Friday 09/05/03 Jackie O, The Mojave Collective @ The Big House, Liverpool

The Mojave Collective in my opinion, are one of the most accomplished bands to have come out of Liverpool in the past few years. I first discovered them when I was playing a set at The Marakesh Express open mic night that they run at The Atrium Bar on Tuesdays. I'd packed up my guitar and was heading out of the door when I heard sweet soulful sounds calling me back inside. Basically the usual reference points are there but where The Mojave Collective differ to those who have come before them is that they actually sound like The Byrds or The Band or CSN&Y, as opposed to a Liverpool Band trying to emulate their heroes.

Tonight sees them in perfect surroundings in the awesome, Dickensian ballroom that is the Big House. Hopefully this venue will be housing bands more regularly from now on as visually and vibeually it more than makes up for its sonic deficiencies. The Mojave Collective is fantastic tonight, a little nervous perhaps but I think that only serves to endear them to the 100 strong crowd.

Manchester's Jackie O are ably providing support tonight and if you like punky/non melodic/sexy girl bass player/thrashy/trashy rock then you'll like Jackie O. If you don't then you won't - Simple as that.

Ahhh.. But The Mojave Collective… my new favourite band. Until the next one comes along of course…