Review of Dan le Sac Vs Scroobius Pip at the Sugarmill (20/04/08)

The stage was littered with props to resemble a front room and the crowd was half empty (or half full). This never stopped the gruesome twosome that is Dan Le Sac Vs Scroobius Pip from putting in a blistering performance. They began by entering the stage to the sound of the Antiques Roadshow themetune before Dan le Sac cut it up to create their own version.
They then ploughed through their set playing all their familiar songs with Thou Shalt Always Kill receiving the best reception. The props were not just there to make the stage look good as they had their uses. The TV set which was on stage would later feature live footage of the duo with the use of modern technology, as the lamp which was on a table actually doubled up as a camera. Another prop he used masterfully was a coat stand complete with mac and hat. He slid his arm inside the jacket and caressed his other arm as if it was two people. This scene was inspired (or stolen) from the theatre production called Slava's Snowshow (watch video below to see a clip of the original). I haven't actually seen the show and only knew that it was inspired from this because Scroobius told us. Not in the conventional way by speaking but he held up large pieces of paper with it written on. Very much in the style of the famous Bob Dylan video for Subterranean Homesick Blues.

You can tell that the band have toured a lot as they look at ease on stage and their act is finely polished. They tried to rouse the audience as best as they could but it's not easy when the crowd is so sparse.

Click to see a video of them live in concert

It had filled up more than when the opening act Producers With Computers were on stage. Well when I say on stage they actually spent most of the time on the dancefloor. They are also made up of just two people and their style is also hip hop. No bling or gimmicks needed by these just a straight out assault on the ears. They were backed by a recorded backing track and exchanged witty lines. Their set was also filled with humour with We Don't Like You a particular highlight. The lyrics to the song were aimed at the audience who they told that they basically hated their guts. Not what you normally expect when you go to a gig but I found it hilarious.

Go to Producers With Computers MySpace page

Breaking up the beats was the all-girl pairing called Peggy Sue And The Pirates. Not sure which one was The Pirates as neither were sporting a wooden leg or an eye patch. It didn't really matter as they both had decent voices and also supplied the accompanying music themselves. For the first song this just happened to be a simple click of the fingers but they did also use a guitar, tambourine and various other instruments.

Go to Peggy Sue And The Pirates MySpace page

My alternative review can be found in the Monday 21st April edition of The Sentinel.

Review of Sons Ltd Showcas at the Victoria Hall (19/04/08)

After the success of the last event the record label based in Stoke-on-Trent decided to do another. The bands were all in high spirits after their recent domination of the Independent Label Singles Chart. They managed to claim four of the top five places with only The Futureheads crashing the party at number two. The main problem with the gig was if you went to the last one it was pretty much an exact replica of that. Yes they did change the running order and there were a couple more additions, but nothing dramatic. I am afraid I cannot offer you any of my expertly taken photo's, as I foolishly forgot me camera. Oops!
This time The Novellos were promoted to earlier on in the night and they snatched this opportunity with both hands. They stole the show for me with a passionate display. It seemed that they wanted to be there more than anyone else and thrived on the big stage. The lad with the big curly afro style hairdo epitomised this the most (the picture below is not actually him but is not to far off). He charged around the stage like a man possessed before he finally jumped into the crowd for a boogie with the front few rows. He was the main focal point and had a hand in almost everything. I think that is about enough of ranting on about him so I'll move onto someone else.

Go to The Novellos MySpace page

This Is Seb Clarke were the band that followed them and they are also a band that stand out. They are a small army of identically uniformed musicians including a large brass band. It is impossible to compare them to anything else as it simply doesn't exist. Every member does their bit and has ample chance to grab some of the limelight. Not a fan of the three minute pop song their tunes make Led Zeppelin seem like a punk band. Unfortunately a large part of the crowd had departed but this could have been down to a scrap in the audience. It seems to be a bit of a tradition at these events as a similar situation also marred the last event. One lad was left fully sparked out after a bunch of thugs had their wicked way with him.
The rest of the bands all did their little bit but none of them stood out or offered anything new. There was also time for a few special guests to play the DJ in between acts. The most notable of these was Carl Barat and Didz from Dirty Pretty Things. Again there was nothing outstanding about their choice of songs it was just a way of filling the gaps and kepping the crowd happy. They both seem pickled (heavily intoxicated) but posed for photographs, signed autographs etc.

Check out Monday 21st of April's edition of The Sentinel for my alternative review.

Drugs are for mugs

Drug packets do not come with government health warnings like cigarettes. Well not the ones I have seen anyway. I must add here that this was all for research purposes, being that I'm a journalist and all that. Anyway, maybe it's about time they did. Warning: Smoking this herbage may turn you into a hermit making a quick trip to the shops a mission.
Hopefully Amy Winehouse's dealer will take note, and hand out a message with his/her wraps of crack. This substance will not only shrink you to the size of an umpa lumpa, but also turn you into one of them Johnny foreigner's. On top of that it will transform your gaunt face into one that resembles a bulldog chewing a paw full of sour wasps. To see the full extent of Mrs Winehouse's decline watch the video below.

So remember kids, drugs are for mugs. You have been warned.

Gig guide for Stoke-on-Trent (18/10/08 - 24/10/08)

You will be pleased to know that I'm following up my review of The Ting Tings with not one but two reviews this week. I will be a busy boy and give you plenty to read. Reviews of the Sons Ltd showcase and Dan Le Sac Vs Scroobius Pip will all appear on here, with a printed alternative in The Sentinel. Now at least you'll be able to sleep well tonight knowing that.
As just mentioned this bearded fellow (pictured below) will be appearing with his partner in crime Dan Le Sac. They are something a bit different then the usual guitar band as there is only them, a mic and a laptop.

Go to their MySpace page

Mobile Act Unsigned champs Envy & Other Sins are stopping off in Hanley as part of their nationwide tour. The Birmingham-based band beat off competition from 1,600 other artists to take the crown. With this came a record deal with A&M Records where they have recently released their debut album We Leave At Dawn.
Envy & Other Sins are at the Sugarmill on Friday, April 18, at 7pm. Tickets cost £6. (01159 454 593)

Alternatively you could check out local indie band The Fears when they play at the Underground in Hanley.
The gig is at the Underground on Friday, April 18, at 7pm. Tickets cost £4.50. (01782 206000)

It is time for another Sons Ltd Showcase at the Victoria Hall featuring loads of local bands and well-known guest DJ's. The Local record label and their artists are still celebrating after four of their singles dominated the top five Independent Label Singles.
All the bands that played last time will have a set again including This Is Seb Clarke, The Title, The Novellos, Raphaels and LA Dies. There have also been a couple of additions in the form of The Dilettantes and The Rough Charm so there is plenty to feast on. In between all this Carl Barat and Didz from Dirty Pretty Things will be spinning a few tunes.
The Sons Ltd Showcase is at the Victoria Hall on Saturday, April 20, at 8pm. Tickets cost £17.50. (0870 060 6649)

If that doesn't float your boat then check out Scandinavian exports Robert Church and the Holy Community. They are taking their chilled-out sounds to the Glebe in Stoke where they will be supported by Horowitz.
The music starts at 8pm and the entry fee is £3.

On Sunday Dan Le Sac Vs Scroobius Pip will enter the region and take over the Sugarmill. The duo burst onto the scene a year ago with their single Thou Shalt Always Kill and they have been touring almost non-stop since.
Dan Le Sac Vs Scroobius Pip are at the Sugarmill on Sunday, April 20, at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £10. (01159 454 593)

The Maccabees are returning to the Sugarmill to play to a sell-out crowd on Wednesday. Their first record was named album of the year by Artrocker magazine.
The Maccabees play at the Sugarmill on Wednesday, April 23, at 7.30pm.

On Thursday we see the launch of our very own festival Axis which is returning for its second year. Tonight's line-up includes Dead Like Heroes, Fall 42 and Bleached Wail. For further information about upcoming Axis gigs continue reading my future columns.
The launch is at the Sugarmill on Thursday, April 24, at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £4. (01159 454 593)

Gig guide for Stoke-on-Trent (11/04/08 - 17/04/08)

There are a few bits and pieces knocking about this week but nothing to get to excited about. There is the upcoming Axis festival coming up, it is only in its second year but is helping to bring some bigger names to the area. Other big names like Paul Weller are coming to the region and bands like Crystal Castles and Brian Jonestown Massacre will also be playing. Exciting times just around the corner.
This week we have Lethal Bizzle playing at the Sugarmill. Not sure if he is my cup of tea but he is very popular with the crowd here and has stated Stoke as the best crowd off his last tour. So a pat on the back for everyone who was there.

Go to The Lethal Bizzle's MySpace page

Another part of the current Manchester massive is playing at the Sugarmill in Hanley. Twisted Wheel have received less hype than their other counterparts but a big festival season could catapult them into the mainstream. They are supported by the two local bands The Sport and The Alones.
Twisted Wheel et al play at the Sugarmill on Friday, April 11, at 7pm. Tickets cost £6. (01159 454 593)

If their sound is not quite heavy enough for you then Transmit Disrupt are hosting an EP Launch Show at the Underground. They will not be alone as Kamikaze Pilots, My Sergeant Mask and A View From Above all have support slots.
Transmit Disrupt are at the Underground on Friday, April 1, at 8pm. Tickets cost £4. (01782 206000)

On Saturday night the Victoria Hall opens its doors to the household name KT Tunstall. She burst onto the scene three years ago with her debut album (Eye To The Telescope) which became a massive hit and won her a multitude of awards.
KT Tunstall takes centre stage at the Victoria Hall on Saturday, April 12, at 7pm. Tickets cost £22.50. (0870 060 6649)

Alternatively, you could join in the shenanigans of another all day affair at the Glebe in Stoke. This week it is a mini-punk festival on offer with English Dogs headlining. A number of other bands will be performing on the day including The Lurkers, Blitzkrieg and Impact but for the full listing click below.

Go to The Glebe's MySpace page

The punk all-dayer is at the Glebe on Saturday, April 12, at 2pm. The entry fee is £15 payable on the door.

Sunday night marks the return of grime artist Lethal Bizzle who is once again playing at the Sugarmill. He has endeared himself to the local crowd with a number of shows including last year's NME Rock N Roll Riot Tour. He is being supported by rising star Bashy.
Lethal Bizzle is playing at the Sugarmill on Sunday, April 13, at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £12. (01159 454 593)

The Old Brown Jug in Newcastle is hosting its regular night on Wednesday. This week gives you another opportunity to support local artists as both The Rebounds and Trial Of Origin share the limelight.
The music starts at 8pm at the Old Brown Jug and there is no entry fee.

Also on Wednesday there is a chance to digest some music from our European friends as the Wonky Pop Tour stops at the Sugarmill. Headlining the night will be Alphabeat from Denmark who create uplifting catchy pop tunes. They will be supported by Leon Jean Marie and Frankmusik.
Alphabeat are at the Sugarmill on Wednesday, April 16, at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £6.50. (01159 454 593)

Review of The Ting Tings at the Sugarmill (10/04/08)

I’m not too big on karma but it certainly bit me on the arse last night. I was required to review The Ting Tings gig for the mighty rag that is The Sentinel.

Read my full Sentinel review

For my troubles I received two complimentary tickets in the post. And then the next day the same thing happened. So this meant I had two spare, comprende? So I did the noble thing and sold them to a couple of young fans outside the gig who delightfully slapped twenty quid in my hand.
Now fast forward a couple of hours after I had found a decent spot on the balcony which I rooted myself too. But hey ho, just before the band came on stage two youngsters slimed beside me and slowly forced me out of my spot. Then to my horror I realised it was the same two girls that I had sold my spare tickets too. God must have been laughing his socks off. I did consider flipping them over the balcony but then what would have happened to me. No doubt a giant Daddy Long Legs would have appeared from nowhere and ripped all my limbs off.
Apart from this bout of karma it was a decent gig. There was a long wait before The Ting Tings (pictured below) came on, and then they only hung around for less than an hour. Although they have yet to release an album so this could have been expected. Their songs were bright catchy numbers and only a deaf person could have failed to tap their foot or dance about like a raving loon. For only two of them they managed to create a decent sound. This was helped by the use of samples which were triggered by lead singer Karen White. She had a good presence on stage and skipped between instruments. She could do it all dance, play guitar, bang a drum you name it. Jules De Martino also played his part well. His main focus was the drums but he also sang and played guitar. This band has received a lot of hype and some of it is fair. They just need a few more songs in their locker and their on to a winner.

Go to The Ting Tings MySpace page

Anni Rossi (pictured below) supplied the support and it was different to all the usual boring indie tripe that’s normally on offer. It was just her with a viola for company. She plucked away while warbling along barely stopping for breath between songs. The only words she muttered within the entire performance were ‘you can buy my CD at the back.’ I wouldn’t recommend you go out of your way to see her but it was refreshing to see something a little different.

Go to Anni Rossi's MySpace page

The problem with London is that it's full of Southerners

It is finally time to hear about my time down in the London. A large percentage of my time was spent in an office somewhere near Shepards Bush. This was in completely the other side of London to where I was staying. My room was situated in the East, while work was in the West. A bit of a nightmare but not too bad when I got to grips with the Underground. My first major malfunction was on the first day. I stupidly didn’t realise that two different lines went from the same stop. I like the Northern monkey I am, got on the wrong one and ended up in the north. I then had to flag down a taxi who got me back on track. Mind you I did have to cross his palm with a load of gold for his troubles.
Anyhow, back to the office. During my time there I made very good friends with the scanner and the mail room. I did do some other bits, like some viral PR about a camp Russian popstar called Sergey. This was about as exciting as it got. The people I worked with were all sound but I couldn’t imagine working in PR forever. Most of their daily chores are spent chasing journalists and trying to plug some rubbish product. Not my idea of a full-time career.
The snaps I promised you didn’t quite make it. Instead of playing the tourist I spent most of my weekend in various boozers. Most of them were very pricey, others were just a bit steep. The other thing that took a bit acclimatising too was the general rudeness of the London public. Not only do they walk through you like you don’t exist, but they also squeeze in front of you just as the tube doors open. No matter how long you have been stood there, a slimy Southern worm still reading his paper will glide in front of you with all the elegance of a raging bull. There job must have been more important than mine. The worse thing is after a couple of days you find yourself joining in. Eat or be eaten I say. This did go against all my polite Northern gentleman principles, but a man gotta do and all that jazz.
In a hungover haze I did manage a short trip to Abbey Road as you can see below.

That place has had legends like The Beatles, Pink Floyd and Cliff Richard record there. There isn’t much to see apart from a zebra crossing (pictured below) and a graffiti covered wall. Anyway since returning I have managed to shrug off the southern charm (or lack of) and returned back to normal.