Sound And Vision does what it says on the tin. Shelly Turner and Johnny Nettles (of Gigwise infamy) have got us together at their inaugural Private View in Liverpool to show off their rock’n’roll photographs and pop art, before laying on four bands to tap our feet to. They’re such nice people, there’s also free beer. Ace.

 

First up, we have the world debut of John and Scott formerly of The Bandits and their new four-piece Yossarian. Not only do they have a great name, but some lovable tunes, and play with the assurance of confident, experienced performers. Gentle promptings of electric guitar and bongos underpin John’s off-kilter soul-infused rock, and a good time is had by everyone squeezed into equally lovable The Kif. Best moment; John acknowledging one song’s passing resemblance to Faith’s staccato acoustic guitar by noting above the applause, "That’s our George Michael one, that." Pity they’re planning to get their heads down for six months before playing live again, but look out for them when they bud into flower in the Spring.

 

Bexy Sitch and the Creepy Crawlies manage to get through two and a half songs in the first twenty minutes of their set due to sound problems and a dastardly snapped string. But the all-girl three-piece cope with their usual charm - which is half the reason they’re a great live band. Aside from their obvious ramshackle chemistry, Bexy also have some insidiously catchy songs. They may be basic, they can be looser than your Grandmother’s bowels, but Bexy’s tunes head straight into that bit of your brain fitted with the involuntary repeat button.

 

Unfortunately for our next band Sizer Barker, by the time they take to the stage, their more subtle offerings are somewhat lost on the crowd. Firstly all the free booze has been consumed and magically translated into chattering noise, and secondly, their three-piece incarnation is sitting down and playing quite quietly. So, thirdly, their well-crafted melodies aren’t afforded as much attention as they need to flourish. Still, the band are pros and don’t seem to mind, and singer Carl even remembers to tell the crowd to find a rich mate to buy some of Shelly and Johnny’s art work.

 

Misty’s Big Adventure are a whole different prospect. Warming up for future Zutons support slots, they have brought their own dancing blueberry with them. What’s that he’s wearing on his flowing cape? Oh, yes, its plaster-casts of kitchen gloves. Ten out of ten for originality. Indeed, with all seven members jumping around, mucking in and beating away, originality is a quality they greatly treasure. But there’s still humdrum things like bass-guitar-drums structure, chord progressions and coherent lyrics (sung by a deadringer for monotone Yank comedian Steven Wright), and they hit a suitably high-octane note to conclude the night on.