Category: Live Reviews

Mean Fiddler
07.10.06

Despite having to go on a mere 15 minutes after doors opening, Gallows‘ performance still hits home like a machete to the senses. The way vocalist Frank Carter tears around the stage like a tattooed tornado of rage is unsettling enough, but his band’s twisted, discordant hardcore attack is the aural equivalent of a car crash from which you just can’t tear yourself away. Make no mistake, you’ll be hearing plenty more about this lot in the near future.

Fellow Home Counties hardcore types The Steal are not as much of a spectacle, but their break-neck speed anthems certainly deserve the small but intense moshpit down at the front. The fact that they’ve pinched more than a trick or two from the likes of Gorilla Biscuits is forgivable when they’re infused with this much vitality.

Lifetime never truly received the recognition they were due in their mid-nineties heyday, but guitarist Dan Yemin’s subsequent work with Kid Dynamite and Paint It Black has clearly spread awareness of his former band, to the extent that the New Jersey quintet’s recent reformation was hotly anticipated in hardcore circles.

Tonight, the atmosphere is dampened somewhat by a barely half-full venue and a pointless pit barrier, but the band don’t seem at all bothered as they rip through melodic hardcore gems like ‘Cut The Tension’ and ‘The Boy’s No Good’ with great gusto. You get the feeling that a sold-out show in a smaller club would’ve been a truly special occasion, but when band and crowd are feeding off each other’s energy as much as they do tonight, you might as well embrace the positives.

Alex Gosman
[Photos by Niki Kova’cs]

Brixton Academy
09.10.06

After a 2 year break in recording albums, A.F.I have made one hell of a comeback. Hitting London in May at the Electric Ballroom warming up after roughly 4 years, they follow their sold out performances with a bigger venue. The one and only Brixton Academy. They surely enough manage to sell out this venue quick enough, with touts not even having to try and push the high in demand tickets. I am lucky enough to arrive late, and get ushered through the same door as Davey. Seeing the band arrive in perfectly made up form it looks like butter wouldn’t melt in their straightedge mouths.

Gracing their immaculate, clean, white stage, the band is clad in matching white lycra pant suits showing off their new ‘buffer’ physique. Inspiration from the Darkness perhaps, or in step with their 70’s-esque track “Miss Murder“? Davey bounces around on stage strutting newly rehearsed moves to every piercing chord. Surely enough every word has a buttoned down move, which has been perfected and will be practiced over the next 2 months of touring. With a few months of rehearsing behind them, the band is sounding tighter than those lycra slacks, so its no wonder they receive a warm London welcome.

Playing tracks from their new love inspired album, Decemberunderground, vegan Davey Havoks’ voice has marvelled a miraculous recovery, after shattering his vocal chords many months ago. If you have heard any of the soaring songs of Sing the Sorrow it isn’t any wonder! As one of my personal favourite albums, I am only too pleased when they play “Silver and Cold“, “Dancing through Sunday“, “Bleed Black“, “Girl’s Not Grey” one of the top singles of 2003 and sing about it classic “The Celluloid Dream“.

Celebrating their 15th anniversary in June, classics like “Ever and a Day“, and the ringing out of “I want you, I want you, I want you…to stay” in their infamous track “Days of the Phoenix” from the album “The Art of Drowning” have people singing along. Definitely an older crowd than the Electric Ballroom in earlier May this year where Davey had to curl into a ball on stage to reach those high notes without straining his voice too much.

Playing one of his personal top 3s’ ”Love Like Winter“, and new to become bonafide classic “Endlessly, She Said” the new album Decemberunderground is well paced, and is a tangible example of a maturing band comfortable enough to experiment with their own sound without losing their identity. From tracks like double-edged “Kiss and Control” to hand clapping synthesised beat of “Love Like Winter” they are sure to steal fans from the likes of My Chemical Romance and the like.

After an encore they politely thank the crowd again before disappearing into the darkness.

Niki Kova’cs
[Photos by Jen Saul]

Kingston Peel
09.10.06

Tonight’s show may be Adequate Seven’s second-to-last before their imminent split, but a sombre evening was never on the cards with a bill this good. South London ska-punks Mouthwash are nothing short of outstanding tonight; playing a set almost entirely made up of new material that boasts a more soulful, expansive sound, whilst retaining the band’s trademark streetwise edge. Even old favourites ‘Fools Gold’ and ‘We Evolve’ sparkle with a new-found vitality that they lacked on record.

Against All Authority clearly have several fans in attendance, and tonight the Floridian waste no time in whipping the Peel into a maelstrom. Songs like ‘Sweet Televised Destruction’ and ‘Radio Waves’ are raw, raging ska-core at its finest, and it’s a wonder to watch vocalist/bassist Danny Lore’s fingers fly as he leads his band through yet another musical assault to the senses. It’s been their first visit to the UK in five years; here’s hoping we don’t have to wait that long for the next one.

Adequate Seven’s fans clearly aren’t prepared to say goodbye just yet; with the funked-up groove of ‘Head Up High’ soon giving way to the crowd’s chants of “Don’t split up!”. Indeed, it seems a shame for the Cardiff septet to split when they’ve arguably never sounded better or looked more confident onstage. Anyone not dancing tonight would be well advised to check their pulse, because songs like ‘Gotta Stay Focused’ and ‘Human Condition’ are arguably the finest meld of funk and hardcore since the heyday of Fishbone and Bad Brains. The sight of the sweat-drenched crowd baying for an encore says it all; this band are loved, and they will be missed.

Alex Gosman

Kentish Town Forum
06.10.06

With their first album for almost ten years just released on Vagrant, Evan Dando and Co are back in the UK again for a full tour and on this autumn evening the Forum is crowded as refreshingly mature crowd, wait for them to take to the stage. After a perfunctory opening slot, Dando comes loping out on the stage, a humble smile on his face as usual and jumps straight into ‘Down About It’.

Tracks come thick and fast, Dando’s never been big on banter and he picks and chooses from old classics and fresh offerings from their new self titled album. New single ‘Become The Enemy’ is heartfelt and emotion driven, with Dando’s alt-country voice as strong as ever. ‘Alison’s Starting To Happen’, the bittersweet’ Drug Buddy’, ‘It’s a Shame About Ray‘ ‘Confetti‘ and the stunning ‘No Backbone’ follow, although it’s clear the crowds haven’t quite got to grips with the new album, the great line ‘ If it ain’t fixed..don’t break it’ in Black Gown is left for the crowd to sing..and there’s an embarrassed silence, which Dando just grins at. Having cleaned up his act, Dando has hardly aged at all, and looks and sounds every bit as great as his did in his hey-day. ‘Into Your Arms’ is sublime, and ‘Ruddlerless‘ is roared back by the crowd. ‘Baby’s Home’ is a witty ballad, the lyrics telling of how a cuckolded boyfriend returns to find his girlfriend with another guy and he crushes his head with a rock. Nothing like a nice murder ballad sung with a smile!

As his guitarist and drummer sidle off to the side of the stage, Evan treats us with a solo section, reappearing already wearing his jacket to leave, but armed with his acoustic guitar, “I’m taking requests!” ‘Outdoor Type’ sways towards country, and Dando’s admiration of Gram Parson’s shines through in a cover of ‘I Just Can’t Take it Anymore‘ “Not many people know this one..not even me!” he grins, and he’s off. 20 minutes of acoustic versions of tracks new and old, ‘Frying Pan’, ‘All My Life’, the stunning ‘Different Drum’, ‘Style’, ‘Divan’, ‘Stove’ and finishing off the night with ‘Steve’s Boy’

Tonight Evan Dando is calm, bashful and humble in front of a packed out Forum. There’s no fanfare, no amazing light show, no backdrop – it’s a simple set which is all about the music, and you leave feeling inspired that he can come back after so long in the wilderness, and still be every bit as talented as ever. But as the saying going..if it ain’t broke…

Dee Massey
[Photos from www.evandando.co.uk]

Koko
05.10.06

Peanut Butter Wolf’s Stones Throw label has been going for 10 years and with Koko packed out, it was time to get down to celebrating the label that has brought us the likes of Percee P, Madlib, Oh No, J Rocc, M.E.D, Lootpack, Breakstra and the one and only J Dilla. It was J Rocc and the boss PBW that opened up with some crazy turntable fun, with the Beat Junkie J Rocc opening with a kazoo intro following it up with a can can theme before rockin’ his own Damien Marley dubplate and then dropping some Jaylib.

Peanut Butter Wolf was just as fun, and the two swapped positions a couple of times as the crowd got warmed up with Kick In The Door by Biggie and even The Specials made an appearance over the speakers. Percee P was the next act on and the big rapper was full of power as he brought the house down with Day At The Races. He bellowed out some tight acapellas and told the crowd that after being in the game for nearly 20 years, it was no wonder his album was called Perseverance. There’s a reason why many people consider Percee P to be a legend and tonight he proved he is worth that label.

It was Madlib that got the biggest cheer of all as he stepped out onto the stage, with his typically laid back flow sounding out over a variety of beats. When he asked where all his weed heads were at, it was no surprise to hear a roar from almost everyone go up but this response was topped when he asked if anyone wanted to hear some new Madvillain shit – before playing Monkey Suite from the Chrome Children album just released by the label. The bass was huge and the crowd left happy at having seen such an array of talent.

Celebrating the label was definitely a blast, but remembering the highly influential and incredibly talented J Dilla was highest on the list. It was a fitting way to remember him, RIP.

Abjekt

The ICA – London
6th October 2006

It’s one of those nights at the ICA where all of the crowd have beards, yeah, even the girls! To be honest i don’t get involved with all this bearded fashion malarkey but i guess good rock and roll has always brought fuzz to venues since time began, and tonight will be no different.

Comets on Fire came on stage to ‘Dogwood Rust‘, the opening track of their amazing new album ‘Avatar’ which has got to be one of the most impressive albums to drop all year so far. It twists and turns with its dirty charm as singer Ethan Miller leads the pack with his psychedelic guitar solo’s that could assault the likes of Mudhoney and Monster Magnet at their given best, and still not be picked up by the pigs.

The gig is now rocking with ‘Jaybird‘ and the stage so dark that we could pick up the voice of drummer Utrillo Belcher mentioning to bass wizard Ben Flashman that he “could probably get away with having a wank back here and no one would notice!”…(i heard ya Belcher!)

This track though is a killer tune and deserves it’s hefty praise as this juggernaut continues to roll over the audience song after song with the oozing class of ‘Antlers of the MIdnight Sun‘ and ‘Swallows Eye’ leaving people in a pool of bliss alongside Lucifers Memory also from Avatar that sees the Comets get traditional like Bubble Puppy on the crowds aching ears.

Did i mention it’s fucking loud in here?! These guys do not muck about when it comes down to treading on pedals and the band move around the stage like they were caught on fire from each goddam one as they drop ‘Pussyfoot the Duke‘, ‘Bee and the Cracking Egg’, ‘Whiskey River’ ‘Holly Teeth’ and the electric ‘Ice Age‘ to finish the show.

If you get a chance to see this Santa Cruz outfit live, then don’t miss them for anything, this show was one of the best of the year and maybe by the time they come back to visit blighty again, I will have some bum-fluff ready for them.

Zac

And The Cardinals
Shepherds Bush Empire
30.09.06

There are few people who can get away with wearing a balaclava and cookie monster t- shirt and still look unbelievably cool, but Ryan Adams is one of those rare people. You could dress the man in a bin liner and he’d still pull it off somehow. On the first night of a sold out two night stand in Shepherds Bush, Ryan Adams has bought back his Cardinals for a long awaited band tour. With Adams it’s always a little hit and miss, you wonder if he’ll turn up slurring his words, telling wonderful endless tales, tailing off songs on a whim, or whether he’ll turn up at all.

Scheduled for a 9pm start, Adams saunters onto stage only 15 minutes late, a wry grin to the crowds and he’s off. ‘Please Do Not Let Me Go’ is hauntingly beautiful; the break to Adam’s voice catches the emotions. “I think my B string went to Burger King.” he shrugs as he retunes his guitar before a stunning, drawn out version of ‘Magnolia Mountain’ . Charming and unfairly talented, Adams has a certain charisma that no one really comes close to. We’re used to hearing his little tales on stage, but tonight the usual bottle of red wine is replaced by a red bull, and the usual cigarette hanging from him lips is absent.

‘Beautiful Sorta’ is just that, beautiful but with the ever present edge. Then it’s on with the balaclavas, for reasons..well I never quite caught the reason, but suddenly The Cardinals looks like 3 members of the IRA, apart from bassist Chris Feinstein who seems to have lucked out and gets stuck wearing a spaceman’s helmet, which he seems to have difficulty breathing in.

“Now its time for me to talk so you shut the fuck up or I’ll come down and sort you out”. Adams whips back to a heckler, “Or maybe I’ll just get someone to sort you out FOR me…” he adds grinning. And then he’s off on a tangent, the witty self-effacing artist we know and love. This time he’s singing the praises of McVities Cookies and their sleep inducing properties. He rambles for just a minute and then sighs “Now all the reviews are gonna be ‘ Oooh he talks too much’ “, which is met by pleas to just keep talking.

But the Adams we see tonight is very much more together than the swaying dreamer we saw a few months back, the sound is tight, maybe the months spent producing Willie Nelson’s new album have drummed some seriousness into him. The set is one hour, forty five minutes long without break, and there are plenty of new tracks showcased tonight, which unfortunately means less of our old favourites.

Tracks roll seamlessly into one another, an almost self indulgent jam on the stage. However despite the lack of old material, ‘Dear Chicago’ is beautifully put together and ‘Bartering Line’ is given an airing, a wonderfully angst driven and angry track. To top off the night it’s ‘The End’ which blends into a sublime rendition of an embellished ‘I See Monsters’.

Tonight Ryan Adams comes across as a professional, but it’s reassuring to see that the joker, the charmer, is still there, just underneath the surface. Whilst the music aficionados will rave that his performance when sober and controlled is a critical success, with Ryan Adams it’s the entire package which makes him such an enigmatic performer, and whilst it’s inspiring to see him so together, he doesn’t seem to be so happy-go-lucky as usual, and you can but hope he never loses that bohemian charm that inspires such a loyal following.

For further information check out www.ryan-adams.com

Dee Massey

Giant Panda
Jazz Café
01.10.06

Giant Panda’s Newman set the night off with a couple of funky jams before Maanumental hopped down the stairs at the Jazz Café and bounded on stage as they broke into Super Fly rapping that “and you don’t quit having fun and if nothing else its just to see you having fun and enjoy yourself”. There was no chance of that not happening as the two rappers danced their way around stage, beaming smiles and dance routines aplenty.

Running through their stand out tracks from their album Fly School Reunion, the two men loaded the crowd with feel good tunes and untold head nods, as tracks such as 90s, Grand Prix [complete with running man dance steps], With It and sing-a-long favourite TKO, flew by. They even plied us with a new track which was as bassy as the venue was packed and is a great taster for what is to come from the group. With missing member Chikaramanga making his presence felt with a little message played on vinyl, Giant Panda cemented themselves as a brilliant live act.

Standing by the stage after the Giant Panda set, I thought that this would be another case of the support upstaging the main act, but, as good as GP were, Thes One and Double K brought their A game and blew every single person in the crowd away. Starting off with the already-classic Pass The 40 from new album Stepfather, both rappers got ready for the rest of the evening. The big-framed Double K bopped around in front of the crowd whilst Thes One sweated out every last ounce of energy by jumping, bouncing and thrashing through every track.

The crowd weren’t just treated to songs either, with Double K throwing in a deep beatbox whilst Thes freestyled, bringing the crowd’s noise to an unbearable crescendo which only got louder when Double K rapped whilst scratching on the decks and Thes One played the MPC with his face. The duo really knew what it meant to put on a good show and so the fun didn’t stop there. With tracks like Acid Raindrops, San Francisco Knights and The LA Song sounding even better live than they do on record, it was fun all the way.

But the best part of their set was the return of Giant Panda to the stage. Thes One expended so much energy that he dropped onto his back on stage and Double K implored the audience to get him back to his feet, as Newman and Maanumental waved the towel of Thes’ face to try and revive him. When Hang Loose dropped, Thes was revived and jumped to his feet whilst the GP boys invited girls on the stage and turned the entire place into a jumping frenzy.

If you weren’t there, you lose sucker.

Abjekt
[Photos by Jen Saul]

London Astoria
22.09.06

Why write a 3 minute song when you can write a 7 min song with a 4 min rock super jam tacked on the end, MMJ can’t think of a reason why not. Here’s a band who aren’t afraid of a guitar solo and from the moment they opened it was like a time machine ride to 1972! Think Neil Young & Crazy Horse, Pink Floyd and Lynyrd Skynyrd with hair to match.

Opening with a slow build, as a few of their songs do, the atmospheric Wordless Chorus, frontman, guitarist and main songwriter Jim James sings his heart out throughout, and careers around the stage the entire 2 hour set, the rest of the band doing well to keep up with him. A lot of the set is taken up from their last album Z, and rightly so, songs like Beats for You, Gideon, Off the Record and Lay Low sound better than on record, this is a band who thrive on playing live, you can tell this band have been on the road for well over a yearnow. Other highlights include the epic Run Thru, the sublime Golden and set closer Mahgeeta.

So if you can’t wait for them to come back to the UK next year, a double live album and DVD, Okonokos, is out 2nd Oct, and that’s right – It Rocks!

Nelson Bibb
[Photo by CC Baxter]

Manchester Academy 3
24.09.06

Those Swedes are a funny bunch aren’t they? What with all their Ikea and Volvos, any race that counts rotten fish as a delicacy has to be a bit weird. Still, all that rotten fish must be good for something as Sweden keep throwing out some of the best talent around in metal today and tonight, Academy 3 plays host to one of the much loved and much admired bands of the genre, Soilwork.

There is a sense of longing in the air as the fans have been waiting nigh on a year to see the group they so clearly adore after the bands unexpected no-show at this years Download festival, so it’s no wonder they are getting restless. Made up of mostly blokes, the decidedly hairy crowd raise their fists and with chants of “Soilwork, Soilwork” the opening bars of Stabbing The Drama blast through the room juggernaut style.

As Bjorn Stirds vocals kick in it’s obvious that the sound quality is as horrendous as the smell of sweat dripping off beards. It’s a problem which dogs the band all night, which is a bugger, because apart from this fact, Soilwork are on fire. No one really seems to care mind, and the crowd fill in where Stirds voice can’t be heard. It’s a gloriously fractured performance with tracks coming from Natural Born Chaos, Stabbing The Drama, Figure Number Five and Steel Bath Suicide to create a just about perfect setlist.

The band are immensely watchable and towards the tail end of their night, they steamroll into ‘As We Speak’ with a near-unbearable intensity which leaves revellers in awe. Wrapping it all up with a white hot rendition of ‘Follow The Hollow’ to near euphoric cheers, the wait seemed absolutely worth every minute. Amazing, all consuming stuff.

Jane Hawkes