Great to catch John and his sensational band yet again and sing our hearts out, especially with Claire & Kenny! You can see Claire in the audience pic!
Been a big fan of TDs music since early 80s when bought first albums and saw the ‘Flat Earth’ tour show at the Queen’s Hall in 84. He had mainly retired, but saw him again in 2011. Another gap, but back touring again! Great support from the very entertaining Martin McAloon bravely playing (and largely pulling off) solo his brother Paddy’s masterpiece Prefab Sprout compositions. Enjoyed that.
Now a professor at Baltimore University, he used elements of his music technology teaching in the show to great effect, live streaming his DAW and merging in video in clever ways … impressed! This time he said he would perform more of his favourites and lesser known songs. Still lots of my faves too, but not such a perfect set for me. Still, great to see and sing along. He’s an important musical figure and I still love those first 2 albums!
We had a fabulous time last Friday at La Belle Angèle, supporting the effervescent Dirty Harry Edinburgh at another sell out gig! Cheers to everyone who came along including lots of new faces from the folk we spoke to after the show.
A few very new songs played including “How Soon Is Now” which is a tricky structure to play but we think we nailed it….. Onwards and upwards , news of November and December shows (East and West) to follow soon !
I enjoyed the few songs I had seen and heard from Sweden’s Girl Scout, so was intrigued enough to head out to Sneaky’s for this one. From Dutch support band Marathon and Girls Scout combined use of massed Fender offset guitars (6) I could tell this was maximum indie music night!
And though I liked Girl Scout’s sound and songs … all seemed a bit samey for me unfortunately. So I enjoyed the night but it could have been more varied and interesting .
His Lordship are for me the undisputed champions of raw, unprocessed and unfiltered, simple but pure rock ‘n roll. Delivered with passion, swagger and great musicianship. Loved them since first seen at the caves last year and was excited that they took their UK tour to the comparatively small Cabaret Voltaire … we expected fireworks and were not disappointed!
Arrived early so we could get right to the front to witness the incendiary performance of main man James Walbourne. So close we were right in James’s jettisoned sweat and spittle zone! See us in the video below … Awesome! An hour of non stop energy and power reminded me yet again why I love the 3 piece rock band so much. Great skill and love for the songs from all 3. Drummer Kris taking the mic (in mouth) on top of bass drum for his usual party piece and David Page the perfect complement on Bass (love the Peavey T-40) and b/vs. Tartan suits a nice touch!
I even got Andy to snag me James’s dropped JW personalised plectrum which I will treasure. A ‘Red Hot’ night ‘In The City’! You must see them when they come to town again. Superb
It took news of the tragic and untimely death of composer and band leader Tim Smith in 2020 for me to discover the amazing and to some people bizarre music of Cardiacs. I’ve become a huge fan since but they had not played live since 2007 due to Tim’s debilitating illness but a growing ‘family’ of friends and fans have kept the Cardiacs flame alive.
3 very special ‘reunion’ shows in England had been arranged to celebrate his life, entitled ‘Sing To Tim’, and the Cardiacs fanbase (or ‘the pond’ as known) were so ecstatic they sold out immediately! Only at the very last minute did I think of going to the final show in Leeds. At 1pm on the day I thought ‘I’ve always wanted to go to the Brudenell Social Club … and why not?!’ I asked on a Facebook group if anyone had a spare ticket and took the mad decision to drive from Edinburgh to Leeds right away!
I got there just in time to get a ticket from the very kind Andrew and join the friendly and enthusiastic crowd, right at the front right so I could watch my bass hero, Tim’s brother Jim. I couldn’t believe my luck to join in such a lovely party atmosphere of celebration and love. Supports Crayola Lectern and Tim Smith’s Spratleys were really interesting and went down a storm.
Main event ‘Cardiacs Family’ got the hugest welcome, especially for the much loved Jim. Sadly no Tim of course but this was no pale tribute act since it had so many members from key line ups of the band through Cardiacs history. Jim Smith the only ever present Cardiac, Bob Leith on Drums, Christian ‘Bic’ Hayes on guitar and vocals and leader on the night Jon Poole on guitar and vocals (and a brilliant job he did too). With backing from Craig Fortnam (percussion), Chloe Herington (saxophone), and Adrien Rodes (keyboard). This allowed a ‘no backing tracks’ performance with all of the lovely intricate and interactive instrumental parts played live. A bit of a surprise but more than a bit special – great job all. Cameo roles from guest vocalists Sharron Fortnam, Jo Spratley, Tiny Wood and Mark Cawthra.
Non Cardiacs fans might not understand much of the music or the set, but the most knowledgable crowd ever jumped around mad and sang all the words ’til hoarse. Just magical! This might have been the last ever Cardiacs show (but I think not after the popularity and success of the 3 shows). The adrenalin and warm glow kept me going for the long drive home. A fabulous experience and I’m so glad I went.
Another Sunday evening when I’m not sure I can be bothered gigging, but as always happens I was so glad I got up for it and went along! An all round great occasion and top value for money with 3 quality bands. I wasn’t sure who would be on last in this co-headline show between Personal Trainer from The Netherlands and Norway’s Pom Poko. But I think Pom Poko on last worked perfectly.
The Itch first up were cool but anticipation for the 7 piece Personal Trainer was high following their impressive previous shows in Edinburgh. And I really enjoyed their fun, inventiveness and variety. Very entertaining and they went down a storm.
How could the much simpler guitar, bass, drums and voice of Pom Poko follow that? Well they took the already enthusiastic crowd to the next level of excitement and dancing about with a brilliant performance that will be long remembered. For my peculiar tastes Pom Poko sit right in the intersection of my musical venn diagram of my loved ‘off-kilter’ rock bands like XTC, Cardiacs and my favourite Scandinavian female singers including Norwegians Susanne Sundfør, Aurora and Ane Brun to name just a few. Just like heaven for me as per the first time I saw them!
And we were all caught up and joined in the joyful bouncing around conducted by bouncing around singer Ragnhild Fangel Jamtveit clearly having a ball. So much smiling around the room. I floated home, still smiling! Magical.
George Glen 