Caught in the Crossfire

Camden Underworld
31.01.06

Canadian pop-rock quartet Sloan were still relatively unknown in the UK even at the peak of their media attention when they were signed amid the flurry of major label activity that swallowed up and spat out alternative music in the wake of Nirvana in the early nineties.

They played at this very same venue some fifteen years ago to about the same amount of people as they do tonight, which isn’t exactly what you call progress. But then again, it’s fair to say that Sloan haven’t overly ‘worked’ the UK! This is the first time they’ve been here in five years and prior to that their attention to this island has always been sporadic. But then it would be. Sloan are absolutely huge in Canada and quite deservedly so.

You see, Sloan are officially better than most bands, fact! ‘How can you prove this is an undisputed fact,’ you may ask. Well, the proof is in the chemistry. Sloan contain not one, but four different singers and song-writers amongst their ranks. And each and every one of them is great. Jay Ferguson. Andrew Scott. Chris Murphy. Patrick Pentland. They all swap instruments, the all sing lead, and they all write the songs. And because of the fact (yes, get ready for another fact!) that they’ve been playing and living so tightly together for so many years, every song comes out sounding one hundred per-cent Sloan.

So, tonight is a rare ‘for fans only appearance’ by Sloan. There’s no support bands, the majority of the audience is Canadian and/or hardcore fans and the whole evening belongs to Sloan and Sloan only. They play a fast moving set that takes in old favourites amongst new tracks and rarely played tunes from their past. And they don’t leave us hanging around for two long before wheeling out the hits. Second song in and we’re getting hammered by Underwhelmed, their biggest hit from back in the day when grunge and terms such as ‘alt-rock’ ruled the world. It’s not hard to see why.

They pack the punch, dynamics and glorious pop-sensibilities of Nevermind era-Nirvana combined with the best of seventies pop-rock ‘ala Badfinger, Big Star and later on, Red Kross. The real joy is Sloan play with an enthusiasm and conviction that could almost fool you into thinking it’s the first time they’d ever played their most famous song. In the UK at least. Unsurprisingly, it gets the biggest cheer of the night.

From then on, it’s a blur. Although the band rarely sits still and constantly swaps instruments, the energy levels never dip, the harmonies are never less than spot on and the crowd, a room of singing and smiling faces, are having the time of their lives. You’d have to be a horribly sour human being not to enjoy this. Damn near pop perfection.

James Sherry

The Dublin Castle
31/01/06

Up until now, the most famous thing to come out of Loughborough were sports stars from the university, but all that might be about to change. Taking to the stage for their first London show, Loughborough based four piece The Voom Blooms seem to exude a quiet confidence that makes you sit up, shut up and take notice.

Visually the easy comparison is The Libertines, but aurally they veer more towards Bloc Party with a healthy dose of produce energetic, melody saturated wonderfully guitar rich tracks that spin off the stage with ease. Brooding frontman George Guildford barely addresses the crowd but looks out with a steady gaze, drawing listeners in as if he has something you really need to hear. Tracks are edgy without being pretentious, rich with catchy hooks and unexpected turns. Every so often there’s a glimpse of vulnerability about the band, which is both engaging and just adds another layer. Politics and Cigarettes (to be released as a single in March) is just one of the tracks layered with edgy guitars, unbound exuberance – the push me pull you between on stage between Guildford and guitarist Craig Monk only adds to the pressure cooker of a set. Thought of Rena, Just Like Spies spin out with raw energy – The Voom Blooms perfectly showcasing their talents which have secured them supports slots for The Paddingtons and Babyshambles.

Whilst same same indie bands are flooding the music scene at the moment, The Voom Blooms have combined a very british sound with some great song writing, a quiet confidence in themselves and spot on live performances. As previously mentioned, this was there first London show – the first of many I’m sure. They can return to Loughborough safe in the knowledge they’ve gained a new batch of fans.

Do yourself a favour and check out their site at www.thevoomblooms.com

Dee Massey