cats in paris, ute, coloureds, the cellar 16 sept 2010

Coloureds, prove powerful but a bit too jagged to dance to mostly, although some songs sounded like a heavy Royksop, and towards the end the crowd loved it!  Ute are stronger than ever, Lead singer Ollie’s vocal reminds me of Jack White at its most grainy, and Thom Yorke at its most delicate.  Their songs are complex, intellectual epics which you can happily find new corners to for many listens.  It is no wonder they are tipped for big things having just signed to Alcopop.  Headliners Cats In Paris are equally exciting, hailing from Manchester they have a fusion of so many styles it’s hard to keep up.   A Three piece with Bass, Drums, Synth and Violin, but a massive sound, Too many Colours?  I think not.

Trev Williams

published in OMS 11

Samuel Zasada’s Niesen EP

Simplicity is the key, and a haunting, uplifting combination of acoustic sounds make up Samuel Zasada.  Vocally David Ashbourne has a distinct melodic grainy feel, and the use of falsetto and close choral harmony from Luci Flynn and Tom McKibbin on delicate songs such as Pursuit make this EP a joy to listen to.  Omit being the most gothic in tone, the sound is very atmospheric with fingerstyle acoustic guitars creating the backbone for the music.  Losts and founds keeps a more upbeat tempo while still tackling deeper lyrical content, Mark Ashbourne adds punch with drums where needed.  My favourite track on the EP is Request, a funky groove with descending counter melodies in Luci’s guitar, refreshing to any ears oversaturated with noise. 

Trev Williams
published in OMS 10

D Fest Drayton, Oxfordshire 2010

"London Is Big But Drayton Is Massive!" Craig Evans started D fest this year mainly to relieve symptoms of “After Truck Syndrome”.  Not shy about booking some of the best local acts around, and along with a team of local support could Drayton become the next Steventon?.. An eclectic mix starting with chilled acoustic music outside from Mark Bosley, If all Else Fails and Lost Dogs and building to a sweaty finish with Empty Vessels, and Dead Jerichos rocking out in the Red Lion pub itself.  Yellow Fever was the youngest band, seemingly following in the Dead Jericho’s footsteps; other acts included Very Nice Harry, Dial F for Frankenstein, The Scholars and a guy called Trev Williams.  Best highlights were Spring Offensive straight from their recent tour, the local drunk chap who probably hasn’t ever danced so much in his life, and a bloke getting his legs waxed for Childreach! Well done D Fest!

Trev Williams
published in OMS 10

A Silent film + Fixers + Scholars Cellar, Oxford 3.6.10

A dark dingy venue is not always the ideal spot on a sunny day, but this line-up was tempting despite the potential sauna.  Scholars were even better tonight than the punt showcase and despite having to replace the keyboard player with Josh covering on guitar they seemed more dynamic.   Escape plan, and Turbulence were the stand out songs, and they are fast becoming the next Franz Ferdinand.

Fixers were a new band for me, so I didn’t know what to expect at all, and I have to say that after the gig I still am a bit lost!  Such an eclectic mix of styles and influences it was hard to keep up.  5 part vocal Beachboys harmonics over a rock backing, Moby soundscapes with Freddie Mercury flamboyancy, ultimately the best comparison is of a new David Bowie at his most eccentric.  There is no doubting the musical and vocal ability of this band, but one feels that it’s either hone in a few of the mad ideas or go the whole hog and wear starman makeup!

It has been far too long since the last Silent Film hometown gig, and they are taking the rest of the world by storm it seems.   Already big in Portugal with a number 1 single and top 3 album, and about to break into the American market as well.  The City That Sleeps is a masterpiece in its own right, but despite this, and the fact that there isn’t enough piano based music in the world, it somehow seemed to go almost unnoticed here.  Tonight was more a showcase of new material, and perhaps showing the European influence rubbing into their established sound.  Driven by Their Beating Hearts being a stand out track, more a dance pop anthem that would have won Eurovision easily!  Their sound needed a bit more breathing room than the Cellar offered really, as did some of us at this point, but we look forward to the second album with eager anticipation.  Wake up UK these guys are far too good to be just an export. 

Trev Williams
published in OMS 10

Punt review, Oxford 12 May 2010

Punt review 12 May 2010

Nightshift’s flagship unsigned band night ‘the punt’ is like the Holy Grail for many Oxford bands, hoping to springboard their musical career to new heights from it.  This year was no exception with an eclectic mix of acts who mostly seemed nervous at what the night might hold for them.

Helen Pearson opened the night well, with her delicately written folk songs relaxing the crowd at the Malmaison hotel one of two new venues this year.  The Anydays, hoping for a Britpop revival, seem dated to say the least.  Although a couple of stand out syncopated songs referencing The Beatles Taxman got the crowd going, much of their set was similar to a cover band playing songs you half recognise.

The Hype around Dead Jerichos in Oxford is big, and they have an impressive list of upcoming shows including Cornbury and Truck festival.  Rhythmically one of the tightest Oxford bands going, and possibly one with the most energy and enthusiasm.  Vocally there is still room for improvement but as a live band they are great to get some energy pumping.

The Sound of Beard of Zeuss at the Cellar was immense, although hearing someone throwing up down a microphone isn’t everyone’s cup of tea so for me it was off to new venue Coco Royal.  The Roundheals, it’s nice to see more folk acoustic music represented this year, and Hillbilly yodels with rich three part harmonies from songs like Let Me Sleep were a welcome reward for having trekked down there.

Ute for me were one standout band of the night, with an interesting mix of light and shade throughout their set.  Lead singer Ollie’s vocal reminded me of Jack White at its most grainy, and Thom Yorke at its most delicate.  Their songs are complex, intellectual epics which you can happily find new corners to for many listens.  Following them came Scholars who were tight as ever, and playing to one of the biggest crowds I saw of the night.  Their new song Escape Plan sounding at least as good as their single Turbulence, so more of the same to come one guesses.  By this point the Purple Turtle bouncers had starting IDing everyone who came in as a fun way to keep them amused… luckily a bank card prevented me missing my last highlight another great band Spring Offensive.  They seemed to be the band having the most fun, and crowd reaction reciprocated this with sing alongs and dancing.  Definitely a band to follow up.

Trev Williams
Published on OxfordMusicBlog, with Tom Jowett 
http://oxfordmusicblog.co.uk/2010/07/overdue-oxford-punt-review/

Stornoway @ Camden Crawl, London 1 May 2010

Stornoway @ Camden Crawl Sat 1 May 2010

As a Camden Crawl virgin I was keen to experience it at least once, and the optimism of what it might hold was strong at first.  Having a whole tree shoved at you on the way to collect your wristband seems normal for some reason, people desperate to make money from you at every turn. 

This year apparently was the first time they’d done a fringe, so there were some rather entertaining comedians, Jim Cambel being a particular good one I managed to see.  Other bits and pieces included a highlight of a Lady Juggling tennis balls in time to rap music, it wasn’t on a stage but it was the most fun thing of the day. 

First band on the crammed evening agenda was Lonelady, a female fronted electro pop act.  Think La Roux, but with more guitar.  The Jazz Café venue was nice as well.

Next up was Stornaway at KOKO, the spelling mistake perhaps highlighting they weren’t quite as well know here as they should be.  Opening with Cold Harbour Road, it’s obvious the band have yet again upped their game, the vocals harmonies are much stronger and richer, and there is a distinct security in their playing now which says “we know this is good”. 

This is the first time I have seen them play to a perhaps slightly hostile crowd, and as the stunned silence from the quality of their opening track subsided heckles of “play Zorbing” were an irritating distraction for both the audience and I imagine the band throughout the rest of the set.   “I saw you blink” and “We are the Battery Humans” were enjoyable, but subtleties in songs like “Fuel Up” were unfortunately lost.  By the time security had dragged out a couple of people and things calmed down, Rob was whacking the drums in a way I’ve never seen him do, and I’m sure it wasn’t that fast on the recording either!   There is so so much more to this band than Zorbing.

 ‘Without the darkness where would the light be?’ following band Smoke Faries, said before their delicately written folk songs.  But a heavy handed sound mix meant any subtly desired was ruined.  Much of the rest of the evening was comparable to a bad day at Alton towers.  30 minutes queuing in the rain and to be honest the thrills of the one or two gems you want to hear were few and far between.   No wonder the few people I spoke to said they weren’t going to come again.  If it was half the price and you lived in London it would be a good thing to go to, but otherwise I think I’ll give it a miss too next time.
 Trev Williams

A Silent Film, Foxes! Indika! The Jericho Tavern, 29th May 2007

A Silent Film, Foxes! Indika! The Jericho Tavern, Tuesday 29th May 2007

When I arrived at the Jericho Tavern, Indika were in full flow. This young 5 piece had plenty of energy with a sound rather like the rocky side of Oasis, and a lead singer who looks like Russell Brand, with just as much hair but not quite as much attitude. Definitely a good thing for a Love Burns Night! 

Next on were Foxes! Dan’s colourful homemade DIY bass and sunglasses along with Adam’s ‘c,ockney cap’ reminded me of the Melodic Oxford nights at the Port Mahon last summer. The Foxes! sound is somewhat quirky, almost verging on disjointed with all the groove shifting, but with Kayla’s beautiful lead vocals pulling you in and holding it all together. The crowd all bobbed pretty consistently throughout, but no one was daring enough to compete with Adam’s robot dance mid set! ‘6 O’clock,’ the first song which really grabbed me, flowing along in its storybook fashion, ‘Apples to Apples,’ the shopping song, for me, highlights the fun that Foxes! are about. They finished the set with the now classic ‘Art Girl,’ which has to be my favourite.

The last band, Silent Film, was a truly polished act, a visual and musical delight. The set included an overhead projection of a book; maybe this was the silent film, and clever synchronised lighting. Their sound to me strongly resembles that of Muse and Radiohead, a lot of the songs sound rather like a beefed up version of Thom Yorks solo album. The lead singer / keyboard player was immersed in the music throughout and the energy from the whole band, stunned the crowd. The rhythmic effect created with extra floor toms were brilliant, making an almost tribal experience. This band should certainly not stay unsigned for long.

Trev Williams
(first review)

TW Reviews

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