First up is a woman singer guitarist with backing tracks, some pretty full on band style, going under the name of Bug Teeth. Her music is fairly laid back ethereal vibe and an excellent start to the evening which both Ramsay and Pete independently likened to the Cocteau Twins and maybe due to that everyone was going on about Twin Peaks that I never go into. Maybe those two should write a blog too with those insights. A quick trip to the loo and I discover that Bruce's band sticker that I put up last time on the mirror has been mostly ripped off. I need some more Bruce!
Next up are a trio called Platonica Erotica formed of a woman on keyboards and male bassist and drummer. They look pretty interesting especially the keyboardist in a bright red dress and apparently pop socks. Right that's the limit of my fashion critique and have to thank Jo for her input. Onto the music which is after all why we're here. Their songs on one level are very tuneful in a sort of 1970's soft rock ballad style reminiscent of the likes of The Carpenters which is surprising in the Windmill but over the nice tunes there is a definite sharpness in the playing and a distinct edginess to the lyrics both in content and delivery. It matches the decor behind the stage with it's trailing glitteryness but with the Windmill's Crass like black and white badge adorning the back of the stage. I think it was to this lot that Jo first spots the Spotty Dog Dance that we also see on stage tomorrow.
Malady are the most traditional rock band in formation with and excellent female bassist, a great drummer and two very good guitarists. They have a great indie rock sound multi layered which sounds a bit like Talking Heads. Some would say the night's highlight. One reason I thought of coming tonight was that they are apparently influenced by "Arsenal 03/04" which was our Invincibles season. Turns out the singer guitarist is a Gooner and as I was chatting to him about it turns out Bug Teeth (not sure of her proper name though she did tell me) has her dad here who is also a Gooner. Cue much discussion about Dick Emery and this week's European final. As an aside, I mention when band members are female as there as so few of them. Great to see a line up with four bands all with women in them.
Last band are Sex Cells who are billed as "occultist synth pop duo... think (early) Human League". I'd go more for Heaven 17 with an edge and for their banging electronic hard fast dance numbers reaching out to early New Order, in fact I'm pretty sure I heard a Blue Monday riff going on. Also can't talk as to whether they are occultists but they look pretty good on stage with a great energy and he has white flashes painted below eyes & on his arms. Couldn't see any pentangles though.
Luckily the rain has stopped and as we all leave Ramsay, Jo and I wander off home for a not so early night in readiness for tomorrow. For which we arranged to meet Todd there if he can get a ticket off a tout.
Photos (c) S R Palmer
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| Should have got tickets in advance! |
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| Bug Teeth |
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| Platonica Erotica |
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| Malady |
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| Sex Cells |
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