When I first heard that Ash were playing at the Kasbah my first thought was - I really used to like them and they had some great songs but I haven't listened to them in years. I think like lots of people after free all angels and the loss of Charlotte Hatherley i just seemed to lose touch with what they were doing. In fact all I could remember is that they had some big idea that albums as a physical format was dying and they were only going to release CD singles - then somewhat ironically they then ended up issuing all the singles as one CD (isn't that an album?!?)
It was therefore with a sense of intrigue that I attended the gig at the Kasbah where I really had no idea what to expect.
It has to be said they really are an excellent band and have done some really great songs (suppose they were very much "a singles band" all along). The most noticeable thing for me is how the whole group really do focus on guitarist and singer Tim Wheeler who is a fantastic guitarist and front man. I am always wary when you see a stage set up with only one microphone as for me choruses and harmonies really make a gig. Somehow, however, Tim manages to make one hell of a sound and all those great Ash choruses sounded as good live as they do on CD. It was also good to see Tim to continue to use the classic Flying V guitar.
The crowd also seemed up for the gig and especially the hits -always good to see a mid week mosh pit like there was for Kung Fu (although wish people could resist the fake kung fu fighting!). The only slow bit of the gig was a somewhat misplaced instrumental song which I guess the hardcore fans might have appreciated but the pop punk atmosphere was soon re established with Shining Light
In the end it was an excellent gig and I really shouldn't have doubted that would be the case, given the bands years of playing live and the brilliant collection of songs they have in their catalogue. I know they are touring again later in the year so if you get the chance make sure you go and see them
This is a blog aimed at trying to develop a site for people who want Leamington to have a heart of art, music and culture. Perhaps a little off beat and certainly away from the sterile Corporate world that surrounds us It is a place which will be reliant on you letting us know the cool places to be and the inspired people in the town.
Sunday 21 August 2011
Cool places - Coventry Kasbah
OK I know some people in Leamington regard going to Coventry as the equivalent of visiting the dark side. However it is a shame to totally discount what is the biggest local town and therefore can have a lot to offer.
This is certainly true of the Kasbah which has been around for years (previously known as the Colosseum).
If you haven't visited this venue for some time then you really are missing out - this is in terms of both as a venue and some of the bands they have had on (Ash, Mona, Hard fi, and indeed now big bands such as Arctic Monkey, la Roux and Baby Shambles).
The venue is really well set out with a couple of music rooms which can be used depending on the band/audience size. I am sure we have all stood in a venue which is only partly fall and then see the atmosphere suffer no matter how good the artist is.
There is also a fantastic outdoor, but undercover, bar which always has a very lively atmosphere and I am sure would be perfect on a summer evening (do we ever have those!)
I've yet to check out one of their club nights but once again the layout plays to its advantage where they can host different music types in each part of the club so should be something for everyone.
Full details are on the website (http://www.kasbahnightclub.com) where you will see there are already a wide range of acts booked - Cage The Elephant, Miles Davis, Jon Fratelli, Ms Dynamite, Toploader, Alkaline Trio and indeed Shaun William Ryder (not sure where the William has suddenly come from!)
Anyhow make sure you pay the club a visit because one thing that is clear is that the management are really trying to support music in the local area and this includes local bands, new bands and some well established bands so they really deserve our support.
This is certainly true of the Kasbah which has been around for years (previously known as the Colosseum).
If you haven't visited this venue for some time then you really are missing out - this is in terms of both as a venue and some of the bands they have had on (Ash, Mona, Hard fi, and indeed now big bands such as Arctic Monkey, la Roux and Baby Shambles).
The venue is really well set out with a couple of music rooms which can be used depending on the band/audience size. I am sure we have all stood in a venue which is only partly fall and then see the atmosphere suffer no matter how good the artist is.
There is also a fantastic outdoor, but undercover, bar which always has a very lively atmosphere and I am sure would be perfect on a summer evening (do we ever have those!)
I've yet to check out one of their club nights but once again the layout plays to its advantage where they can host different music types in each part of the club so should be something for everyone.
Full details are on the website (http://www.kasbahnightclub.com) where you will see there are already a wide range of acts booked - Cage The Elephant, Miles Davis, Jon Fratelli, Ms Dynamite, Toploader, Alkaline Trio and indeed Shaun William Ryder (not sure where the William has suddenly come from!)
Anyhow make sure you pay the club a visit because one thing that is clear is that the management are really trying to support music in the local area and this includes local bands, new bands and some well established bands so they really deserve our support.
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