Pete and the Pirates, Duchess, 18 April 2011 - Snap review
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Oxford.
Home of the University that includes such alumni as the ever mythic Ted Hughes
and Sylvia Plath coupling, it is also the anchoring of Pete and The Pirates, a
deceptively titled bands which feature less songs about ships and more about
cats, girls and parties.
A thoroughly fantastic band, I defy anyone to hear
‘Come On Feet’ and not move. Genius.
The night magic came to York… The night started in Fulford Arms, York (one of the city’s best venues for live music) and ended in Wowtown, courtesy of Thomas Truax. I admit prior to the evening I knew little of his work, save for his reputation of inventing his own instruments. Starting with ‘Inside the Internet’, complete with dial up tones, it felt like the beginning of, what was, a very special evening. Words can’t really describe the gig in justice, but here’s a selection. There’s an incredible inventiveness about Thomas Truax that’s completely mesmerising. Sounding at times like a complete orchestra, it’s an one-man show like no other. It sounds impressive, ‘invents his own instruments’, but it’s more than just putting an extra string on a guitar (which may also be great). We’re talking hornicators, gramophones, beaters, mouthpieces from saxophones, fishing reels, a spinning jenny, just to list a few. I’m not one for superlatives, but to me, it’s complete genius. Th...
‘Welcome Back to Milk’ has been the soundtrack to my days and nights since landing on our doormat on Sunday 17 May. Over 12 songs, Beth Jeans Houghton has love in her sights and mercilessly toys with it like a punk rock deity. Seeing it live turned into a must see event, it’s raw power deserved a live airing so we prowled over to the Brudenell Club in Leeds. On stage, Du Blonde have a mesmerising presence, their collective magnetic pull akin to watching a hurricane to see if it touches down. On paper, it doesn’t make sense, the guitarist is wearing a jumper on the hottest day of the year so far, it’s a debut album by a new band, but in reality it’s a confident collective who are simply magnificent live. Essential listening. Make no mistake, as much as BJH is the merkin-wearing heart of the band, each band member is integral to the act, and seem to truly enjoy playing live. The drummer is a powerhouse, his count in to songs ranging from hand clapping to melodic coun...
With the unexpected split of the Chapman Family, their legacy has loomed large over the last of the summer days. Haunted by every mp3 shuffle that brings back 'Kids', 'Summer Song' or 'Sound of the Radio' back to the conscious, it's like being trapped in a recurring Sandra Bollock film where the inevitable break up scene is replayed again and again. In short, it was time to get out and see some noise. Step forward the Portland Arms, one of Cambridge's premier venues featuring a beautiful array, nay cornucopia of rooms adjoined by what seems to be a striking loft extension that's had it's floor knocked through to create a space Kevin McCloud would be proud of - not least as it features it's very own painted curtains complete with plug socket. Still, in today's relentless 'X-Factor' campaign to unshackle every member of the population into thinking we too can be the next big thing, regardless of talent, teeth or dignity,...
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