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.
Friday, 6 December 2013
Thursday, 4 October 2012
sharks - No Gods
Sharks - No Gods
Given this is my return to the blog it is perhaps only appropriate that I begin again with a review of what is probably the best band to come out of leamington Spa in recent years (ever?!?!)
The first thing that strikes you about the album is that from the outset it is more polished, crisper and produced in comparison to the various EPs etc before which is to be expected. Admittedly this may not be so much in the punk rock ethic but the fact is the band have moved on and grown.
First track Til the Wonder rise is a good calling to arms opener with a more "classic rock" style guitar solo and this moves in to the opening single Arcane Effigies with its now familiar "Rudy Rudy" Chorus. The song perhaps hints at the bands Leam/Cov roots where there is a ska influence in that refrain (although on the negative side I cant stop it reminding me of that bloody irritating kaiser Chiefs song with Ruby in it!!)
The CD then starts to warm up to the bands more 'pop' sound (I am using that in a positive sense). Able moving hearts has a summer/wistful sound to it and provides a good build up to "on a clear day.." which in my opinion is pop punk gold. To be honest the opening chugging guitars remind me of a status quo song BUT this song is great. I can imagine that some of the old shark true?!?! punk fans might not be so impressed but I don't think you can beat a song with a few woaah, woaahs and a good chorus. Maybe its not punk rock but there is no shame in writing a genuinely enjoyable song.
This up beat spirit continues with Matthews Baby which perhaps stays more loyal to the punk spirit. This is punk pop of the quality side of the kind the Menzingers play rather than Sum 41 joke punk pop. The guitar solo also shows that the guitarist was taking notes during their support slots with the Gaslight Anthem
This joyous spirit hits a pinnacle with another single Patient Spider. I love the opening trumpets and the lyrics/imagery is certainly something different! There is a great live and let live/peace message throughout the song. This really is the song which should have given the Sharks true cross over appeal.
The next two songs gives the listener a time to calm down and come back to earth. Again you can hear the influences of their previous touring partners Gaslight Anthem. They are both songs which have a hint of American rock influence and could be heard on the radio over there but sadly not likely in the UK.
The song 'What entails" is really the one which bridges perfectly the gap between the Sharks of "joys of living"era to the current one. Its the first to have that overly clash sound i.e. the hint of ska and pop sensibilities behind the punk sound that they achieved. Previous criticisms have been made that they show their clash influences too much and therefore this highlights how the rest of the album reflects how the band have developed.
"Luck" is the next single and is like the brother of patient spider -its got the woaahs and serious cross over potential. If there was any justice this is the song which will be picked up by Radio 1 as their token "rock' song and give the band the exposure they deserve.
The CD concludes with the title track "No gods" which is unusual and this is a really strong end to the album. Its built on a swaggering guitar riff and like the opener is another call to arms.
So overall I reckon this album marks a real progression for the band. Yeah sure they have lost some of that DIY punk sound from the earlier stuff but it is replaced by an increased confidence in their songwriting. Is there a sense of reaching out for more mainstream success - well yes but whats wrong with that. This is a album full of great songs which (if we'd had one), would have provided the perfect summer soundtrack.
Mr mojo risin
Ok first things first, an apology and an explanation
To say I have been a bit slack in updating this blog is an understatement to say the least. Although when I finally looked back and realised I hadn't posted since last November it was a bit of a shock to say the least!!
Anyhow there are lots of reasons and excuses including changing jobs and just being busy and lazy but no one wants to hear that.
Important thing is I am back and whilst there are a few reviews I want to catch up on it will be more a case of onwards and upwards rather than trying to catch up!
I have quite a few ideas to increase the scope and circulation of the blog so hopefully that will force me in to more frequent updates.
Anyhow sorry again but we're back!!
Monday, 28 November 2011
A bit of what you fancy?
kasbah at coventry is bringing yet another great band to the area with the quireboys appearing this friday
http://www.kasbahnightclub.com/the-quireboys
this is one of the few great rock n roll bands that the uk produced when the industry was dominated by U.S bands
So,if its been a while since youve donned a bandana then get down there
Not sure they can still guarantee a sexy party but sure there will be a great show!!
http://www.kasbahnightclub.com/the-quireboys
this is one of the few great rock n roll bands that the uk produced when the industry was dominated by U.S bands
So,if its been a while since youve donned a bandana then get down there
Not sure they can still guarantee a sexy party but sure there will be a great show!!
Sunday, 21 August 2011
Ash at the Kasbah, Coventry
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
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
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.
Sunday, 10 July 2011
Glastonbury Friday
OK before the band talk I suppose I must mention the mud. By the Friday it was pretty awful and it did make getting across the site a bit difficulty. To be honest though I think it is now part of what makes Glastonbury. Last year when the weather was very hot and dry the festival just didn't have the same atmosphere (despite it being the 40th anniversary). There's something about the mud which gives the whole festival more of a mad vibe and seems to make people even more keen to ensure they enjoy themselves.
OK on to some of the bands - I'll try to keep things brief and succinct so I cover all the ones I saw.
Festival proper began for me with Brother - must admit I didn't have great hopes for this lot but given they have been getting a fair amount of press thought I'd check them out. My opinion - they were "alright". They seem to have some good tunes and thankfully didn't come across as the totally arrogant band the press might suggest. The tunes themselves were of the pretty standard indie fair. One of those bands where the song starts, sounds pretty good and then just fades out until they start the new one (which doesn't sound much different to the last)
By contrast Mona were excellent. Another band which got a lot of press earlier in the year and were on many lists of ones to watch in 2011. Sadly their album got a very luke warm reception and they now seem to have missed the boat. Now I must admit I really love the album its kinda like a mellower Gaslight Anthem with the focus more on U2 epic songs instead of punk. Live, however, they take things to a different level and play with more a a passion and a fury. The lead singer tends to dominate the show but he displays the right balance of cockiness that a front man needs. Overall a top band and live certainly live up to the hype.
The same cant be said about The Vaccines -another band riding on the crest of press wave. I also loved their singles and the album when it first came out but surprisingly it wasn't one I revisited much. I was looking forward to seeing them live but they were really disappointing. Whilst Mona took the album and made it comes alive, The Vaccines made it sound really downbeat. The vocalist has a lot to do with this where he has somewhat of a monotone voice but in truth the whole set was quite dull and very disappointing.
The Wombats -are probably the opposite to the Vaccines - slated by the press, treated like a comedy band and not taken at all seriously. But importantly I think they recognise their own limitations and the fact is they have some great sing a long songs which were made for festival crowds. Importantly they act like they are enjoying playing and the result of that is a fun set.
I bailed out of the wombats a bit early to catch The Jim Jones Review playing in a small tent. Now this is a true Rock n roll band. They play a classic punk rock N roll/rockabilly set. Its very hard not to get caught up in the sheer exuberance of the songs and the crowd in the relatively small tent certainly did. Jim Jones gives every song his all and its a wonder he manages to perform night after night. Top band
After this we went to see who the special guests were at the Park stage (having heard rumours it was Pulp). Sadly it was Radiohead instead. I am not a fan of this band and having spent some time battling to even see them on stage gave up (on basis that if they were in my back garden I would have to think twice about drawing back the curtains to see them). Instead we retreated to one of the gypsy caravan/ bus stop things to seek shelter from the rain. Radiohead playing songs no one seemed to know and rain makes for a depressing time -BUT this is Glastonbury - by some very strange coincidence we ended up sitting next to two people from Leamington (what a small and weird world) and ended up having fun chatting and watching various drunken people make fools of themselves.
The headlines were of course U2. Again not a band I am a fan of but that is mainly due to Bono being such a dick! But I thought given they have so many great songs and this was my one chance to see them (I wouldn't pay to see just them) I gave them a go. Given their back catalogue, reputation for being a great live band and the fact they were headlining Glastonbury after pulling out last year surely the set would be fantastic?!?! - sadly it was nothing like that, disappointingly they played a very lacklustre set which just didn't excite at all and made you wonder how they ever became anything more than an Irish pub band - oh well at least one of the "must see" bands to take off the list.
Never mind it had still been a good day and there was still rum to drink before stumbling back to bed to try and sleep in preparation for the next day.
OK on to some of the bands - I'll try to keep things brief and succinct so I cover all the ones I saw.
Festival proper began for me with Brother - must admit I didn't have great hopes for this lot but given they have been getting a fair amount of press thought I'd check them out. My opinion - they were "alright". They seem to have some good tunes and thankfully didn't come across as the totally arrogant band the press might suggest. The tunes themselves were of the pretty standard indie fair. One of those bands where the song starts, sounds pretty good and then just fades out until they start the new one (which doesn't sound much different to the last)
By contrast Mona were excellent. Another band which got a lot of press earlier in the year and were on many lists of ones to watch in 2011. Sadly their album got a very luke warm reception and they now seem to have missed the boat. Now I must admit I really love the album its kinda like a mellower Gaslight Anthem with the focus more on U2 epic songs instead of punk. Live, however, they take things to a different level and play with more a a passion and a fury. The lead singer tends to dominate the show but he displays the right balance of cockiness that a front man needs. Overall a top band and live certainly live up to the hype.
The same cant be said about The Vaccines -another band riding on the crest of press wave. I also loved their singles and the album when it first came out but surprisingly it wasn't one I revisited much. I was looking forward to seeing them live but they were really disappointing. Whilst Mona took the album and made it comes alive, The Vaccines made it sound really downbeat. The vocalist has a lot to do with this where he has somewhat of a monotone voice but in truth the whole set was quite dull and very disappointing.
The Wombats -are probably the opposite to the Vaccines - slated by the press, treated like a comedy band and not taken at all seriously. But importantly I think they recognise their own limitations and the fact is they have some great sing a long songs which were made for festival crowds. Importantly they act like they are enjoying playing and the result of that is a fun set.
I bailed out of the wombats a bit early to catch The Jim Jones Review playing in a small tent. Now this is a true Rock n roll band. They play a classic punk rock N roll/rockabilly set. Its very hard not to get caught up in the sheer exuberance of the songs and the crowd in the relatively small tent certainly did. Jim Jones gives every song his all and its a wonder he manages to perform night after night. Top band
After this we went to see who the special guests were at the Park stage (having heard rumours it was Pulp). Sadly it was Radiohead instead. I am not a fan of this band and having spent some time battling to even see them on stage gave up (on basis that if they were in my back garden I would have to think twice about drawing back the curtains to see them). Instead we retreated to one of the gypsy caravan/ bus stop things to seek shelter from the rain. Radiohead playing songs no one seemed to know and rain makes for a depressing time -BUT this is Glastonbury - by some very strange coincidence we ended up sitting next to two people from Leamington (what a small and weird world) and ended up having fun chatting and watching various drunken people make fools of themselves.
The headlines were of course U2. Again not a band I am a fan of but that is mainly due to Bono being such a dick! But I thought given they have so many great songs and this was my one chance to see them (I wouldn't pay to see just them) I gave them a go. Given their back catalogue, reputation for being a great live band and the fact they were headlining Glastonbury after pulling out last year surely the set would be fantastic?!?! - sadly it was nothing like that, disappointingly they played a very lacklustre set which just didn't excite at all and made you wonder how they ever became anything more than an Irish pub band - oh well at least one of the "must see" bands to take off the list.
Never mind it had still been a good day and there was still rum to drink before stumbling back to bed to try and sleep in preparation for the next day.
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