With Cock Off the first thing I noticed was the very aggressive intense vocals of the lead singer, this is evident in both the fast and slower songs. The band seem to really enjoy what they're doing and they've obviously worked hard to create a very tight live act, which became more evident as the gig progressed. Throughout the set there is a good variation in style and tempo of songs.
A keyboard replaces the more commonly used bass guitar; this is not a bad thing as it has a very full sound, making use of many effects. The vocals are also enhanced at times by effects, adding originality and interest.
The main criticism I have is that there is a lack of stage presence. The only member of the band with any real stage presence is the lead singer. The two guitarists stand towards the side of the stage, facing each other, for the majority of the gig. The music is innovative and interesting but after a while your attention drifts away as the band is not visually interesting.
Lovecraft are next on. This band has a great deal of energy from the opening of their first song. They seem a little cramped onstage as there are quite a few people in the band. Unusually a violin is used in many songs, which you don't often see. Lots of other instruments are used such as sleigh bells, xylophones and children's toys!
Unfortunately this band also lacks stage presence. They let themselves down by playing good songs, but make them twice as long as they need be, which becomes irritating. The final song of their set lasted almost ten minutes, and people began heckling after about 5 of those. I would like to see this band when they have further developed their style and they have become a tighter live act. They have great groundwork for some seriously good music!!
The interlude sees local poet Glen Patterson reciting some of his poetry about various areas of modern life. This is a great icebreaker and is very amusing and thought provoking. It gets the audience warmed up for what is about to come.
From the beginning it is evident that Flamingo 50 are the most energetic act of the night so far, and have the most stage presence without the use of any gimmicks or tricks. They all seem really into what they are playing and their enjoyment is very noticeable.
For a 3 piece they have an amazing level of intensity and power through their music. The first song has no vocals and builds the tension up nicely for the next song. The lead singer has an amazing voice, she sounds like the lovechild of PJ Harvey and Sid Vicious. The vocals are so powerful, chest ripping and knee trembling, that you cant help but stare, open-mouthed, with a possessed glint in your eye, trying to sing along to their songs even though you don't know the words.
The final act of the night is Zen Baseball Bat. From their opening song it is blatantly obvious that they are going to steal the award for most lively act of the evening. As you look at the band every member is doing something to keep the audience's interest. The trumpet player and the trombone player are skanking onstage and everyone just seems to love what they're doing!
Each song oozes pure ska, with its never failing drumbeats, brilliant edgy guitars and the vital ingredient of the trumpet and trombone. The vocals are fantastic as well, the lead singer has a brilliant voice that the Specials would be proud of.
Ska is my favourite style of music and this band are a great example why, their music makes you smile, you can't cry when you listen to ska. Each song makes you want to dance. You can't stay still when a good ska band is playing. You have to dance or at least wiggle a bit. By the last song you're tired from dancing, but you still want to hear more and dance some more. It's infectious and I love it! Zen Baseball Bat played a blinding set, which was a fantastic end to a great evening.
A keyboard replaces the more commonly used bass guitar; this is not a bad thing as it has a very full sound, making use of many effects. The vocals are also enhanced at times by effects, adding originality and interest.
The main criticism I have is that there is a lack of stage presence. The only member of the band with any real stage presence is the lead singer. The two guitarists stand towards the side of the stage, facing each other, for the majority of the gig. The music is innovative and interesting but after a while your attention drifts away as the band is not visually interesting.
Lovecraft are next on. This band has a great deal of energy from the opening of their first song. They seem a little cramped onstage as there are quite a few people in the band. Unusually a violin is used in many songs, which you don't often see. Lots of other instruments are used such as sleigh bells, xylophones and children's toys!
Unfortunately this band also lacks stage presence. They let themselves down by playing good songs, but make them twice as long as they need be, which becomes irritating. The final song of their set lasted almost ten minutes, and people began heckling after about 5 of those. I would like to see this band when they have further developed their style and they have become a tighter live act. They have great groundwork for some seriously good music!!
The interlude sees local poet Glen Patterson reciting some of his poetry about various areas of modern life. This is a great icebreaker and is very amusing and thought provoking. It gets the audience warmed up for what is about to come.
From the beginning it is evident that Flamingo 50 are the most energetic act of the night so far, and have the most stage presence without the use of any gimmicks or tricks. They all seem really into what they are playing and their enjoyment is very noticeable.
For a 3 piece they have an amazing level of intensity and power through their music. The first song has no vocals and builds the tension up nicely for the next song. The lead singer has an amazing voice, she sounds like the lovechild of PJ Harvey and Sid Vicious. The vocals are so powerful, chest ripping and knee trembling, that you cant help but stare, open-mouthed, with a possessed glint in your eye, trying to sing along to their songs even though you don't know the words.
The final act of the night is Zen Baseball Bat. From their opening song it is blatantly obvious that they are going to steal the award for most lively act of the evening. As you look at the band every member is doing something to keep the audience's interest. The trumpet player and the trombone player are skanking onstage and everyone just seems to love what they're doing!
Each song oozes pure ska, with its never failing drumbeats, brilliant edgy guitars and the vital ingredient of the trumpet and trombone. The vocals are fantastic as well, the lead singer has a brilliant voice that the Specials would be proud of.
Ska is my favourite style of music and this band are a great example why, their music makes you smile, you can't cry when you listen to ska. Each song makes you want to dance. You can't stay still when a good ska band is playing. You have to dance or at least wiggle a bit. By the last song you're tired from dancing, but you still want to hear more and dance some more. It's infectious and I love it! Zen Baseball Bat played a blinding set, which was a fantastic end to a great evening.
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Friday 01/01/08 Paramore @ Brixton Academy, London
Tuesday 16/10/07 Bouncing Souls, Lifetime, Modern Life Is War @ Webster Hall, New York
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