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/