Wednesday 13/06/07 The Aliens, The General and Duchess Collins, Dan Travis, Mr P and China @ Thekla, Bristol

Tonight at Thekla three bands are playing, but with the range of musical styles it’s as if ten are here. First Bristol’s Dan Travis, Mr P and China offer gentle, folksy riffs. Vocals in ‘Undue Influence’ are reminiscent of an acoustic Fred Durst and REM.  The band ends on ‘Monjiana’, a beguiling Swedish tune meaning “I will marry you”.  Its translation is a mystery, but Dan sounds strong and impassioned.

The General and Duchess Collins come to the fore next.  Plagued by sound problems, the vocals are often muffled and guitars overwhelm them.  With hints of Dire Straights and Elvis Costello, they play a set of melodramatic pop rock to the acoustic ‘The Collector’.  By the final song ‘My Friend Jim’, the crowd is nicely warmed up for the main act. 

The Aliens immediately blast their predecessors out of the water.  Launching with a scorching dose of psychedelic guitars, ‘Setting Sun’ grows to fill the hull of the ship.  The crowd erupts. We’re on a musical journey from the 60’s through to the present.  Swirling guitars, ethereal vocals and laser beam effects in ‘Glover’ are handpicked from a bygone era.  Epic and conceptual, it’s like the dawning of a new age.

“Sorry if I seem arrogant, it’s because I am,” announces frontman Gordon Anderson as he changes guitar.  He slurps on water, then medicine, but the wait is too long for some.  “****in’ get on with it”, one guy shouts.  “I’ve got a train to catch.”  Eventually they do with the Johnny Cash-esque ‘Tomorrow’ and funkadelic forthcoming single ‘Robot Man’. A full on party atmosphere ensues with ‘The Happy Song’ and finally The Aliens close with ‘Rox’ an ode to all their influences: glam rock, baggy 90’s indie, psychadelia  and heavier rock. 

It’s a blast from the past, but it’s more than welcome.  We loved it.