SHOW REVIEW: Hospitality, Brixton Academy, London (24.9.10)

‘Bass To Melt Your Face’
Friday 24th September 2010
Brixton Academy, London


The increasing popularity of Hospital Records and the unexpected closure of Fabric’s sister club Matter means the Hospitality nights are now bound for bigger and better things. I had been to dance parties at Brixton Academy before but Hospitality is less a dance party and more a way of life. In my mind Drum’and’Bass nights should be small, cramped, dirty, heavy, grimy, sweaty and in the end leave you feeling much the same way. Whether this would transgress to a much larger venue was yet to be seen.

Straight away the immense growth in Hospital Records’ following became apparent, as along with all the usual trainer wearing, shit-talking, face-chewing cainers came a new breed of much more sober looking and sophisticated ‘Ministry of Sound’ types. But there was no doubt all were there for one thing – to get down and dirty to some of the best Drum’and’Bass around town.

London Elektricity have never been a favourite of mine and tonight saw them do no better. While they are good they always seem to miss the mark. Their beats are fine but their lead in’s and climax’s leave you hanging mid-peak, never coming back to get you. Their mixes are disjointed and mismatched at times and often sound as if they’re simply changing records on a player. A steady act that would benefit from stepping it up a notch or 10.

Next were High Contrast, with contrast being the operative word. The came, they saw, the tore the place up. With a savvy MC who knows exactly when and where he’s needed and a stretch of epic beats, breaks and classic samples that almost caused a riot High Contrast got the floor moving and left all wanting to see more. But not now… maybe another time… Danny Byrd was on next. So though High Contrast became a fast crowd favourite no one was that sad to see them go.

It’s hard to review Danny Byrd, as it is hard to put truly great Drum’and’Bass into words. Drum’and’Bass is very much a feeling and experience, making you dance into a frenzy and do things you normally wouldn’t do in front of complete strangers. I don’t think anyone spoke during Danny Byrd’s set for fear of missing a beat, catching a breath and dropping dead on the spot. From housey, dancey, disco samples to the heaviest, dirtiest most evil bass lines you’ve heard in an age Danny Byrd delivered it all and was heard right the way through to China. If High Contrast got the floor moving Danny set it on fire. Not a foot touched the ground until he finally had to be forcibly faded out by the sound engineer to make way for Andy C, but no one would have cared if he played all night. Byrd is the word.

And you’ve gotta love Andy C. We all love Andy C! The original and one of the best delivered his standard high quality set that melted your face and kept you going till sun up. But following The Byrd is a hard yard and as most kept on keeping on some went for drinks, some for smokes, and after half a set from Andy C I reluctantly threw in the towel.

Hospitality is an amazing club night. It’s well done, well organised, always delivers quality line up’s, so it’s easy to see why it has taken off in such epic fashion. But I can’t help feeling we lose a small piece of the true down to earth Hospitality the bigger and better it gets. But that’s the way it goes I suppose.

SHOW REVIEW: The Pixies, Brixton Academy, London (6-9.10.09)

The Legacy Lives On
Tuesday 6th-9th October 2009
Brixton Academy, London
　

With an array of supports and a set comprising of the entire ‘Dolittle’ album plus a few more hits thrown in, The Pixies residence at Brixton would have been hard pressed to disappoint.

The Big Pink did a fine job of opening proceedings on the first night with a wall-of-sound rock style that makes them hard to ignore. Bombay Bicycle Club jumped about a lot on the second night but didn’t seem to make that much noise – all show and no substance for me I’m afraid. Art Brut did their usual fine repetoire of socially observant comedy-laden hits, with a few funny-cause-they’re-so-bad jokes thrown in – I’ll never get sick of this band. And Friday’s offering of Dinosaur Pile Up was a mighty fine choice – a tight and rocky little 3 piece that could be set for big things if this set was anything to go by. It was their superb cover of The Beatles’ Please Please Me that won my vote – awesome! A good sound, a good set, a good rock’n’roll edge that should take them far.

It was announced prior to The Pixies shows that they’d be playing their Dolittle album in its entirety so we knew what to expect to an extent. It was so great to see them back on stage once again, and to see they hadn’t lost the pure indie rock feel that made them the legends they are today. Hits such as Debaser, Bleed, Gigantic and Monkeys were met with ecstatic applause, plus they threw in extra gems Hey, Into the White and Isla De Encanta. A mighty pleasant surprise.

There was little to no banter between band members on stage which might have disappointed some, but it only meant there was room for more songs and encores, of which there were 2 each night. They came, they played, they blew us away. Long may The Pixies legacy live on.

SHOW REVIEW: The Maccabees, Brixton Academy, London (3.10.09)

Please Sirs, May I Have Some More?
Saturday 3rd October 2009
Brixton Academy, London

The Lyrebirds. The name of the first support conjured up exciting visions of rock’n’roll perhaps inspired by The Yardbirds, which was perpetuated further by their look as they sauntered on in smart-but-cool collared shirts, jackets and jeans. But the dream ended there as they were yet another softer than necessary indie rock outfit with repetitive cliched riffs and lyrics.

Second on offer, Peggy Sue, came as a pleasant surprise. At first glance they reminded me of a female Mumford & Sons, with catchy country-esque tales of life and love coupled with finely crafted and creatively personable lyrics featuring guitars, drums, banjo and harmonica. Peggy Sue should go far due to their unique style and creative talents.

Next came the band whose rise to fame has been nothing short of a speeding freight train. With 2 EP’s, 2 albums and 10 singles under their belts the boys from Brighton have much to be proud of. Add to that list a sold out Brixton show and you have what lead singer Orlando Weeks touted as being ‘…probably the best night of our lives’. They played a fiery set and had Brixton in the palm of their hands from the get go.

Including Can You Give It?, Love You Better and No Kind Words they played an outstanding set, with Orlando’s musky tones leading a beautiful, melodic, guitar-driven indie rock set that definitely showed you why they stand out from the crowd. The bassists not afraid to show his rhythm, the drummer beats his skins with a fury, and the addition of horns in various tracks made it a perfect showcase of their ability and diversity. An excellent show, an excellent band, an excellent future ahead of them. May we see much more of The Maccabess.

SHOW REVIEW: Arctic Monkeys, Brixton Academy, London (26.8.09)

Full Support
Wednesday 26th August 2009
Brixton Academy, London

With Josh Homme having produced their latest album the Arctic Monkeys have improved on what was already an impressive sound. Their short punchy riffs have now been slowed down a notch and nurtured to become dark and brooding, sexy and scorching, and have been made more effective and mesmerising in doing so. I’ll admit I was a little more interested to see if Josh himself would make an appearance, though I do love Arctic Monkeys.

But low and behold who should be supporting them but Them Crooked Vultures – a new collaboration featuring Josh Homme, Dave Grohl and John Paul Jones. There’s nothing quite like the cheer of 5000+ people when they unexpectedly see Dave Grohl walk on stage, let alone with a pair of drum sticks. What followed was a heavy, riff-laden, rock’n’roll wall of sound that could come from no others. Reminiscent of QOTSA the tunes were hard hitting and powerful, matching perfectly with the sultry yet manly tones of Mr Homme. Yet another super group well deserving the ‘super’ title.

Bravely the Arctic Monkey’s then followed and did mighty well. Their new sound is brooding and moody at times but still delivers those catchy riffs and articulate lyrics without losing their edge. They churned out hits of new including Crying Lightening and Pretty Visitors, as well as old trusty’s I Bet You Look Good On The Dance Floor, When The Sun Goes Down, The View From The Afternoon and pleased the crowd no end.

Though it was hard to fathom the amazing line up we’d just seen as a support act The Monkeys held their own and showed they’re not just a few boys from up North banging them out. They’re growing, as is their music, and they’ll be here for many years to come.

SHOW REVIEW: 2ManyDJs, Brixton Academy, London (13/6/09)

Hot to Trot
Saturday 13th June 2009
Brixton Academy, London

A ‘fee flow’ dance party at Brixton Academy is a sight to behold. Punters are free to roam wherever they please, whether it be upstairs to the Circle for some seated action, in the main foyer for some slip and slide beats (DJ + spilled drinks + marble floors = smooth dance moves), or into the main room where the stayers are. The only snag with this set up is that normally 1000 or so of the people in attendance would be confined to the upstairs Circle section, where as at a free flow show all 5000+ have the chance to squeeze themselves into the main room.

The above may explain why 2ManyDJs was the HOTTEST SHOW I HAVE EVER BEEN TO. Even donning thongs, a short skirt and mini-singlet top I lost at least 2 dress sizes in sweat that night. People were emptying water bottles on themselves, gasping for air and doing the ‘hand fan’ dance move across the floor (dance vigorously whilst fanning face with hands simultaneously). The sweltering heat was endured by thousands, tossing aside their cares and need for liquids, held up only by the rare and awesome talents of Belgian supermen 2ManyDJs.

It was hard to explain to my Stepdad the next day that I had been ‘clubbing’ – as he phrases with disdain all shows I go to that do not feature a live guitar – and yet I had heard the likes of ACDC, Sepultura, Nirvana, Guns’n’Roses and even Beethoven. Being staunch rock’n’rollers my parents only just endure hip-hop as my brother is an MC and budding DJ. They are nowhere near accepting the fact that people make banging music with little knobs and turntables, let alone the fact that they ‘destroy’ original tracks to do so. I hereby disagree.

2ManyDJs talents to mix anything seamlessly and bring it to the forefront of your rhythmical lobe, coupled with mega-basic cardboard cut out graphics, make them one of the greatest DJ acts of our time. They make anything sound good with a beat, which tonight included an awesome and solid favourite mix of MGMT’s ‘Kids’, The Gossip, Dolly Parton, Dizzee Racal, Justice, Prodigy, and the aforementioned rock and classical tunes.

Their mixes are perfect, their timings spot on and their climax’s orgasmic. As far as I’m concerned there could never be 2ManyDJs, just way 2MuchFun.

SHOW REVIEW: Lynyrd Skynyrd, Brixton Academy, London (31/5/09)

The Original R’N’B
Sunday 31st May 2009
Brixton Academy, London

　
This gig begged the question ‘How many Lynyrd Skynyrd songs do you know besides Sweet Home Alabama?’. Many answered none, others answered ‘Freeview’ as heard on the Almost Famous soundtrack if not before. But not many touted they knew 3! At the risk of showing my age, being a hippie chick in my teens and watching Dazed and Confused religiously meant I also knew ‘Tuesday’s Gone’, sad not only for its balladly beauty but as it also signified the end of the movie.

So with confederate flags flying Lyndyrd Skynyrd were introduced to the stage with a fair amount of American fanfare, complete with gratingly annoying voiceover man (‘Ladieees and gentlemeeen, Lynyyyrd Skynyyyrd!’). They may be longhaired and old but they can still rock out. Though missing many of their original members the band have made a healthy life for themselves – admittedly mainly off one song – but their good old fashioned rhythm and blues is a great sound and attracts not only the one hit wonderers but the die hard fans as well. I believe I spotted more George Thoroughgood T-shirts than Lynyrd Skynyrd.

They Southern drawled their way through all the aforementioned hits as well as a whole heap unbeknownst to me, with a down to earth country rock sound that got everyone dancing and drinking. I must admit, thanks to my folks, I’m not adverse to some good rocking country guitar and Lynyrd Skynyrd are one of the masters. They ended the show flying both the confederate flag and Union Jack high and definitely showed Brixton what real R’N’B is all about.

SHOW REVIEW: Maximo Park, Brixton Academy, London (26/5/09)

Apply Some Pressure
Tuesday 26th May 2009
Brixton Academy, London

Maximo Park are England’s answer to Grinspoon: everyone loves them whether it be for their punchy pop-rock style, care free Northern stained lyrics or stylish dress sense and dance moves. They’re an easy band to love and even easier to sing along to, so it’s no surprise they spent 2 sold out nights at Brixton, especially when backed by popular newcomers The Noisettes.

The Noisettes have eclectic musical influences and it shows. Every song tells a different story, with guitar riffs and drum beats bouncing from the synth-pop of the 80’s to the proper R’n’B riffs of the 60’s. Their lyrics tell you to shake your tail feather whilst musing of loves won and lost, all with the soul driven smoky vocals of Shingai Shoniwa.

Maximo Park then explode at us like a firecracker with perfect stepping stone chord progressions and stick cracking beats. They’re a tight outfit with a stylish pop sound and an even more stylish lead singer. Paul Smith looks the part in his usual white collared shirt, black suit, sleeves rolled up and black bowler hat, and this man has the moves. His Northern twang and charm bounce around the stage along with his sexy crutch thrusts and leg kicks that catch every girls eye.

They pull out all their hits including Graffiti, I Want You To Stay, Limassol, Girls Who Play Guitar, and finish off with obvious crowd favourite Apply Some Pressure – a song I hold dear to my heart and live by more often than not in my various world travels. And after such an amazing show I will continue to do so.

SHOW REVIEW: The Specials, Brixton Academy, London (7/5/09)

Come on in, it's been a while...
Thursday 7th May 2009
Brixton Academy, London

Thanks to my folks I’ve been listening to The Specials from a very young age. ‘A Message To You Rudy’ was a favourite of mine as a little girl and I played it so much even my folks got sick of it. So when, after 30 odd years, the boys from Coventry announced 5 – count ‘em 5! – night’s at Brixton Academy I was first to sign up for bar shifts.

Then came the wait – 3 months of barely containable excitement pushed to boiling point until the afternoon of the first show. I ran throughout my day job shouting ‘Happy Specials Day!’ to everyone, listened to their tunes all day and watched old footage of clubs gig’s I wished I’d been alive for. Then I got the call. 5:15pm Wednesday 6th May 2009. 45 minutes until I was due to work at Brixton. ‘It’s Tina’ said my boss ‘They’ve cancelled due to illness’.

My screams echoed throughout the office and snapped everyone out of their Outlook afternoon haze. This was awful! This was horrible! ‘They haven’t cancelled tomorrow though so be on stand by’. We’d been waiting for 30 years I suppose, what’s one more day?

It’s hard to describe the energy that fills a room when 5000+ people arrive to see a band they’ve been waiting to see for 30 years. To say everyone was ‘excited’ would be an understatement (and my tips for the next 5 nights certainly proved this!). Sitting through supports was almost torture, apart from the Dub Pistols who played the first 2 nights and were excellent. But I’ve gotta say, Ska these days just isn’t the same. I’m not sure if it’s the cultural influence, social conscience or music that’s lacking, but it just ain’t the same.

There was also a DJ and MC playing some top notch old ska and dance hall tunes that provided perfect pre-set sing-a-long conditions. Every night the crowd turned into a grand choir delivering drunken versions of ‘A Town Called Malice’ and ‘The Israelites’ at the will of the MC. And his ever present chant of "Ruuudde Boooyyy’ was always met with an enthusiastic response.

Anticipation was at breaking point when The Specials hit the stage. Opening with ‘Do The Dog’ they set Brixton off – beers were thrown, clothes and bags were cast aside as years of bottled up skanking exploded in 2 hours of beats, jams and lyrics that have been blasted in bedrooms for years. They played the perfect set each time: Monkey Man, Little Rich Girl, Rudy, Rat Race, Ghost Town, my very favourite Night Klub, and the perfect finale Enjoy Yourself.

It was so amazing to see The Specials after 30 years off the circuit, and after some tumultuous times they’re still as relevant as ever. Their performances were spot on and they never missed a beat, nor the chance to convey their regret to the crowd for having taken 30 years to return. I am now stylishly equipped with a Specials bag and T-shirt (never to be worn together lest ye risk looking like a stalker). They later announced shows at both Glastonbury and Hammersmith Apollo (my other place of bar tending) which pleased me no end, as they became like a house band no one ever wanted to see the end of at Brixton. Once they were gone I missed them so. And as I recall these skatastic tales I feel butterflies in my stomach as I remember the excitement and happiness they’re shows produced in people.

Enjoy yourself, it’s later than you think.