What gigs have you just been to?

[sunray]

Been to a load, but the standouts since the last September update are:

Jim Jones All Stars, Upstairs in Whelans, Dublin which was superb. High energy maximum rock n roll on a Halloween night. This is what i want from a gig. Music from the gut slugging you in the gut. A poor reflection on Irish gig goers that the gig got moved from the main room to upstairs. No bother to the 8-piece band, they just went ahead and delivered the goods. A mixture of original material from his various acts (wonderful to hear Thee Hypnotics 'Shakedown') and cover versions taking in the Velvet Underground, Jimmy Castor Bunch (the superb Troglodyte, a highlight on the new album) and Little Richard amongst others. Tip of the hat to Thee UFO on support duties, about time they started getting some decent slots.

Slowdive, National Stadium, Dublin Very good indeed. First time playing their own gig here. Their only previous appearance being at Electric Picnic when they were scheduled the same time as Mogwai A surprisingly young crowd, lending to a very different atmosphere; Singalongs, Queen style handclapping and lighters/phones in the air. All very cringe but the kids love that shit and i'm sure it was a great buzz for the band. Heard the next day that Slowdive have been very big on Tiktok the past year so that explains it i guess. The last two albums sound much better live but some of that material is just too smooth and my mind began to wander. Lovely triple-whammy of Slowdive/Avalyn/Souvlaki Space Station early in the set and a great Golden Hair. Got chatting to one of the young folk beforehand and turned him onto Spacemen 3 and Spiritualized. He'd heard of neither and bookmarked them on his Spotify. He was a big Slowdive fan and this was his first ever shoegaze gig. I'm sure he had a good one.

Sasquatch, Grand Social, Dublin Stoner rock from California, plus three local support acts. Only mention the supports because it meant we got four trios, which i can't recall ever happening before! Shout out to Burning Realm who were excellent. A heavy psych/stoner outfit featuring, the always fantastic, drummer from No Spill Blood. The man is an absolute machine. I'll be keeping an eye out on Burning Realm.
Sasquatch were just good time Stoner vibes. Didn't take themselves seriously but provided great fuzzy riffs and solos.

[herman]

Went to the Sonic City Festival at Kortrijk (B) last night. It's a 3 day fest each year curated by another artist.
What I saw last night...
Rose City Band... Well, what can I say, it's a mixed bag. It's like JJ Cale on cheap coke. To be honest, I wasn't impressed at all. Nice clean sound but kinda boring, couldn't get into their vibe.
Deerhoof... The revelation of the night. High energy noise pop/rock from San Francisco including an impromptu band meeting in the middle of the set. Didn't know the band but it seems they got already some 17 releases so far. Recommended live stuff!
Youth Lagoon... Got the first album, which I really like. But they don't deliver the goods live.
Stereolab... A lesson in musical history! 70 minutes of pure bliss. After so many years they still improvise on the spot, making the concert exciting for them self, a thing I missed on the last Spz concerts. The band were in Topform and were enjoying themselves and therefore also the audience. Like a give and take thing, bouncing energy and stuff... Big grin on everybody's faces afterwards!

[good dope/good fun]

Just saw Spiritualized on Wednesday at Basilica Hudson.
And then saw Tool at Mohegan Sun on Friday.
It’s been a very good week.
2 of my absolute favorite bands in 3 days.

[angel-sighs]

Slowdive played a Stadium?

Interesting to see the reports on Rose City Band. I like them but i am not crazy about them. Hope we do get more Moon Duo, more Wooden Shjips wouldn't go amiss either. Wonder if they are finished.

[sm-iom]

https://www.thenationalstadium.ie/

[sunray]

Slowdive played a Stadium?

Ha! No not quite but i see sm-iom beat me to it on the info front.

Early 90s i saw the Pixies w/Pale Saints in there (still one of my all time favourite gigs), Primal Scream and Inspiral Carpets. Gig-wise it went fallow for a good few years but seems to have picked up again.

[swmcsherry]

Most recently, Spiritualized in Buffalo, Hudson, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, and NYC. It was quite a week, and met some lovely people

Bummed that I missed the first show in New Jersey, but I had to be responsible!

[runcible]

Popped over to Manchester to see Connecticut noodly jam exponents Goose at Academy 2.

It was amazing to see a large room of around 1000 people all dancing throughout. 2 sets, 75 minutes each, but only 12 songs played. Everything built into monumental epic jams, usually with considerable intensity. Two drummers. Ben and Jeff, were so in sync they allowed bassist Trevor, using a 5 string bass, to go all Phil Lesh and do his own thing yet still holding the rhythm down. Keyboard and guitar whizz Peter adds masses to proceedings and mainman Rick, one of the most natural guitarists I've ever seen, produced an endless array of guitar effects, solos and such. Some top tier musicianship on show. At every crescendo the crowd went nuts and the atmosphere in that room was the best I've ever known at a Manchester show. Very hippyish, loads of Deadheads, but everyone with beaming smiles. Their reaction after every song was almost louder than the band. Some think Goose aren't edgy enough and too poppy but they got pretty heavy at times last night. Jam bands might not be for everyone but Deadheads and Phish fans will find lots to enjoy here, so myself and Mrs. Runcible were very happy. A really superb night.

For a band who are almost completely unknown here, with no exposure of publicity, they sold out their entire European tour. Impressive.

[niamhm]

The Clientele at Stereo 2 weeks back, Christ that venue is uncomfortable if it’s sold out, luckily I was only in for the hour they played, as a relative new comer to the band only listening to them during lockdown I only really know the last two albums but both had large chunks played, understated and evocative, they really do a lot with so little, glad I got to see them though as I believe it’s been over 10yrs since they were last here.

Elder at Slay.Prog metal with side orders of stoner and psyche, this was a great show and has to be said the metal audiences are a great crowd, a noticeable lack of assholes, sold out audience had to emptied out onto the street after a fire alarm went off which was a new one for me. 8 songs in 90 mins so the tracks were long but the proggy bits weren’t too proggy if you catch my drift, thoroughly recommend the most recent album Innate Passage,

Bdrmm at Classic Grand . Two in the one weekend is getting a bit much for me these days tbh what with Elder on the Friday and this on the Sunday but I’d really been looking forward to seeing them since getting tickets last Feb and the album from earlier this year will easily be one of my fav this yr, a yr of almost non stop touring has their set honed to perfection so it’s like second nature, when the loud bits come they’re loud, controlled and confident, are they “shoe gazing”? I don’t know but the sound is evolving, more elaborate and electronic arrangements, top gig and looking forward to seeing where they go from here.

[stegraham]

I went to watch the Cult play Death Cult and early Cult material last night at the Electric Brixton. It was their second night there, both nights sold out. Gotta admit I'm a big Cult fan - they were my first gig when I was 16 in 1987 on the Electric tour - but I'd never seen most of that early stuff live before. They played all the Death Cult tracks, lots from Dreamtime, 3 from Love and a Southern Death Cult track - Moya. No big rock riffs or solos, just the old school 83/84 Cult sound. Jamie Stewart, the original bass player who left after 1989, came on stage to play two tracks - Ressurection Joe and Horse Nation. Crowd loved it and he did too - big smiles all round. It was a great gig and one of the loudest I've been to in quite a while - my ears are still ringing today. They have been celebrating 40 years of Death Cult by doing these gigs, and next year it'll be 40 years of the Cult. Hopefully some more anniversary shows next year along with album number 12.

[sunray]

Bdrmm at Classic Grand . Two in the one weekend is getting a bit much for me these days tbh what with Elder on the Friday and this on the Sunday but I’d really been looking forward to seeing them since getting tickets last Feb and the album from earlier this year will easily be one of my fav this yr, a yr of almost non stop touring has their set honed to perfection so it’s like second nature, when the loud bits come they’re loud, controlled and confident, are they “shoe gazing”? I don’t know but the sound is evolving, more elaborate and electronic arrangements, top gig and looking forward to seeing where they go from here.

Saw them the following week in the Button Factory, Dublin and had a very different experience. It really was a gig of two halves. First 45 minutes i was wondering what on earth had happened to this band? It was pretty lame for a good chunk of it. Then the singer announced "Now it's gonna get good". He wasn't wrong. The next 45 minutes were a vast improvement. 90 minutes overall was too long though. I was done at 65 when it looked like they were finished. Then they did a 10min. instrumental jam (very good) that really should have been the end. When he announced after that they had three more songs left i groaned. Not a patch on last year's gig in the smaller Workmans Club. Although, if they'd cut 20 minutes off the opening half it would have been far more enjoyable. I'll give them one more chance but they dirtied their bib a bit for me with this gig.

[niamhm]

Really? Opened with the first 3 tracks of the new album, that shits nailed down, maybe just not for you, bad night or shit venue or something, they’re on top of their business just now.

[sunray]

Really? Opened with the first 3 tracks of the new album, that shits nailed down, maybe just not for you, bad night or shit venue or something, they’re on top of their business just now.

Yeah i think just not for me as i'm not as enamoured with the current album as you are. No problem with the band performance really or the venue.

[stegraham]

I heard the people say  ........

I went to see Steve Mason on Saturday night at the Horn in St Albans. 200 capacity and it was sold out. Nice initimate venue. It's the first time (don't know why?) I've seen Steve do his solo stuff. I caught the Beta Band on their final tour at Shepherds Bush Empire, so a long time ago now! Saturday was the last night of his "Travelling Hard" tour, and it was pretty darn good. Not sure if this is different than his other tours , but he only had two other band members with him - a guy on keyboards and a gal on drums. Steve himself had no guitar, "just" singing and some percussion. As expected the majority of the set was from his latest long player "Brothers and Sisters", a few from previous solo albums and a smashing everyone-sing-along version of Dry the Rain. One song I didn't know, which everyone else seemed to, judging by the them all singing along, was "I walk the earth". It's a King Biscuit Time track and i do have it on the No Style album. Not sure why but Im not familiar with the tracks on there, so going to spinning that this week. Really enjoyed the gig, and he's coming back to the Horn in January next year. I've got tickets for that, it'd be rude not to!

.....Where is the beautiful fight?

[toomilk]

Earlier this month we had a two week period where we saw Codeine, Depeche Mode, Luna and Spiritualized. Fucking fantastic shows!

[angel-sighs]

realised I forgot to post about the Modern Nature gig I went to a few weeks ago. I actually got a free ticket as the venue put out a monthly email with free tickets to certain shows (presumably the ones that aren't selling too well). actually a decent crowd in the end.

not sure how to describe the band, it's a bit jazz, a bit ambient, very british sounding to my ears. Talk Talk comes to mind as a reference point. unusual guitar chords hanging in the air, some sax and drum patterns, but still pretty melodic. it was pretty immaculate, although a bit more dynamics or fire wouldn't have gone amiss.
it was basically the latest album in full, then a new song at the end.

support also good- Mark Sanders. Spz heads may recognise that name as one of the Treader records releases (Swallow Chase). it was a solo drum improv set. very cool to watch. what with Chris Corsano last year as well, I can feel the jazz side of me really getting into this type of stuff!

[good dope/good fun]

Just saw Tool at Madison Square Garden 2 nights in a row.

[niamhm]

Just saw Tool at Madison Square Garden 2 nights in a row.

Did you happen to see the support act, Elder? Saw them late last yr, thought they were great, know they were buzzing to be on the Tool tour

[good dope/good fun]

Did not make it in in time to see Elder.
Either night.
I have heard nothing but good things about them and they should not be missed.
My schedule for both nights did not have me in my seats until well past 8.

[angel-sighs]

Da Googie on saturday night. solo project of Deb Googe from MBV

It was difficult to know what to expect as there isn't much music out there yet, plus she was billed with Too Many Things who are her backing band for some songs, but also the support. I couldnt quite work it all out.
It was good though, the first part of her set was her layering up some instrumental playing against some loops, got a bit dubby at times, bit of a mixed bag overall. Best bit was the end of the set where it was the full band, Deb actually has a really good singing voice, the songs were a bit more croony and moody with some nice backing of keys and twangy guitar. will keep an eye on her work

[sunray]

Da Googie on saturday night. solo project of Deb Googe from MBV

It was difficult to know what to expect as there isn't much music out there yet, plus she was billed with Too Many Things who are her backing band for some songs, but also the support. I couldnt quite work it all out.
It was good though, the first part of her set was her layering up some instrumental playing against some loops, got a bit dubby at times, bit of a mixed bag overall. Best bit was the end of the set where it was the full band, Deb actually has a really good singing voice, the songs were a bit more croony and moody with some nice backing of keys and twangy guitar. will keep an eye on her work

Thanks for that. She's playing here at the end of March and i was curious what the set up would be. She's also appearing at the start of March alongside Miki Berenyi doing an 'in conversation with' type thing plus a solo set on the night. Although Miki is the main interview with Deb joining her later on.

[angel-sighs]

Da Googie on saturday night. solo project of Deb Googe from MBV

It was difficult to know what to expect as there isn't much music out there yet, plus she was billed with Too Many Things who are her backing band for some songs, but also the support. I couldnt quite work it all out.
It was good though, the first part of her set was her layering up some instrumental playing against some loops, got a bit dubby at times, bit of a mixed bag overall. Best bit was the end of the set where it was the full band, Deb actually has a really good singing voice, the songs were a bit more croony and moody with some nice backing of keys and twangy guitar. will keep an eye on her work

Thanks for that. She's playing here at the end of March and i was curious what the set up would be. She's also appearing at the start of March alongside Miki Berenyi doing an 'in conversation with' type thing plus a solo set on the night. Although Miki is the main interview with Deb joining her later on.

no probs. I am sure you weren't anyway, but don't go expecting anything like Loveless and you'll enjoy.
a pretty short set too, as there's not much material yet

[angel-sighs]

Project Gemini & The Harmonic Exchange last weekend.

both acts fit well together, bit of a cratedigging retro vibe from both. The Harmonic Exchange play versions of library music and TV themes, it got a bit kitsch at times but can tell they are good musicians

Project Gemini were better, some great grooves playing the more song based stuff from their albums, bass and drum grooves driving it all and on psychedelic guitar duties Jack Sharp from Wolf People.
check out their album
https://projectgemini.bandcamp.com/albu ... of-scorpio

Slowdive tonight..

[angel-sighs]

Slowdive last night in Birmingham.

Driving up I was a bit confused by the huge queue stretching down the street. Although it was a sold out show, a lot of them were actually for another act in the same venue (can’t remember their name now..)
Setlist was really spot on. I am not blown away by the new album but they pretty much played all the best songs from it. Shanty is a great opener. Pretty much bangers throughout, as the kids say. And there were a lot of kids there, people aren’t kidding when they say the band have got a whole new fanbase! It was a weird mix of the OGs in their 50s and super young people taking a huge amount of videos and pics for their socials. could feel my grumpy old man side coming out.

Sound was good too, as often is the case a bit flat for first couple of songs but once they dialled it in those guitar swirls were sounding superb. The new songs sound much better live too, as I imagined.

At first I thought the drummer had had a drastic haircut but apparently it was a fill in drummer as Simon is taking some time off. He did a good job but you can tell he was on the edge of his seat and the drums weren’t quite as smooth.

My highlights- Souvlaki Space Station, Crazy For You, 40 Days (the latter sounding nice and beefy)

But why oh why don’t they play anything off Just For A Day??

[sunray]

Project Gemini & The Harmonic Exchange last weekend.

both acts fit well together, bit of a cratedigging retro vibe from both. The Harmonic Exchange play versions of library music and TV themes, it got a bit kitsch at times but can tell they are good musicians

Project Gemini were better, some great grooves playing the more song based stuff from their albums, bass and drum grooves driving it all and on psychedelic guitar duties Jack Sharp from Wolf People.
check out their album
https://projectgemini.bandcamp.com/albu ... of-scorpio

Slowdive tonight..

I had no idea Project Gemini were a live concern, always thought they were a purely studio venture. That's cool.

I had the same experience with Slowdive, fighting to control my Grumpy Old Man persona

[angel-sighs]

yeah I wasn't sure what Project Gemini would be like as the albums have a collage kind of feel and seem like studio creations. but it was really good. the main fella was on bass duties.
it was weird though, it was sold out but I think some people might have been there for the support act (think they might be local to Coventry) as the crowd shrunk ever so slightly when Project Gemini took to the stage.

guess we should be happy that Slowdive are getting loads of new fans!

[BROKENHEART]

Slift at Chalk Brighton.
Tried to enjoy this gig,but found it all too much.
Obviously 3 very good musicians, just found it all overdone in places.
Noise,prog and stoner on speed.
I did enjoy the support band Servo. I could pick out some Ian Curtis ish vocals with psych guitars and gothic undertones. Their dark themed strobe show seemed to work well with their set.

[niamhm]

Slift at Chalk Brighton.
Tried to enjoy this gig,but found it all too much.
Obviously 3 very good musicians, just found it all overdone in places.
Noise,prog and stoner on speed.
I did enjoy the support band Servo. I could pick out some Ian Curtis ish vocals with psych guitars and gothic undertones. Their dark themed strobe show seemed to work well with their set.

Sounds like the type of thing that would give your arse a sore head if you weren’t in the zone, hearing a lot of love for this lot the last two yrs, was disappointed to miss them on a cancelled gig but the records ain’t doing too much for me, in a similar vein I reckon their French cousins, Karkara, to be much more enjoyable not a hundred miles away but the throttle pulled way back on the hypersonic, prog, math rock vibe.

[sunray]

Slift at Chalk Brighton.
Tried to enjoy this gig,but found it all too much.
Obviously 3 very good musicians, just found it all overdone in places.
Noise,prog and stoner on speed.
I did enjoy the support band Servo. I could pick out some Ian Curtis ish vocals with psych guitars and gothic undertones. Their dark themed strobe show seemed to work well with their set.

Sounds like the type of thing that would give your arse a sore head if you weren’t in the zone, hearing a lot of love for this lot the last two yrs, was disappointed to miss them on a cancelled gig but the records ain’t doing too much for me, in a similar vein I reckon their French cousins, Karkara, to be much more enjoyable not a hundred miles away but the throttle pulled way back on the hypersonic, prog, math rock vibe.

Slift, Whelans, Dublin: A band i've been wanting to see for a few years now but excitement tempered somewhat by latest lp Ilion. Unfortunately, the prog wankery dominated proceedings. When it was straight ahead psych they were bloody marvellous but there wasn't enough of that. I brought 3 Slift virgins along with me and they all said the same thing "The last two songs were the best and i wish the whole gig had been like that". I agreed, and told them that when i initially recommended the gig Ilion hadn't yet been released and i had expected the whole set to be like the last two tunes. I wish i could have seen them a few years back.
Servo were decent, glad they got to do 45 minutes. Slift gave us 90 minutes, so very good value for €20.

[angel-sighs]

Was Ummon really that different to Ilion though? the prog was always in the mix, along with the space rock, punk, etc but I guess for some the new one may tip the balance too far that way.
I could see why 90 mins of it may not be the ticket if you are not in the right headspace. I think excess is a part of their sound though.

I decided to skip travelling to one of the tour dates, either way.
Maybe a festival will be best place to catch them in future- concise set times.

Another band Kanaan are supporting on some of their other tour dates- they are really good stoner rock, on El Paraiso records, home to some forum favourites like Mythic Sunship and Causa Sui.

[angel-sighs]

oh, and last week I went to 3 gigs on the trot. I was absolutely shattered by the end, as Danny Glover once said I'm getting too old for this shit!

Night 1- Constant Smiles/Clementine Valentine

double headline date, bands from NYC/New Zealand respectively, about 20 people there max, they put out seats to make it a better atmosphere. Constant Smiles were my highlight, they are on Sacred Bones, more poppy than a lot on there, but some great songwriting chops. the records have synths etc but this was literally just the singer on electric guitar and the drummer. a lot of the set was actually new songs.
Clementine Valentine were folky dreampop, very ethereal sounding but a bit precious at times. great voices though.


Night 2- Sunnbrella/Beach Fossils.
Sunnbrella are new to me, another band in the young shoegaze revival, not bad. some of the songs had dance beats behind them like some of the 90s shoegaze stuff, good frontman too.
Beach Fossils were good, I can be partial to some jangly indie like this and they do have a bit of variety in their later stuff but I'd be lying if some of it didn't venture into bland territory. good atmosphere in the room though and good stage banter.


Night 3- Guerrilla Jam/Large Plants.
Another one with about 20 in attendance, what is it with people?
Guerrilla Jam I know nothing about, their set seemed to be entirely improvised, hard to describe really, a bit dreamy at time, a bit funky. seemed to get a good response.
Large Plants the solo project of Jack from Wolf People, and the apple doesn't fall far from the tree, pretty much a continuation of that band. Really enjoyed their set, some great interweaving guitar work, that folky olde english feel in there, and the drummers grooves impressive particularly as apparently this was his first show with them.

[sunray]

Was Ummon really that different to Ilion though? the prog was always in the mix, along with the space rock, punk, etc but I guess for some the new one may tip the balance too far that way.
I could see why 90 mins of it may not be the ticket if you are not in the right headspace. I think excess is a part of their sound though.

I decided to skip travelling to one of the tour dates, either way.
Maybe a festival will be best place to catch them in future- concise set times.

Another band Kanaan are supporting on some of their other tour dates- they are really good stoner rock, on El Paraiso records, home to some forum favourites like Mythic Sunship and Causa Sui.

What i've found over decades of music listening across many genres is that it can be a very fine line between what hits my pleasure centres and what i find naff/boring. In the case of Slift, Ilion just treads over that line whereas Ummon stays on the right side of it. In saying that, i would still go and see Slift again. A band has to be pretty poor/definitely not my cuppa for me to write them off after one live experience.

[BROKENHEART]

Jonathan Pie > Portsmouth Guildhall.
I respect that this gig isn't a music gig, but I just think this guy is spot on with his enterpretation of the state this country is in (UK). The shambles of a government that we have ruining this country. There's lots of things to say about the whole thing, but Jonathan Pie hits it all. If you're easily offended don't bother.

[Laz69]

Went to see Slowdicve last Friday with my daughter. She'd discovered them via TikTok (?) after a couple of their tracks appear to be frequently used. Still trying to understand how this happened This meant the crowd (which was queued right around the Barras when we arrived) was burtin with young kids. It was a near 50/50 split of teenagers and middle aged people.

Anyways, i've been a Slowdive fan since 1990, yet have never managed to see them. My memory is bad, but i don't recall seeing them advertised as playing Glasgow in all my years. I saw Mojave 3 a couple of times, and Neil Halstead solo twice too, but just never Slowdive. Clearly just missed them, but my daughter had a spare ticket and asked if i'd like to go. She didn't even realise i was a fan when she asked. Nearly bit her hand off!!!

I hadn't really given their latest albums much of a listen either so wasn't sure what to expect. Some of these reunions of shoegaze bands have been hit and miss, and i was worried that it wouldn't be the Slowdive i remember from my youth. Shouldn't have worried.

Support band (can't recall their name, but they are also on Sonic Cathedral) were OK. Very much a throwback to the 90s; if i'd closed my eyes it could have been any generic band from that era. Seemed to go down well with the crowd.

Slowdive came on and played Shanty, which seemed to grow and swell into a maelstrom of melody and noise. It was just superb. As a song i wasn't familiar with, it seemed no different to some of their classic early songs. The setlist was a great mix of old and new, with the old songs feeling fresh and alive, with no sign of them sounding nearly 30 years old. Rachael's voice may no longer hit some of those ethereal highs of her younger years, but the songs sounded just like i remember them.
The sound was fantastic in the Barras, superb light show too, which really enhanced the gig. Songs like Catch The Breeze, Souvlaki Space Station, When the Sun Hits (which i think is one of the Tik Tok "hits") sounded superb and took me straight back to my youth. Dagger was beautiful, and Sugar For The Pill (another one i was not familair with) just blew me away. Can't believe i've not checked out the newer stuff sooner (corrected that on Saturday morning ). Crazy For You stood out too, but i think it was just weird to hear that song live. The Pygmalion album was always different from their others for me. A more personal, intimate album of minimalism, and use of silence, as much as music. Extremely stripped back in comparison to what had came before, so wasn't sure how it came across to the younger side of the audience. Still nice to hear.

The highlight for me had to be their jammed out version of Golden Hair. This has been part of their back catalogue since the early 90s and has always been a favourite of mine. Rachael was on stage for the start of the song, her voice carrying the lyrics beautifully, before slipping off stage and leaving the rest of the band to just keep going. They must have played for a good 10mins, just raising the volume until it was just a wall of noise... building to a frenzy. Their stand-in drummer was giving it his all and it sounded utterly fantasic by the time it came to an end. Just utterly mesmerising to watch.

A great night out with my daughter (which was really the highlight of it all), a fantastic gig and another band i can cross off the "Wish I'd Seen Them..." list. Highly recommend catching them if you have hesitated previously. My only regret is not catching them 30 years ago!

[Rokkenwithdokken]

Chemical Brothers - holy shit was that amazing. Hadn't seen them for nearly 25 years. Out of this world gig. Incredible visuals and the sound was top shelf. Wasn't even high.

Michael Rother - night after Chemical Brothers. It was great. He really is a very special guitar player. Loved every minute of it

Two gigs in two nights - Jesus Christ, what an awesome week.

[stegraham]

I went to watch the Soundtrack of Our Lives last night at the Electric Ballroom, Camden, London. Don't know why but I've never been to that venue before. I liked it. I've only seen TSOOL once before - way back in 2002 after they just released Behind the Music. Not sure why I never caught them again before they split up in 2012, because I always bought and enjoyed their albums. Anyway, they got back together last year and have been touring Sweden and this was their only UK gig. It wasn't a sell out which suprised me, but better for me because we weren't squashed like sometimes. I had a bit of space around me to "boogie", and throw some shapes. Nice! They were great - really, really good. Played for over 2 hours, 23 tracks, two lots of encores. We couldn't get enough and the band looked like they were having a good time. Ebbot Lundberg is such a great front man. They played songs from all six albums, and they went off track a few times in the songs, extending them , adding bits , adding other tunes - just full of energy and great musicans. I hope this tour is not a one off and they disband again. I'd love to hear some new music and more gigs - I'l be there! Unfortunately got carried away in all the fun and had one too many pints - sore head today!

[niamhm]

Saw bdrmm last night at Edinburgh Voodoo Rooms, 4th time seeing them this last 18 months, 4 sold out shows in a mini Scottish tour, clearly enjoying themselves and their ferocious, goth tinged shoegaze going down a storm, looking forward to seeing them again at Mogwai’s Big City 2024 this summer

[niamhm]

Saw JAMC warm up show in Glasgow at St Luke’s And The Ox, as the nominated driver I wasn’t as excited as some around me, but was still buzzing to see them in a relatively smaller venue, they were a bit rusty kicking off but by about 5 songs in a fantastic Some Candy Talking saw things noticeably kick up a gear, SCT can, like many of their mellower tracks sound a bit weedy live but not tonight, SCT, Darklands and Just Like Honey all sounded great, fragile but not like they were missing something altogether. Mogwai dj played the new album before they played and from what I could tell above the general pre gig buzz it sounded pretty good and the 4 new songs they did all sounded good, darker, maybe less concessions to “pop” but I’ll know better about that a few weeks from now, anyway the classic bangers I 2ant to hear at a Mary Chain show they mostly did, I Hate Rock N Roll, Blues From A Gun, Cracking Up, All Things Must Pass and Head On - only missing Between Planets for me - and a surprise Sidewalking thrown in, a few false starts and even a new song abandoned just to add to the authenticity, honestly I don’t think I’ve been to see them were they’re wasn’t at least one or more false starts, anyway, God bless the Mary Chain

[BROKENHEART]

Sunn O))) at The Barbican
A wonderful set of drone, noise guitar feedback. One and a half hours of a thing of beauty. Great smoke and lightning in the hall to complement the deathly sound.
Was a bit worried that I didn't bring my ear plugs, but all seems well this morning. Support from Jesse Sykes with The Sweet Hereafter (backing band, bass and lead guitar). Lovely,haunting ethereal sounds with beautiful vocals. A treat of an evening at Barbican.

[angel-sighs]

my busy year gig wise has continued, three recent ones

Kayla Painter/Sulk Rooms/James Adrian Brown- night of electronic music, nothing mindblowing but all quite different to each other
Bill Ryder Jones- last minute choice , refreshing to hear some more crafted songwriting compared to a lot of the gigs I go to .
Juju- best out of the 3 for me, just my cup of tea, repetitive rhythms and lots of fuzz guitar on top

I also considered the Sunn O))) Coventry show but it the ticket price was just a bit expensive for me. not sure I am enough of a fan. i found this professionally shot recording of them, weird to hear them in such quality. I am sure the physical impact of being there is important but I think 90 mins may have been a bit much for me.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kLZ1BXzABuc

[BROKENHEART]

The Jonny Halifax Invocation} Two Palms Hackney.
The Venue, pretty small,stage,floor,bar and balcony. The type of Venue I prefer as it always seems more intimate. Probably 60-80 punters ( but then I'm useless at numbers)
Support from Laura Loriga, a 3 piece (guitar, drums and vocals). Sorry, but it didn't do a lot for me, pleasant, but then my last gig was Sunn O))) so maybe my excuse.
The JHI was a different kettle of fish. A complete change from when last saw JH as Honkeyfinger, way back when?
Seven musicians squeezed onto the tiny stage with a myriad of instruments. I don't think that I've seen as many instruments on a stage at one time. The main instruments were 2 guitars(JH on lap steel) + 1 other guitarist, saxophone, drums, keyboard, violin, drums. Add to that duelling harmonicas, maracas and a couple of wind instruments, you can imagine the cacophony of sound produced.
We were even treated to a display of heavy Morris dance from the 2nd guitarist with hand held and ankle bells !
It was a wonderful experience, performance of free blues,drone, feedback with spacey hypnotic sounds . Reminiscent of earlier Spiritualized and S3.
I apologise for not knowing or researching the other musicians in The JHI. Obviously all top people. Thankyou JHI and 2 Palms Hackney.

[Greeny]

The Jonny Halifax Invocation} Two Palms Hackney.

Sounds fucking brilliant! Thanks for the write-up.

[BROKENHEART]

The Jonny Halifax Invocation} Two Palms Hackney.

Sounds fucking brilliant! Thanks for the write-up.

You're very welcome. Thankyou for your post that prompted me to attend this gig and go down a rabbit hole to check JH out. That's the beauty of this forum. Cheers

[Venkman]

John Squire, Colombiahalle Berlin. Absolutely loved it, sounded so much bigger than the album with a lot more jamming by the band (which included Little Barrie on bass). Was concerned that Gallagher's voice might not hold up as any clips I've heard of him over the last few years have sounded a bit weedy/nasal but tbf to him he absolutely smashed it.

BDRMM, Newcastle Cluny. 5th time seeing them and definitely the tightest they've been (even noticeable after seeing them in Hull just before Xmas). Would always recommend seeing them if you get the opportunity, they're only going to get bigger.

Slowdive, Newcastle Academy. Whilst I've always been aware of them I've never owned any of their albums but that didn't matter as the set they played was just incredible from start to finish (great lightshow too) and was surprised to see that over half the audience probable weren't even born when the band started out. Set lasted about an hour (excluding encores) and I think I prefer that to long drawn out shows these days, especially as it was the most cramped gig I've ever been at, never seen a crowd so tightly packed in despite having attended multiple sell outs at the same venue previously.

[Greeny]

The Jonny Halifax Invocation} Two Palms Hackney.

Sounds fucking brilliant! Thanks for the write-up.

You're very welcome. Thankyou for your post that prompted me to attend this gig and go down a rabbit hole to check JH out. That's the beauty of this forum. Cheers

And now there's another London opportunity to see the Invocation - and a special-looking one at that. Not missing this one, I can tell you!!

https://www.tickettailor.com/events/mil ... td/1224181#

[niamhm]

Underworld at Edinburgh Usher Hall, it’s a strange one for me as barring a couple of yrs and albums around 2010 always been into their stuff but never seen them live before, they were immense, the venue was stowed and bouncing, quite a different vibe to most live shows I go these days, lots of old school ravers losing their shit and very friendly, pretty much a greatest hits set with a few new bits, actually did two sets, took a 30 min break and came back so basically 150min!! Karl Hyde gives everything, 100%, music and lighting were brilliant, the hypnotic beats and riffs, the builds and drops, yeah they were outstanding.

Hawkwind at Glasgow 02 Academy, weird one this, enjoying the latest album and the previous one, in a period of intense activity they seem to be doing at least one a yr just now, so wanted to see them as previously it was post Covid, man I hate this venue, but it was okay tonight as it was half empty, similar reports from Edinburgh the previous night. In a perfect world it would have been a sold out Barrowland rather than two half empty gigs, whatever, they were brilliant, at 82 Brock’s days of touring are obviously limited, but have to say he was brilliant, couple of guitar change mini breaks, apart from that he did the whole almost two hour set and when he took the lead vocals he was outstanding, might be the last time seeing them but the version of Psychedelic Warlords will live long

[sunray]

Horse Lords, Workmans Club, Dublin: I've been to a load recently but i'll just concentrate on last nights gig. A great 1 hour set from the Baltimore 4-piece of guitar, bass, drums and a double-jobber on percussion and saxophone, on their first visit to these shores. Instrumental throughout and a rather joyous, uplifting and hypnotic experience it proved to be. In the wrong hands this could have been pure muso wankery, cold and uninviting where technical proficiency rules the roost. Thankfully, Horse Lords hands were of the utmost correctness. Loads of polyrhythms, repetitive desert blues guitar, a thick fuzzy bass and some occassional jazz skronk. A definite Steve Reich / Terry Riley influence as the patterns shifted in and out of phase. Big grin and head-nodding throughout A very good turnout, especially for a Sunday night in the company of an obscure act.
Plenty of folks here would dig 'em. Highly recommended if the opportunity arises.

[ro]

ooh, I’ve been looking forward to your Horse Lords review. Glad it was a glorious experience!

[angel-sighs]

I think your previous mention of Horse Lords made me check them out actually, the album I tried first (The Common Task) didn't fully convince me, there were a fair few bits I didn't like. but then tried Comradely Objects and really enjoyed it. would definitely take the chance the see them live. seem like something a bit different. hard to pin down

[BROKENHEART]

The Jonny Halifax Invocation} Two Palms Hackney.

Sounds fucking brilliant! Thanks for the write-up.

You're very welcome. Thankyou for your post that prompted me to attend this gig and go down a rabbit hole to check JH out. That's the beauty of this forum. Cheers

And now there's another London opportunity to see the Invocation - and a special-looking one at that. Not missing this one, I can tell you!!

https://www.tickettailor.com/events/mil ... td/1224181#

Yeah, saw that advertised Greeny. Shame, but I'm at a gig in Brighton on that night (Ditz) and Cranes the following night in London. I'm sure you'll have a great evening.

[herman]

Saw the Bevis Frond last night.
Apparently they're doing their farewell tour as we speak. We got a 2 hour set of psychedelic pop bliss. If you get the chance, go and see this charming band with the ever optimistic, easygoing and grateful frontman, Nick Saloman.

[stegraham]

Went to watch Elephant Stone last night at the Lexington in London. I was suprised that it wasn't sold out. The venue only has a 200 capacity and it's the capital city and it's Elephant Stone!!!! The fact that it wasn't sold out was both a blessing and a curse, but I'm getting ahead of myself.

Karma Sheen were the support band - f**king wow! I've never of heard of these guys before, and they were brilliant! Sitar, theremin, flute and lots of psychedelic guitars. Got the place nicely warmed up, everyone was bopping around and nodding their heads. Really f**king good! I think they've got some music on their bandcamp site, and some good footage of their gigs on youtube. I'm definately going try and catch these guys again. Total feel good music!

First time I've seen Elephant Stone - I've been meaning to see them for yonks, but never seem to catch them. Played alot of stuff off their latest long player, stuff off Hollow and a great version of Don't you know. My only criticism was that the lead guitar could have been louder. I don't know if people remember the episode of Minder when Arthur is trying to give up smoking? He gets hypnotized and then everytime he smokes a cigar it tastes of rubber. Well, I think I have been hypnotized in regards to guitar loudness! I saw Pastel last month at the garage and thought their guitars should have been turned up. Also when I saw Rose Ciy Band last year! Strange - anyway, I digress!

My main beef with the gig - and this is an old one - was some elements of the crowd, f**king talking all the time!! Maybe because it wasn't sold out it attracted some casual listeners? At a gig you can't really talk, so you end up shouting. Half way through Elephant Stone's set 6-7 guys suddenly appeared doing the "lad" dancing. They were obviously a stag do and were not interested in the gig at all. Shouting at each other and keep banging into me and the wife. I had to move before I got into a fight. Glad we did because we got a better spot and kept out of trouble, but bloody hell at the time it really does spoil the enjoyment of the music. Never mind, it was a decent gig over all. Definately check out Karma Sheen if you can!

[Venkman]

Any idea why Elephant Stone haven't made it to Fuzz Club today?

[Laz69]

Any idea why Elephant Stone haven't made it to Fuzz Club today?

Their van broke down on the way to Eindhoven. Didn't make their slot and they could get fit in any where else from what I've heard

[sunray]

A very nice weekend of aural punishment a few days back:

Godflesh - The Academy, Dublin: Loud, heavy and unrelenting on probably the hottest night of the year so far. 85 minute set all in and it was bloody great. Followed the next night by:

Acid Mothers Temple - Workmans Club, Dublin: For a band with so much material they could certainly change the setlist a bit more, but when they're on form like this it hardly matters. 5 tracks over the course of 90 minutes, veering from full on speed crazed noise assaults (Darkstar Blues) to minimal, repetitive trance-outs (Flying Teapot), they were hitting my pleasure spots. Last two songs were great versions of Pink Lady Lemonade and Cometary Orbital Drive. Marvellous. Big grin on my face throughout and definitely my gig of the year so far Also, a tip of the hat to Thee UFO on support duties.

[angel-sighs]

Acid Mothers Temple - Workmans Club, Dublin: For a band with so much material they could certainly change the setlist a bit more, but when they're on form like this it hardly matters. 5 tracks over the course of 90 minutes,

absolutely hitting the nail on the head here Joycey!! i am also bewildered how a band that basically releases new music what seems like every week, seems to play the same 4 or 5 tracks live in their setlist with very few extra curveballs. you are basically guaranteed Pink Lady Lemonade, Cometary Orbital Overdrive, the Gong cover, La Novia, etc every single time. no complaints with those and still think they are a storming live band.


as for myself, only recent gig has been Omni which was pretty good. they have that wiry, pent up energy of New York punk like Television or Talking Heads, the songs are well constructed and tight but my tastes lean more towards bands who know how to stretch out, all those 3 minute songs seem a bit bitty to my tastes!

[stegraham]

Went to watch Pale Blue Eyes at Bedford Esquires last night. Great as always, but why or why did I have that last beer? Never learn!

[runcible]

After an unwelcome break of 6 months without any live music I saw 2 shows in just over a week.

Michael Head and the Red Elastic Band played Leeds City Varieties the other week. As Mick releases more of his solo material the older Shack and Strands songs have been understandably lost from the set list. His recent material is all decent but it doesn't reach the heights of what came before. It was a good show but I'd have preferred a bigger chunk of Waterpistol (only 1 song from that) and some Strands (nothing from that record). What was great was a truly immaculate sound in the theatre. Crystal clear, beautifully mixed and you could hear every note.

By contrast the sound at Leeds O2 Academy for The Cadillac Three a week later was about as bad as I have ever heard. At points it was a dull throbbing hum with some drums audible. I loathe that place but TC3 UK gigs are so rare we went anyway. You could tell the band were great, you just couldn't hear it. I've got The Damned coming up at the same venue in December but that'll be it for that place. We're blessed in Leeds with the Brudenell but cursed with the O2 Academy.

[BROKENHEART]

Big|Brave at The Green Door Store Brighton.
Been looking forward to this one for a while and they didn't disappoint. Really emotional drone,noise guitar feedback. Almost certainly my gig of this year so far.
The haunting vocals from Mathieu Ball just fall beautifully with all the distortion of sound.
Aicher ( Liam Andrews) the support act was great with Bass guitar noise and feedback sounds from different parts of his bass and amplifiers. He also added an even fuller sound on the Big|Brave set ( if that's possible) . One of those memorable gigs, just wonderful.

[stegraham]

I had tickets to watch Babe Rainbow at the Moth club last week, but couldn't make it. Disappointed. However, I did manage to get to the BMX Bandits' gig on Saturday night at 229 on Great Portland Street. Another venue I've never been to before. I wouldn't say I'm the world's biggest BB fan, this is the first time I've seen them, but I thought they were fantastic. Duglas had lots to say between tracks. He's a funny guy and they played stuff off the new Dreamers on the Run album, and older songs such as E102, Serious Drugs and Girl at the Bus Stop. Shame that it wasn't busier - probably about 100 people there, all of a certain age! Great gig!

[angel-sighs]

I thought about Babe Rainbow but didn't go in the end. definitely want to see Big Brave if I get the chance!

I've been pretty busy recently, seen a few smaller gigs.

Minami Deutsch- superb, I thought I was getting bored of the whole rehashed krautrock thing but it feels so alive with these guys.
Mengers- fuzzy, thick guitars as I expected, tiny crowd but good enough reaction to get an encore
Immortal Onion - Polish jazz band, superb musicianship especially for ones so young. results were mixed bag, I prefer the more energetic moments
Tara Clerkin Trio- hard to classify, mix of ambience, trip hop, minimalism. best bits was when the drums kicked in. one to watch

Minami Deutsch possibly my gig of the year so far.

[Venkman]

Minami Deutsch might just be the best live band in the world.

[angel-sighs]

Minami Deutsch might just be the best live band in the world.

they really were bloody good, will certainly see them again when I get a chance

[nghst]

I saw Kurt Vile in Cincinnati. I had a better experience this time then the last time I saw him. He played songs from his last five albums and his latest ep. There were a couple songs that I didn't recognize. One I was told was a cover of a John Prine song. The other was from an album called God is Saying this to You. It was called Beach on the Moon which he revisits on his Back to Moon Beach ep. I think my favorite songs were Check Baby and Pretty Pimping. Everyone had a seat but the last few songs saw a couple ladies dancing up by the stage.

[angel-sighs]

couple of recent ones.

Penny Arcade- solo project from ex member of Ultimate Painting/Proper Ornaments, names I know from many a psych fest lineup but don't really know their music. this was one of those shows that far exceeded my expectations. he is a great songwriter, melodic sleepy psych pop. live there was some more energy including some fine flowing lead guitar and the encore was a lengthy jam on the Velvet's What Goes On.

Kim Gordon- probably the opposite, high expectations and it was good but nothing amazing. as far as I could tell it was all songs from the last two solo albums so more beat and drone based with her distinctive vocal stylings on top. definitely some good moments particularly near the end when the sound quality improved. but a bit one dimensional and in recreating the album it seemed more of a 'performance' rather than having that live spark, if that makes sense.

Ty Segall next this weekend.. looking forward to it after positive reports elsewhere on the board

[sunray]

Kim Gordon- probably the opposite, high expectations and it was good but nothing amazing. as far as I could tell it was all songs from the last two solo albums so more beat and drone based with her distinctive vocal stylings on top. definitely some good moments particularly near the end when the sound quality improved. but a bit one dimensional and in recreating the album it seemed more of a 'performance' rather than having that live spark, if that makes sense.

What was the setup here? Just a guitar and laptop, or anything/one else involved?