trundling towards 65.

I’m sure if you had asked them where they would be at the first anniversary gig at the Marquee they wouldn’t have thought touring all this time later I don’t suppose.

Set list –Courtesy of setlist.fm

(Love cover)

I ended up missing a couple of my favourites ie “New Rose” (in my top 10 songs of all time) and the great cover of “Alone again Or”

But there’s always next year as I don’t see them winding down anytime soon.

Support on the night was provided by real old school punks Johnny Moped. Johnny ably backed by a solid workmanlike crew hasn’t been distracted by fashion or a desire to develop too far from the original 2. Minute 30 second format of many original punk singles.

They received a warm welcome for the crowd with classics such as “No One” and the classic “Incendiary device””, which in the current climate probably seems more outrageous than back in the day when it was a bit of a comic interlude.

10 songs, 30 minutes and gone.

Overall it was a real old school night out and there is certainly a demographic that will still get out and support the old timers. Always amazing to think that it’s now 40 years plus such a shock to the music business occurred.

Killing Joke- 40th Anniversary at Roundhouse-17/11/2018.

Back at the Roundhouse for the 40^th anniversary of “Killing Joke’s” birth. Never seen them before so interested to observe them after a long and checked history

Support was provided by one of my faves of the last couple of years “Phobophobes”. I think they were drafted in last minute just for this last London show. They looked slightly nervous in the large space and were met by an indifferent if not slightly hostile crowd who were clearly there for only one thing.

They rattled through a number of the favourites from the album and did actually get the crowd a little warmed up by the end of their set. At times they had four guitarists playing and the sound has clearly become more layered and nuanced over time.

The reliance on the swirling keyboards of Chris OC has been replaced by a more guitar heavy sound, although difficult to know if that was intentional or due to the sound mix on the evening.

The drummer worked particularly hard to give them as big a sound as possible in the voluminous Roundhouse. Honour was acquitted I think but it was probably not their favourite set ever.

Second support was” Turbowolf”, who live reminded me a bit of “Royal Blood”, possibly due to the fact that they seemed to have lost their bass player somewhere (the band did comment on this but did not provide an answer) With two vocalists sharing duties during the set they are a traditional rock act with nods to more flamboyant showmen like Freddie Mercury or visually the frontman reminds me of Eugene Hutz from “Gogol Bordello”, but slightly more sartorial. They tried to rally the audience and again got some reaction but it wasn’t going to be seen as a triumph.

The audience does deserve some comment. It was a Fat white old bloke dominated audience fixed firmly in the eighties. In fact the audience had not weathered as well as “Killing Joke” themselves. It was significantly follicly challenged and numerous people seemed to be dependent on walking sticks and not just as a fashion statement.

9.15 and the headliners hit the stage. Jaz Coleman has changed his persona over the years and in black boiler suit emblazoned with a large white symbol on the back, was channelling Alice Cooper with black eye make up and shoulder length black hair.

I’m assuming they have mellowed over the years but they lay down the backing tracks with metronomic precision but still with a level of freshness, considering the older songs are 40 years old. Jaz introduced the rest of the band, the original line up of Geordie, Youth and Paul Ferguson thanking them for their support on the tour. He introduced a number of the songs with apocalyptic anecdotes about the power of the deep state and the ineffectual nature of western democracy.

All of this stage craft has clearly been honed over many years but they do retain an edge. They remind me for some reason of a previous incarnation of “The Prodigy”. They are in many ways musically flirting with various forms of dance music to my ears. Even songs such as “80’s” have riffs which played at speed are eminently danceable. As I haven’t followed them since I bought the first album back in the early 1980’s perhaps my views are incorrect or just a statement of the obvious for the more discerning.

The sound they produce is clearly of its time and if you look at reviews of subsequent albums critics can generally find only a couple of decent songs amongst the musical meanderings. One review found the second side of their eponymous first album wanting in this respect to their taste.

On the night they have enough material to deliver a high energy quality performance. After the first song I was questioning why I was there but the next 70 minutes went quickly as I got into the zone. Having been a long week I did leave before the end and the inevitable rendition of “Wardance” which is probably the most famous and evocative of their songs. Pricey ticket so unlikely to see them again but they controlled the room and worth seeing if you can.

Set List (courtesy of Setlist.fm)

Encore:

Propagandhi at Electric Brixton-14/11/2018

Four bands for £20 isn’t really a bad evening’s entertainment. We missed the first support~ Petrol Girls~. Second time I’ve missed them as last time they didn’t show at loud women Fest back in September.

The first support were therefore RVIVR who set the tone for the evening. Post punk skater band from Washington they gave 30 minutes of full on exuberance. I hadn’t done any research but it looks like they have released two albums since 2010. Bouncy bass lines live they had plenty of energy, a bit of banter with the audience and laying down a solid start to the evening. Fronted by a cross dressing front man, or possibly transgender, they wore their affiliations on their collective sleeves and tight dresses

Second support were “Dead to Me” who are US West Coast but in the same musical genre, or at least that’s the way it seemed live. The songs were a little more mature possibly and varied than RVIVR but we got another thirty minutes of likeable material (again I had approached this completely cold). Punk rock as interpreted by many US bands with some leanings towards a heavy sound. But overall melodic rock songs.

Headliners “Propogandhi” were clearly anticipated as the audience became immediately more anticipated. For a band with its roots in the mid 80’s they are looking reasonably youthful, I think with some changes to the original line up over the years. An appreciative audience reliving past glory carried them through an hour of well delivered post punk/power pop numbers in a good sized venue where you feel engaged with the performers.

Good night out with a mixture of new and old bands.

Marmozets at the O2 Forum-19/10/2018.

Friday night and its” Marmozets” time. A band with one raw breakthrough album delivered some years back (2014) and a second which ardent fans find a bit soft in comparison, although the song writing is clearly more mature. In the live setting all songs are delivered with the same level of passion and singer Becca has a great rangy voice which didn’t falter throughout despite the songs careering through a range of emotions.

Set List:

(New song)

(Live debut)

Support was provided by Jamie Lenman who backed by a drummer played riff heavy tunes and got a reasonable amount of audience feedback for his efforts. Big crowd from the off at this gig and although busy was probably not sold out (?). I’ve definitely seen it busier although the beer seemed to be running out which meant the bar area not as full as normal.

At about 50 minutes into the headliners I did move from the crash barriers at the front to the back of the auditorium as I had a bit of attention span failure. Good solid performance and I would contemplate seeing them again, depending on venue.

Warmduscher and friends at The Dome-18/10/2018.

Went for a night out at one of my favourite smallish venues, The Dome, in Tufnell Park. Unresearched I was exposed to four acts. First on stage was” Jack Medleys Secure Men” which consisted of a singer and manic guitarist, plus sound effect pedals, creating a swirling back drop to half sung /half spoken lyrics. Nothing hugely ground-breaking but entertaining and suitably DIY to attract interest in the early evening crowd.

Up next were the “Fish Police” who seemed to be enjoying themselves and played with multiple influences of rock, African world music ,disco (in the style of Chic) wound together. A bit of on stage banter and dancing gave the impression they had come to spread the love. Songs about food, I remember especially one about chicken. They have been around a while and I guess don’t really fit any particular genre so they may have a difficult musical journey.

Third support before the headliners was a made up combo consisting of three keyboard/laptop players fronted by “Fat White family” lead singer Lias called “Decius”.

Didn’t know what to expect and certainly didn’t expect what happened .This act consisted of a 30 minute house/trance track that meandered and evolved whilst Lias delivered some barely discernible vocals at times including whoops and screams. Now this was one of those have to be there moments and a marmite moment. Half the crowd thought it was brilliant and the other half looked on in something like disbelief. I was in the former camp being totally open to something like this on that particular evening.

I really enjoyed another odd ball offering from the Bad Vibrations stable of artists.

“Warmduscher” came on around 10.00pm. Making full use of the Dome’s new PA it was ear splittingly loud. I had to move back and it was even loud right at the back by the mixing desk. They played from both albums with what are now classic tracks like “Salamander” and “No friends” and slowing it down for “1000 whispers”. All good stuff in an altered universe where the band apparently met at some point in Whale City in the mid 1970’s.

Wolf Alice at the Q Awards-The Roundhouse-17/10/2018.

Wolf alice

Saw “Wolf Alice” a couple of years back on their early ascendency into the world of pop/rock. Thought they were good then and it’s clear they have grown into a strong band, despite their youth.

This time they headlined at the Q awards at the Roundhouse and they played from both studio albums in equal measure with songs like “Germ” from the first album and “Beautifully Unconventional” from the second.

Their sound is bigger and inevitably a little more polished as they continue to get into that middle ranking space of bands that have “made it”. They categorise themselves as neither pop or rock but in a middle area and I think that’s accurate. I like some of the rockier numbers and equally the more ethereal breathy stuff demonstrates the range they have, particularly in Ellie Rowsell’s voice. That is clearly the USP they have supported by some catchy tunes.

I had seen enough after about 50 minutes to an hour and do think that really there are few bands that really need to do 90 minute set. I suppose they think they are giving value for money.

By contrast the support on the night were” Idles”. I’ve loved both of their albums but this was first time in the flesh. They are visceral, sweaty and angry. One of the guitarists insists in playing in just his underpants (not sure about the motivation).Their sound, like so many support acts, was not as clean as the headliners but it was a huge rush of energy and emotion. I rarely sing along but on this occasion I was shouting my head off to the anthemic post punk soundtrack. They are one of a number of bands who are trying to catch the current moment with songs about immigration, depression, abuse and xenophobia…Songs like “Mother” and “Samaritans “were perfect and received a strong crowd response.

They were joint breakthrough winners on the night with “Goat girl”. Next venues are going to be bigger for them and they inhabit the same sort of musical space as “Shame” or” The Spitfires”. Songs for the working masses if only they could take their eyes off their 50 inch screens for more than a second.

Loud Women Fest-The Dome Tufnell Park-15/09/2018.

. running order

Above some of the pictures I managed to scrape together plus a couple of other images I liked.

First musical event for a few weeks as August was a little fallow for me. But got plenty of good stuff lined up into October and November. As usual a mixture of old and new.

Only recently have I been exposed to the Loud Women experience and it just demonstrates how much new music there is out there which doesn’t hit the mainstream. I booked tickets for Loud Women Fest for two reasons. Firstly the format looked like Wonkfest part 2 to me and secondly it was exposure to new artist’s en masse, which was my original objective of this blog.

The event was really well organised but unfortunately not the best attended. Not sure if that’s just a marketing issue but hopefully it won’t dampen their ardour going forward. It would also have been nice to have had more catering options as the crowd were captive for 10 hours. I went for the vegan option which was nice but didn’t keep me satisfied for the whole gig.

I managed to get to the Venue about 3pm as knowing myself I wasn’t going to last from the start so unfortunately had to miss the first few acts. So here is an overview of the acts witnessed and apologies to those I missed or have completely misrepresented in my review and opinions expressed here in.Once the Red Stripe started to kick in everything appears a bit warm and fuzzy.

Also to put it in context I’ve seen a couple of the acts before but other than that approached the day without any research.

A very eclectic mix it turned out to be ably curated by the organisers. Also there were a couple of significant no shows- Petrol Girls and Menstrual Cramps (due to illness).

First band on the Dome main stage I had the pleasure of were “Jemma Freeman and the Cosmic Something”. For an early act on the bill I enjoyed them. Vocally Jemma sounds a little like Siouxie when singing (as opposed to Siouxie screechy vocals) and also touches of Enya I thought. Strong musical backing from a rhythm section dominated by some sophisticated drum patterns. Guitar was again a little reminiscent of earlier times swirling and layering to give a rich and deep sound overall. I’ve listened to a couple of tracks on YouTube and I wouldn’t radically alter this view taken form the live performance. Saw the band later near the bar and Jemma was sporting a moustache and goatee beard. Assume that was in support of the day?

For anyone that hasn’t been to similar Dome events they switch between the Dome stage and Boston music rooms so there are no gaps in performance and you literally get no time to talk between sets.

Playing next in the Boston Music room (the smaller stage) were “Crumbs”. No nonsense bouncy indie four piece from Leeds. Sound wise there is a little bit of Vampire Weekend guitar, as well as nods to “Bleached” and” Julie Ruin”. In the moment they were really good and I was in love with the infectious 2 minute songs that they enthusiastically delivered.Nice.

Next up were “Sister Ghost” an altogether heavier affair. For me the sight of two guitarists these days tends to suggest this will be the direction of travel. On my initial listening some tracks had elements of “Blur” when they were having a heavy day i.e. Song 2. Also a strong female vocalist who manged to cut through the backing track and I sensed a hint of psychedelia in songs like “Growing Pains”. Nice track on YouTube called “Her Mind”. Not sure if they played it but certainly a band worth checking out.

Sam Amant was the artist to follow and a change of pace and out of my comfort zone to some extent as she sung over a serious of backing tracks. Billed as a DJ originally from France. Dance rhythms with an electro feel she also reminded me a little of “Christine and the Queens”. Partly due to delivery and obviously because she’s French (ha ha). Sounded like a bit of “Kraftwerk’esque keyboards in there somewhere. Sam got a good reception from the audience throughout the set.

I missed the next act due to food break so apologies to the singer involved (caught last five minutes). Maybe see you next time and give more attention.

On next was “Zand”, who performs initially in a bandage style mask with words like Whore and Bitch scribbled on it. Once the mask was removed she had a striking resemblance to Sinead ‘O’Connor in her shaved head period. Musically hip hop with techno backing tracks

“She Makes War” continued the theme of single white female, at least for this evening, singing whilst accompanying herself on guitar ( I think she normally has a band from my subsequent research on faithful You Tube). This may have been a last minute substitution due to further running order changes (just saying). Melodic songs with verses and choruses that are distinguishable from each other on first listening. Political songs delivered with great hooks such as “I want my country back”-see YouTube. Another worth searching out further I would say.

“Grace Strange” was another single white female completing this mid-section of the day, who specialised in beat box musings over hip hop backing tracks. She was at the top of that particular game and again the audience gave a warm response.

“Guttfull” then launched into a full on aural assault on the main stage. Got a 70’s Glam feel to the music, significantly enhanced by the saxophone providing alliteration on most songs. Full on vocalist made sure the feminist credential of the band were communicated. But I guess with songs such as “Tits and Nails” even if you can’t pick out the lyrics you can make out the intent. They played with great energy and 100% commitment. Crowd was keeping up and reciprocating the energy levels and starting to get a bit sweaty now after several hours. They definitely got a good crowd reaction despite the venue being maybe 50% full.

“The Baby Seals” were back to typical indie rock territory (that’s what my notes written on the night say), Catchy songs with lyrics about vibrators, periods and cumming on your face. What’s not to love? Probably means you won’t hear them on Radio One any time soon however. They are probably a nominee for all those who like to keep good bands as you own guilty pleasure and don’t want them to get too popular.

I’ve been waiting to see the “Franklys” for a while since someone recommended them to me last year. Not quite what I was expecting. Plenty of musical firepower this all girl band can rock with the best of them. I’m currently homing in on the rhythm sections in terms of my listening and these guys are tight. Bass is reminiscent of early” Talking heads” with short precise notes which gave a great pulse to the songs.

The “Twistettes” are a two piece from Glasgow who have a political edge to their songs. Scuzzy and distorted bass fills the sound, with slightly breathy vocals. Good to listen to and drift away on their sonic attack.

I’ve seen “Dream Nails “before supporting “Bleached” at the Victoria Pub in Dalston. Liked them and bought a T shirt at the time to give them a bit of support. They really commanded the mainstage this time round, looked really at home and delivered with bouncy and youthful enthusiasm encouraging the audience to keep the party going. One song called “One Hate” about sexual abuse stuck out in the set as well as the feminist treatise “DIY”. A girl band willing to make a statement, the self-styled Punk witches write catchy songs with a strong message.

“You Want Fox” consists of a two piece drum and bass combo and sound a little like “Dum Dum Girls”( where are they now?) at times in terms of light harmonies. Similar vibe to the “Twistettes” except in the drumming department where you get the impression the drummer would just keep on going like a Duracell battery. It was almost a little competition musically going on between both band members based on some kind of insider joke that fuels their relationship. Made for a good performance. Both “Twistettes” and “Youwantfox” are in the same musical territory as “Deep Valley”.

The second band of the day that I have seen before was “Pussy Liquer”from Brighton, who ultimately were the last band on the main stage. They are disruptive, slightly loose and in the true traditions of edgier popular music appear to be mad, bad and dangerous to know (I would assume). Songs like “pretty Good for a Girl” are typical. Not sure why the singer decided to take her trousers off mid set but it was possibly particularly hot on stage at this point in the evening.

Another apology but I missed Ms Mohammed who was the last act as my feet had given up by this point and so time to head home. On this point this is the first gig I’ve ever been to where I saw someone with a pop up camping seat (which they actually only used to rest their bag) which was surreal in the middle of a fairly animated crowd.

In conclusion there was some really interesting acts on show and it just demonstrates the amount of great music there is around of all genres. You have to keep an open mind if possible and just let the music and the sentiment wash over you. For me to going with preconceptions of what I expect to hear will denigrate the experience and as mentioned earlier I made a conscious decision not to research in advance. The audience were also great and some were able to keep the energy levels high for all the bands (so it was a real marathon).

I would certainly be happy to see any of these acts again. Let’s see what happens to this event next year.