Venue:

The Fleece

Date: 08/05/2016

Sunday night is always a bit problematic for going out and it had been a long hot day however this was one Mrs Anton wanted to see and she normally only goes out for the Monochrome Set and Wire* so off we go. Driving so no booze hence I am up early today 🙂

This was the last night of UK touring for all 3 bands and it felt like the Fleece was a good send-off.

Openers Leggy were the youngest/newest and played 30 minutes of enthusiastic garage-pop.

Next up Wussy who we had come to see. Although they have been going for years they were unknown to me until a couple of months ago when reviews of latest album “Forever Sounds” got me intrigued and quickly hooked. Damn they have some great songs – very country feedback. Although Cleaver and Lisa are the main singers/song-writers tonight the bass player was the most vocal and mobile – although the stage at the Fleece is not huge he seemed to be enjoying having some space. They finished with ” an 80’s favourite by Huey Lewis & the News” which was actually Joy Division/New Order’s Ceremony. » Continue Reading.

Venue:

Louisiana, Bristol

Date: 28/04/2016

A stormy night after a grim few weeks/months and in need of some serious cheering up. Thank goodness for Meilyr Jones the man/band to do it. I’d never heard of him until stumbling across “2013” but its one of my most played albums of 2016 and this show was a great showcase for it. Starting with a stomping version of “How to Recognise a Work of Art” (great video too) – MJ and band grinning like they know what a brilliant song it is – gloriously brassy (maybe a touch of the Motors?)

“Aber Abba” someone shouted – several times in case we missed it first time. It’s not just the songs about Rome and the harpsichord keyboards that make you think Divine Comedy type chamber pop – some of the music is ethereal and atmospheric, and then you get a belter like “Strange Emotional” which nods to “Smoke on the Water”.

MJ has an engaging stage presence (invades the audience at one point)and was manning the merch table and chatting afterwards.

Support Edward Penfold looks interesting.

The Louisiana has had a refit since I last visited – new stage backdrop and ceiling. It’s » Continue Reading.

Venue:

Thekla, Bristol

Date: 20/04/2016

New name to me but looked interesting and worth a punt on a quiet Wednesday. Did some discogs research and got drawn in to a world- as you/I do. He’s been around a while (as I’m sure you knew) and sounds it. Looks a bit like a younger Elvis Costello (alright he’s got short hair, glasses & guitar) and sounds like a gnarled Western old-timer, but his songs are strangely sweet and golden at the same time. A life of pain and woe and nasty accidents and heartfelt songs to match. Gothic country anyone?

The audience:

Usual Thekla – hipsters and hip replacements. No Jeff tonight.

It made me think..

God I need cheering up – today especially – so Meilyr Jones next week. Make me smile.

Venue:

Thekla, Bristol

Date: 13/04/2016

Never quite “got” the idea of tribute bands although there seem to be almost as many playing these days as actual “originals”….Whatever, the idea of a Morrissey tribute band from Mexico seemed too good to resist. They put on a great show – a big band for a small stage and they turned the boat into a party for an hour or so – dancing, singalong, clapping and all. A bit of a challenge to see who is first to “name that tune” in translation. The music speaks for itself.

The audience:

Hot and sweaty, enthusiastic. Big Jeff obviously. Grins all round.

It made me think..

Say what you like about Morrissey(most people do) he’s produced some great songs.

Venue:

TheLouisiana, Bristol

Date: 06/06/2015

I quite liked the Beth Jeans Houghton & the Hooves of Destiny album of a few years ago “Yours Truly, Cellophane Noise” which was as quirky as its name suggests. It seems BJH was less keen and she now appears before of us reinvented as Du Blonde (pun on double? double entendre?). The album “Welcome Back to Milk” has some slightly perturbing packaging(see my signed copy) so I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. Shouldn’t have worried. The show was great. The Louisiana is a small, friendly venue (upstairs in a good looking pub) – don’t think it fits more than a 120 so quite intimate. Support Lionface put on a good show and look worth watching out for. DB was really good – less confrontational than the build up suggested. Perhaps it was the presence of family in the audience – or maybe the press have overdone the angry bit. DB may actually be a bit more musically conventional than BJ&HoD – a bit rockier (more drums and guitar) maybe angrier lyrics- still strong melodies and a good voice. Short set – less than an hour including encore (Auntie Lesley joined her on » Continue Reading.

Venue:

Exchange

Date: 02/06/2015

Two lovely examples of classic, modern electronic pop. Hannah Peel switches between synths and a wind- up music box with a Wild Beasts song on a cardboard roll. The effect is hypnotic. (Check out Electricity & Tainted Love on You Tube). EIY is a one man show – synths, electric drums and proper bass. More good songs -electro-pop merging into intense, compelling frenzies…(read sweaty). Even a dodgy instrument stand (slowly tilting the wrong way) didn’t put him off his stride. Nice to be in a small venue where the talent has too walk through the audience to take the stage…and then lingers at the merch desk afterwards to chat too anyone who is interested.

The audience:

Respectful for Hannah Peel (with one exception), enthusiastic for EIY (the exception was told to shut up). Big Jeff was there of course.

It made me think..

I love this stuff…and being up close to it. You can always find reasons not to go out on a Tuesday night – glad I didn’t.

Venue:

Bath Pavillion

Date: 04/04/2015

This gig sold out quickly – not too many bands play here any more (see below). I was a offered a sizeable premium for my ticket. Glad I said no. The Vaccines stormed through their familiar hits and a few new songs like they were born in that spotlight. There is something almost cartoonish and eager to please about them at times but slightly more acoustic versions of the odd song suggest some depth. Rararara!! Ridiculously entertaining!

The audience:

Teens & twenty somethings mainly, sweaty & exuberant. Plenty of arms aloft and singing along. One crowdsurfer.

It made me think..

I was standing just about the same place as I was when I saw my first ever gig – Johnny Thunders (supported by Models & Killjoys) nearly 40 years ago….maybe it’s just a phase? (I think the music is better these days.)