Best albums
1.Deerhunter/Atlas Sound- Microcastle+ Weird Era/Let the blind...
I've put all Brandon Cox's projects together because I'm lazy, and the projects are all kinda tied together. It's been his year, really. Microcastle is a lesser album than Cryptograms, more muted by it's 50s/60's influences but has 3 or 4 great songs in Never Stops, Little Kids and Twilight...- these songs combine the lush fuzziness with the breezy 60's pop to the best effect. Weird Era I like even more- they seem to have saved the more experimental material for this album, and its pretty refreshing after what I'd consider quite conventional song structures in Microcastles. VHS Dream and Slow Swords especially are absolutely gorgeous.
Let the blind... is a more stately affair than the Deerhunter records, seems much more steeped in the shoegaze template. Ativin and Recent Bedroom are my favourites off the record.
2. Beach House-Devotion
First time I'd come across the duo, who have been compared favourably with Mazzy Star. Their record sounds so decadent and luxurious. They've basically taken lounge music to a higher form. Her voice is distinctive, understated but soaring at the same time. The combination of the perfume- like organ, the lazy guitar and her voice is just superb. Gila and D.A.R.L.I.N.G are two of my most played songs of the year. Brilliantly haunting melodies.
3.No Age-Nouns
Brilliant noise pop duo part of the LA noise scene. Beauty lies in the quiet droney build ups then the furious unleashing of noise. Sounds like teen anthems.
4.The Helio Sequence-Keep your eyes ahead
Found out about the Portland duo after they supported Low. Combine shoegazey textures with a repertoire of dancey New Wave numbers and folk dittys. The singer has a great voice, too.
5.Santogold-Santogold
Pretty surprised by how much I've enjoyed this album this year. In a year when TVOTR failed to deliver a great album of New Wave, shoegaze and R'n'B, Santogold stepped up. Very addictive and catchy.
honourable mentions:
Clinic-Do it
Crystal Castles-Crystal Castles
Foals-Antidotes
M83- Saturday=Youth
Magnetic Fields- Distortion
Meho Plaza-Meho Plaza
MGMT-Oracular Spectacular
Port Royal-Afraid to dance
The Walkmen-You & Me
Vivian Girls-Vivian Girls
Sun Kil Moon- April
Wednesday, 20 May 2009
ATP Release the Bats, Forum, 30/10/08
Lightning Bolt
Arrived too late to get in a good viewing position for the band, so trundled up to the balcony with all the others who had not yet gained 'giant' status. Leaning over the balcony I was greeted with a semi circle of moshing heads, the musical provocateurs barely visible beneath the baying mob. But boy was it loud. Ear splittingly loud scattergun drumming and a holocaust of guitar noise, utterly relentless in its endeavour. This is Lightning Bolt. I guess the duo want the audience to have as much a visceral, open musical experience as possible, hence why they choose to play 'in audience'. If you're looking for easy on the ear melodies, then search elsewhere. It was kinda fun watching all the crowd moshing like crazy (there was spectacular group of Japanese moshers at the front), but I 'm not sure I could listen to these guys at home.
Pissed Jeans
Pretty rubbish. Noisy but no discernible melodies. The aural equivalent of nails down corrugated iron. My friend told me they were ripping off Jesus Lizard. Jesus Lizard aren't this bad, surely?
Wooden Shijps
Very much enjoyed these guys. They looked exactly like you would hope- a bunch of aging hippies with grey beards. The group are from San Francisco and play trippy psychedelic krautrock. When the band get into full flow and its hard not to get lulled in to a trance like state. The music is so woozy and and the repetitive rhythms so intoxicating, yet it sounds so simple.
Les Savy Fav
I'm a bit late to the party with Les Savy Fav- but what a party it is. Prior to RTB I'd heard about LSF's stage antics and was excited. What I didn't expect was possibly the most fun gig I've ever witnessed. Post punk....new wave....yada yada yada- let's get onto Tim Harrington doing crazy stuff! Well, lets see: Stripping down to his shorts? Check. Faux humping a deranged devil baby? Check. Hanging upside down from the balcony? Check. Faux humping a papier mache Tim Harrington? Check. Lunging at me and grabbing me by the neck? Check.
Just the most funnest fun you can do for fun.
Shellac
I haven't listened to much Shellac at all really. So I'm in no position to comment. But I will anyway! Revered by Albini fanboys the world over, Shellac aren't averse to a bit of playful dressing up, and here they are as a mummy (Albini), Frankenstein's Monster and Dracula. Shellac's music, of little I've heard of it, is stark and nihilistic sounding. Stilted, stop start drumbeats, and blunt guitars, like it was conceived in a gutter. The set is pretty brutal, and the fanboys are jerking their heads back and forth with devoted vigour. Why not be a Shellac fanboy for the night?
Om
Only saw the first song. Well, I say song, but it seemed almost as long as my life. But it was good. The guitar droned on and on and on, and the guitarist was telling this story in a deep, ominous voice. I have no clue what it was about, but he could be the new JK Rowling.
Arrived too late to get in a good viewing position for the band, so trundled up to the balcony with all the others who had not yet gained 'giant' status. Leaning over the balcony I was greeted with a semi circle of moshing heads, the musical provocateurs barely visible beneath the baying mob. But boy was it loud. Ear splittingly loud scattergun drumming and a holocaust of guitar noise, utterly relentless in its endeavour. This is Lightning Bolt. I guess the duo want the audience to have as much a visceral, open musical experience as possible, hence why they choose to play 'in audience'. If you're looking for easy on the ear melodies, then search elsewhere. It was kinda fun watching all the crowd moshing like crazy (there was spectacular group of Japanese moshers at the front), but I 'm not sure I could listen to these guys at home.
Pissed Jeans
Pretty rubbish. Noisy but no discernible melodies. The aural equivalent of nails down corrugated iron. My friend told me they were ripping off Jesus Lizard. Jesus Lizard aren't this bad, surely?
Wooden Shijps
Very much enjoyed these guys. They looked exactly like you would hope- a bunch of aging hippies with grey beards. The group are from San Francisco and play trippy psychedelic krautrock. When the band get into full flow and its hard not to get lulled in to a trance like state. The music is so woozy and and the repetitive rhythms so intoxicating, yet it sounds so simple.
Les Savy Fav
I'm a bit late to the party with Les Savy Fav- but what a party it is. Prior to RTB I'd heard about LSF's stage antics and was excited. What I didn't expect was possibly the most fun gig I've ever witnessed. Post punk....new wave....yada yada yada- let's get onto Tim Harrington doing crazy stuff! Well, lets see: Stripping down to his shorts? Check. Faux humping a deranged devil baby? Check. Hanging upside down from the balcony? Check. Faux humping a papier mache Tim Harrington? Check. Lunging at me and grabbing me by the neck? Check.
Just the most funnest fun you can do for fun.
Shellac
I haven't listened to much Shellac at all really. So I'm in no position to comment. But I will anyway! Revered by Albini fanboys the world over, Shellac aren't averse to a bit of playful dressing up, and here they are as a mummy (Albini), Frankenstein's Monster and Dracula. Shellac's music, of little I've heard of it, is stark and nihilistic sounding. Stilted, stop start drumbeats, and blunt guitars, like it was conceived in a gutter. The set is pretty brutal, and the fanboys are jerking their heads back and forth with devoted vigour. Why not be a Shellac fanboy for the night?
Om
Only saw the first song. Well, I say song, but it seemed almost as long as my life. But it was good. The guitar droned on and on and on, and the guitarist was telling this story in a deep, ominous voice. I have no clue what it was about, but he could be the new JK Rowling.
Shred yr face tour
Times New Viking
Pretty lo-fi three piece. Quite fun, smashing their drums, running their fingers sloppily down the their frets and jabbing at their keyboards. In a similar vein to No Age, but generally a bit more noisy and less catchy.
No Age
Really enjoyed their 2nd album 'Nouns' this year so was greatly anticipating their set. Sounds like anthemic teen rock like Nirvana drenched in swarthes of noise. What's great about 'Nouns' is the anticipation and the release- the restraint of noise and the moment to unleash it, is timed perfectly. And when they unleash the noise, it's euphoric. Very impressive for a two piece, the level of carnage they manage to generate between the two of them- and live they channel that energy. They tear into songs with great abandon, and though much of the crowd seems nonplussed, there are a fair few bobbing and moshing about. My band of the night.
Los Campesinos!
Seem to be really popular among indie kids at the moment, and the crowd tonight confirm this. The few songs I'd heard didn't really seem that notable to me- just average jangly indie pop songs that are played the country over. I was kinda expecting not to like them too much, but they were pretty enjoyable. The singers voice was pretty self conscious and twee to a grating effect, but the songs had some good hooks and were cheery.
Pretty lo-fi three piece. Quite fun, smashing their drums, running their fingers sloppily down the their frets and jabbing at their keyboards. In a similar vein to No Age, but generally a bit more noisy and less catchy.
No Age
Really enjoyed their 2nd album 'Nouns' this year so was greatly anticipating their set. Sounds like anthemic teen rock like Nirvana drenched in swarthes of noise. What's great about 'Nouns' is the anticipation and the release- the restraint of noise and the moment to unleash it, is timed perfectly. And when they unleash the noise, it's euphoric. Very impressive for a two piece, the level of carnage they manage to generate between the two of them- and live they channel that energy. They tear into songs with great abandon, and though much of the crowd seems nonplussed, there are a fair few bobbing and moshing about. My band of the night.
Los Campesinos!
Seem to be really popular among indie kids at the moment, and the crowd tonight confirm this. The few songs I'd heard didn't really seem that notable to me- just average jangly indie pop songs that are played the country over. I was kinda expecting not to like them too much, but they were pretty enjoyable. The singers voice was pretty self conscious and twee to a grating effect, but the songs had some good hooks and were cheery.
Latitude Festival 2008
This was my third Latitude-I've been there since the start- so I knew what to expect, and this in turn made the festival possibly my easiest yet. Having witnessed the first two years I could perceive a slight shift in personnel and their number- word of the festival had spread across the country and the event was less like the sleepy rural festival of old but ever so slightly more cosmopolitan. I expect it to continue in this vein. The success of previous years had allowed this years line up stellar names in music and comedy, as well as a luxuriant selection of other arts entertainments. Although some have noted unfavourably upon Mean Fiddler attaching a more corporate status to Latitude, it is perhaps worth considering the idea that festival is a success because of such a stable and experienced backer. Two sides to every coin.
I'd arrived on site earlier as I wanted to take in as much as possible. The first band of the weekend I witnessed was the New Yorkers Heloise and the Savoir Faire. The little I'd heard of them suggested Scissor Sisters, but I was pleasantly surprised to learn they had more in common with disco punk peers such as LCD Soundsystem and Hercules and Love Affair. An energetic performance, both camp and theatrical with the backing singers sashaying around the stage in togas. A promising start.
Next up on the Uncut stage was Gravenhurst, a bespectacled young man with an electric guitar. What made Gravenhurst stand out from the legions of wet songwriters was the emphasis on the guitar compositions- moody, potent sounds, often let down by vocals that didn't quite match the power of his playing. Micah P Hinson, on the other hand has a superbly warm, husky voice. Backed by his band Hinson's music had a muscle that contrasted with the fragile performance that preceded him. The songs I'd heard prior suggested a sleepy, folky set but Hinson found the time for some more upbeat, rocking tracks to balance the material.
Probably the only disappointingly dull acts I saw over the three days were residing on the main stage on Friday. The Aliens, featuring former members of the Beta Band, were the first victims of boredom. The stuff I'd heard on record was quite decent if not mindblowing- amiable psychedelic indie pop- but up on a big stage in front of a lot of people they just fell a little flat. The only notable thing about their set was the singer bounding about like a monkey or drunk clubber on a Friday night. Beth Orton was perhaps even less interesting, so much so that we didn't even bother to get up from our sitting positions to watch her and left after only a few songs.
After catching a bit of British Sea Power (4th time seeing them- I don't even know why), it was off to see Howling Bells, who seem to have become a welcome staple of the festival- the only band to have played all 3 years. It had been a couple of years since I'd seen them play at the first festival, and what struck me was how Juanita Stein had matured into a great frontwoman. Yes, she's gorgeous and plays the guitar, but she parades around the stage so confidently and in such a sultry manner that it's easy to get swept up in her performance. The band as a whle were again great, and I'm looking froward to another album of dark, moody desert rock from the Australians.
An expedition into the film tent rewarded me with an interesting interview with Grant Gee, director of the recent documentary 'Joy Division'. Unfortunately we missed the screening of the film, but he had some insightful thoughts about the coverage of celebrity and rock music, despite alimp interviewer and some daft questions. In the woodland Sunrise arena were Clinic- a real treat. A lean, quick set mixing old favourites like Walking with thee and The Second Line with new stuff from their excellent recent album To those who don't know them, the Liverpool band play a weird hybrid of psychedelic organ driven krautrock and wear surgical dress- and were fantastic.
We hung around for Crystal Castles, who I was kinda familiar with but a little apprehensive of. Their set was packed with excitable teenagers claouring to touch the spritely 'singer' (screamer) on the satge, who bopped continuously while screeching out unintelligible words, occasionally leaping out onto the barriers, once amusingly being dragged into a pack of sweaty youths. Ah, the kids of today, when will they learn? I'm retty sure no one can consider Crystal Castles high art, but they do evoke a visceral, pleasurable reaction, as evidenced in the crowd reaction.
The 1st day ended with alternating trips between Franz Ferdinand and Amadou & Mariam, who both got popular crowd responses, and Franz Ferdinand looked capable headliners.
2nd day
On the second day I had determined to infiltrate the formidable fortress that is the comedy tent. As the tape was pulled around the edge of the tent, a huge wave of people rushed into the tent and jumped into seated positions- ah, so that's why no one can ever get in! Smug at my infiltration but my buttocks soon to be sore, I waited for the opening comedian Dan Atkinson, a Yorkshire comedian with a scruffy appearance. He was OK at best, and didn't always pander to his youngish audience, but was often confused and confusing. He was followed by Carey Marx, a sub par Bill Hicks with a voice resembling Alan Rickman. He had a devilish demeanour and some filthy jokes to go with it. Not bad. Then Tim Minchin came on. He plays the piano. He sings songs in an ironic fashion . He has long ginger hair. He is a cunt. And of course, he was extremely popular with the numbskull crowd of square teens. I think the best way to describe him is as Newton Faulkner with crap jokes. Yes, that bad. My distaste for him climaxed with a song aimed at a critic who slated him (a perfectly reasonable response to Minchin), which had him singing typically bland lyrics badly about wanting to kill said critic. Oh, the audacity!
If I'm being honest, I'm not that clued up with the world of stand up comedy, and this was actually the first experience I'd had. But recently I was lucky to see a trio of Irish comedians in a low key performance at the Edinburgh Fringe festival. Against these so called stars of the stand up scene, these Irish comedians seemed like geniuses. Wittier, funnier and a much better rapport with the crowd, it made me realise the guys at Latitude were actually pretty poor.
Having escaped the comedy tent I caught bits of Wild Beasts and White Lies, neither of whom caught my fancy. The first major band of the day was dEUS, the veteran Belgian band. They were a tight act and played with youthful enthusiasm, intercut with some odd Belgian banter from the singer. As much as I enjoyed the performance, I still feel unable to really describe what kind of music they play. Rock music, yes, but any more than that and I get flummoxed.
I'm quite a bug fan of the shoegaze/dream pop bands of the 80's/90's so I was intrigued to see House of Love play. They looked old and unfashionable but hadn't lost their touch. The sound had some problems, such as the guitars being a little muted but otherwise it was a successful reappearance.
I've been lucky enough to see most of the bands I've really wanted to see, but Sigur Ros was one band that had previously eluded me. Closing the 2nd night they met all my expectations. Hypnotically beautiful, I could have watched them play for hours. The stage was all lit up in in a white glow with large white spheres making the backdrop. The band were joined on stage by a marching band and orchestra which made it a more theatrical experience, but it would have been fantastic with just the four of them. Sadly my enjoyment was tainted somewhat by a gaggle of pricks who pushed in front of me to get to their friends, then turned their backs on the band and started talking loudly and amusing themselves by taking pictures of each other on their phones. Jesus Christ, anytime but during fucking Sigur Ros. I wouldn't have minded so much if they were enjoying the band and were merely rowdy, but their blatant disinterest in the band and their disregard for people who might want to enjoy the band leaves a bitter taste in the mouth. I might just have to try and catch them again, they deserve better.
Day 3
Sunday, AKA day of the musical titans, began with a solo performance from Joanna Newsom. Now, I like her, but I don't feel the same hysteria as many others do when her crops up. She looked nervous on her own and smiled sweetly throughout, but the audience was with her all the way. Her set had attracted a large number considering her early slot, and it was with almost complete silence that her performance was gratefully received. Even just the harp and her voice was beautiful and captivating. She often forgot lyrics but this was received with good humour and some good natured heckles. Her stint on the piano wasn't as enjoyable-the songs on the harp carry much more weight, but it was enjoyable nonetheless.
There was a bit of a gap in preparation for the marathon of musical majesties (and Foals, ho ho ho), which began with said bands evening set. I like Foals, I enjoyed Antidotes, but they do seem a tad annoying, particularly Yannis. Live they were good, but could have done with a bit less chat. Energetic, intense performance but with restraint, complimenting the catchy, angular songs they play.
I'm not that familiar with The Breeders back catalogue as I should be, but I like the bits I know and they are almost legendary. They were not, as you'd imagine, throwing themselves around the stage, and lacked a bit of muscle and noise, but it was a good set anyhow. The better known songs got the biggest cheers from the crowd, and the sibling banter between the Deal sisters was amusing. I was reminded of an earlier gig at Joy Zipper, where one of the members confessed their love of The Breeders-guess who they based their stage persona on?
Grinderman provided a much needed edge to Latitude-it's almost surprising that they actually played. Nick Cave is a superb frontman- stamping his gangly pinstripe legs everywhere, raisning his arms aloft and shrieking like a wild evangelist preacher. The band, too, look like a ragged bunch of 19th century bandits. The songs were dark and nihilistic, the most electrifying 'No pussy blues'. The explosions of drums and clanging guitars, wild howling abound- a sight and sound not to be missed.
Interpol, my favourite band, are next on stage to headline perhaps their first major festival and surely one of the biggest shows yet. I am standing at the front centre. They are minutes from the stage. And then I realise my bladder filling up. Hilarious. So, I trudge off, leaving some wide eyed young fan to shore up the army at the front, and eventually find myself a mid spot. Interpol crack into 'Pioneer to the falls', and everything is right with the world. In fact, this is the best I've ever seen them. They play confidently, pitch perfcct. Paul's voice soars over the wet masses as the rain thunders down. Daniel glides happily across the stage, and you get the sense that this is his time to shine. They play several songs off the new album, OLTA, some favourites off TOTBL and then round it off with a euphoric, rare play of 'Roland'. An encore follows but I'm already elated. A great end to the festival.
Other highlights:
My triangle-baring cardigan is a hit- 'nice cardigan'- a few blokes,
'nicest cardigan of the festival'- some girl
'Life is beautiful' scrawled on the dingy toilet wall- made me chuckle.
Going to get a rubbish, overpriced pizza and realising I'm standing behind all 4 Arctic Monkeys, who are getting change off of each other.
I'd arrived on site earlier as I wanted to take in as much as possible. The first band of the weekend I witnessed was the New Yorkers Heloise and the Savoir Faire. The little I'd heard of them suggested Scissor Sisters, but I was pleasantly surprised to learn they had more in common with disco punk peers such as LCD Soundsystem and Hercules and Love Affair. An energetic performance, both camp and theatrical with the backing singers sashaying around the stage in togas. A promising start.
Next up on the Uncut stage was Gravenhurst, a bespectacled young man with an electric guitar. What made Gravenhurst stand out from the legions of wet songwriters was the emphasis on the guitar compositions- moody, potent sounds, often let down by vocals that didn't quite match the power of his playing. Micah P Hinson, on the other hand has a superbly warm, husky voice. Backed by his band Hinson's music had a muscle that contrasted with the fragile performance that preceded him. The songs I'd heard prior suggested a sleepy, folky set but Hinson found the time for some more upbeat, rocking tracks to balance the material.
Probably the only disappointingly dull acts I saw over the three days were residing on the main stage on Friday. The Aliens, featuring former members of the Beta Band, were the first victims of boredom. The stuff I'd heard on record was quite decent if not mindblowing- amiable psychedelic indie pop- but up on a big stage in front of a lot of people they just fell a little flat. The only notable thing about their set was the singer bounding about like a monkey or drunk clubber on a Friday night. Beth Orton was perhaps even less interesting, so much so that we didn't even bother to get up from our sitting positions to watch her and left after only a few songs.
After catching a bit of British Sea Power (4th time seeing them- I don't even know why), it was off to see Howling Bells, who seem to have become a welcome staple of the festival- the only band to have played all 3 years. It had been a couple of years since I'd seen them play at the first festival, and what struck me was how Juanita Stein had matured into a great frontwoman. Yes, she's gorgeous and plays the guitar, but she parades around the stage so confidently and in such a sultry manner that it's easy to get swept up in her performance. The band as a whle were again great, and I'm looking froward to another album of dark, moody desert rock from the Australians.
An expedition into the film tent rewarded me with an interesting interview with Grant Gee, director of the recent documentary 'Joy Division'. Unfortunately we missed the screening of the film, but he had some insightful thoughts about the coverage of celebrity and rock music, despite alimp interviewer and some daft questions. In the woodland Sunrise arena were Clinic- a real treat. A lean, quick set mixing old favourites like Walking with thee and The Second Line with new stuff from their excellent recent album To those who don't know them, the Liverpool band play a weird hybrid of psychedelic organ driven krautrock and wear surgical dress- and were fantastic.
We hung around for Crystal Castles, who I was kinda familiar with but a little apprehensive of. Their set was packed with excitable teenagers claouring to touch the spritely 'singer' (screamer) on the satge, who bopped continuously while screeching out unintelligible words, occasionally leaping out onto the barriers, once amusingly being dragged into a pack of sweaty youths. Ah, the kids of today, when will they learn? I'm retty sure no one can consider Crystal Castles high art, but they do evoke a visceral, pleasurable reaction, as evidenced in the crowd reaction.
The 1st day ended with alternating trips between Franz Ferdinand and Amadou & Mariam, who both got popular crowd responses, and Franz Ferdinand looked capable headliners.
2nd day
On the second day I had determined to infiltrate the formidable fortress that is the comedy tent. As the tape was pulled around the edge of the tent, a huge wave of people rushed into the tent and jumped into seated positions- ah, so that's why no one can ever get in! Smug at my infiltration but my buttocks soon to be sore, I waited for the opening comedian Dan Atkinson, a Yorkshire comedian with a scruffy appearance. He was OK at best, and didn't always pander to his youngish audience, but was often confused and confusing. He was followed by Carey Marx, a sub par Bill Hicks with a voice resembling Alan Rickman. He had a devilish demeanour and some filthy jokes to go with it. Not bad. Then Tim Minchin came on. He plays the piano. He sings songs in an ironic fashion . He has long ginger hair. He is a cunt. And of course, he was extremely popular with the numbskull crowd of square teens. I think the best way to describe him is as Newton Faulkner with crap jokes. Yes, that bad. My distaste for him climaxed with a song aimed at a critic who slated him (a perfectly reasonable response to Minchin), which had him singing typically bland lyrics badly about wanting to kill said critic. Oh, the audacity!
If I'm being honest, I'm not that clued up with the world of stand up comedy, and this was actually the first experience I'd had. But recently I was lucky to see a trio of Irish comedians in a low key performance at the Edinburgh Fringe festival. Against these so called stars of the stand up scene, these Irish comedians seemed like geniuses. Wittier, funnier and a much better rapport with the crowd, it made me realise the guys at Latitude were actually pretty poor.
Having escaped the comedy tent I caught bits of Wild Beasts and White Lies, neither of whom caught my fancy. The first major band of the day was dEUS, the veteran Belgian band. They were a tight act and played with youthful enthusiasm, intercut with some odd Belgian banter from the singer. As much as I enjoyed the performance, I still feel unable to really describe what kind of music they play. Rock music, yes, but any more than that and I get flummoxed.
I'm quite a bug fan of the shoegaze/dream pop bands of the 80's/90's so I was intrigued to see House of Love play. They looked old and unfashionable but hadn't lost their touch. The sound had some problems, such as the guitars being a little muted but otherwise it was a successful reappearance.
I've been lucky enough to see most of the bands I've really wanted to see, but Sigur Ros was one band that had previously eluded me. Closing the 2nd night they met all my expectations. Hypnotically beautiful, I could have watched them play for hours. The stage was all lit up in in a white glow with large white spheres making the backdrop. The band were joined on stage by a marching band and orchestra which made it a more theatrical experience, but it would have been fantastic with just the four of them. Sadly my enjoyment was tainted somewhat by a gaggle of pricks who pushed in front of me to get to their friends, then turned their backs on the band and started talking loudly and amusing themselves by taking pictures of each other on their phones. Jesus Christ, anytime but during fucking Sigur Ros. I wouldn't have minded so much if they were enjoying the band and were merely rowdy, but their blatant disinterest in the band and their disregard for people who might want to enjoy the band leaves a bitter taste in the mouth. I might just have to try and catch them again, they deserve better.
Day 3
Sunday, AKA day of the musical titans, began with a solo performance from Joanna Newsom. Now, I like her, but I don't feel the same hysteria as many others do when her crops up. She looked nervous on her own and smiled sweetly throughout, but the audience was with her all the way. Her set had attracted a large number considering her early slot, and it was with almost complete silence that her performance was gratefully received. Even just the harp and her voice was beautiful and captivating. She often forgot lyrics but this was received with good humour and some good natured heckles. Her stint on the piano wasn't as enjoyable-the songs on the harp carry much more weight, but it was enjoyable nonetheless.
There was a bit of a gap in preparation for the marathon of musical majesties (and Foals, ho ho ho), which began with said bands evening set. I like Foals, I enjoyed Antidotes, but they do seem a tad annoying, particularly Yannis. Live they were good, but could have done with a bit less chat. Energetic, intense performance but with restraint, complimenting the catchy, angular songs they play.
I'm not that familiar with The Breeders back catalogue as I should be, but I like the bits I know and they are almost legendary. They were not, as you'd imagine, throwing themselves around the stage, and lacked a bit of muscle and noise, but it was a good set anyhow. The better known songs got the biggest cheers from the crowd, and the sibling banter between the Deal sisters was amusing. I was reminded of an earlier gig at Joy Zipper, where one of the members confessed their love of The Breeders-guess who they based their stage persona on?
Grinderman provided a much needed edge to Latitude-it's almost surprising that they actually played. Nick Cave is a superb frontman- stamping his gangly pinstripe legs everywhere, raisning his arms aloft and shrieking like a wild evangelist preacher. The band, too, look like a ragged bunch of 19th century bandits. The songs were dark and nihilistic, the most electrifying 'No pussy blues'. The explosions of drums and clanging guitars, wild howling abound- a sight and sound not to be missed.
Interpol, my favourite band, are next on stage to headline perhaps their first major festival and surely one of the biggest shows yet. I am standing at the front centre. They are minutes from the stage. And then I realise my bladder filling up. Hilarious. So, I trudge off, leaving some wide eyed young fan to shore up the army at the front, and eventually find myself a mid spot. Interpol crack into 'Pioneer to the falls', and everything is right with the world. In fact, this is the best I've ever seen them. They play confidently, pitch perfcct. Paul's voice soars over the wet masses as the rain thunders down. Daniel glides happily across the stage, and you get the sense that this is his time to shine. They play several songs off the new album, OLTA, some favourites off TOTBL and then round it off with a euphoric, rare play of 'Roland'. An encore follows but I'm already elated. A great end to the festival.
Other highlights:
My triangle-baring cardigan is a hit- 'nice cardigan'- a few blokes,
'nicest cardigan of the festival'- some girl
'Life is beautiful' scrawled on the dingy toilet wall- made me chuckle.
Going to get a rubbish, overpriced pizza and realising I'm standing behind all 4 Arctic Monkeys, who are getting change off of each other.
My Bloody Valentine at the Roundhouse, 21st June 2008
A short, pretty pointless review.
Sonic Boom, formerly of Spacemen 3 was pleasant enough- hushed, minimalistic drone- but not enough to keep you on the edge of your seat. Perhaps it was more out of cameraderie than merit that they were chosen to open for MBV, because I can think of a number of better bands aligned with MBV that could have opened for them. Still, the Mudhoney cover went down well (probably the best of the set).
It's kinda strange going to see a band who basically split up when you were about 3, and hearing all the stories about them- and then there you are waiting excitedly in a darkened room, watching the stage like hawks for the band's arrival. I had my earphones stuffed loosely in my pockets, ready for my hands to quickly dive for in case it got so loud I had to run out screaming. Was it that loud? Well, no, but it was definitely the loudest show I've seen.
On stage Shields and Butcher were typically still, while O’Ciosoig and Googe were thrashing and battling about. Belinda's vocals were especially angelic, when you could hear a piece of them under all the noise. Apart from a couple of false starts they were a tight group (older fans have said they've improved as a live act since they're first coming). Personal highlights for me would be Soon, Only Shallow (a great opener), To here knows when and Blown a wish. My only wish would have been that they'd played No more sorry and Sometimes, but you can't have it all.
Sonic Boom, formerly of Spacemen 3 was pleasant enough- hushed, minimalistic drone- but not enough to keep you on the edge of your seat. Perhaps it was more out of cameraderie than merit that they were chosen to open for MBV, because I can think of a number of better bands aligned with MBV that could have opened for them. Still, the Mudhoney cover went down well (probably the best of the set).
It's kinda strange going to see a band who basically split up when you were about 3, and hearing all the stories about them- and then there you are waiting excitedly in a darkened room, watching the stage like hawks for the band's arrival. I had my earphones stuffed loosely in my pockets, ready for my hands to quickly dive for in case it got so loud I had to run out screaming. Was it that loud? Well, no, but it was definitely the loudest show I've seen.
On stage Shields and Butcher were typically still, while O’Ciosoig and Googe were thrashing and battling about. Belinda's vocals were especially angelic, when you could hear a piece of them under all the noise. Apart from a couple of false starts they were a tight group (older fans have said they've improved as a live act since they're first coming). Personal highlights for me would be Soon, Only Shallow (a great opener), To here knows when and Blown a wish. My only wish would have been that they'd played No more sorry and Sometimes, but you can't have it all.
Liars/Deerhunter at Koko London, June 17th 2008
Due to rubbish trains and an achingly long journey into London, I missed High Places opening set, to which I am regretful. I had heard little bits of praise for them in the run up to the show, and will labour to give them my full attention in the future. More disappointingly, I arrived at the venue and was greeted by the familiar sound of pounding drums and paranoid guitars bathed in lush ambience. Yes, Deerhunter had already got started. Entering the stage arena I was unable to enjoy the band as much as I would have wished- I was taken aback by the hurriedness of my travel and the reallisation that the band I had travelled for a number of hours to see had already set sail. Judging by the performance on the night, the abrasive, chaotic shows previously associated with the band had been left behind. None of the band was particularly mobile; it was similarly mellow to Atlas Sound's earleir show at the same venue. The foursome alternated between Cryptograms and their recent Microcastles. Personally, I would have preffered more material from Cryptograms, especially the second half with the pulsating, chaotic Krautrock-like rhythms of Heatherwood and Spring Hall Convert. Microcastles has more in common with Atlas Sound- a relaxed, introspective affair that is a pleasant, but inferior listen. There were moments though, that the warm, dreamlike songs progressed into clattering, lush crescendos that were pure joy.
Could the final act trump the opener yet again, as Animal Collective did so not yet a month ago? Why, yes, of course. Liars were superb. The few records I 'd set my ears upon them left me unsatisfied. Unlike AC, who were frequently gorgeous on record but utimately left me wanting, Liars were a much more difficult proposition. Yelping, pounding tribalistic drums, and raw guitars- it was hard for me to get into. LIve though, it all made sense. Entering the stage wearing a blue schoolboy blazer and white sailors trousers, Angus Andrew was he undisputable star of the show. Never have I seen such a compelling magnetic performer. As the band started playing, Angus looked menacingly out into the crowd underneath a batch of wild hair. Swaying, swinging, jumping around the stage like a force of nature, you could not take your eyes off of him. The drums were loud and pounding, the guitars were sinister and cutting, and Angus was howling and murmuring like a wild man. It was entrancing.
Could the final act trump the opener yet again, as Animal Collective did so not yet a month ago? Why, yes, of course. Liars were superb. The few records I 'd set my ears upon them left me unsatisfied. Unlike AC, who were frequently gorgeous on record but utimately left me wanting, Liars were a much more difficult proposition. Yelping, pounding tribalistic drums, and raw guitars- it was hard for me to get into. LIve though, it all made sense. Entering the stage wearing a blue schoolboy blazer and white sailors trousers, Angus Andrew was he undisputable star of the show. Never have I seen such a compelling magnetic performer. As the band started playing, Angus looked menacingly out into the crowd underneath a batch of wild hair. Swaying, swinging, jumping around the stage like a force of nature, you could not take your eyes off of him. The drums were loud and pounding, the guitars were sinister and cutting, and Angus was howling and murmuring like a wild man. It was entrancing.
Saturday, 31 May 2008
Joy Zipper, Camden Barfly, May 23rd 2008
So this was the last night of my first year at uni. Was I spending it with my fellow students? Ha, no, JOY ZIPPER were playing!
I bought American Whip on a whim a few years ago and it gradually sunk into my system as the delight that it is, but unfortunately I haven't picked up anything else. It sometimes happens. I chose the Barfly gig because I guessed that it would be a little bigger and more like a 'normal' venue after a few cramped gigs previous, and it fitted the assumption well enough. I caught one song by the first of the nights bands- luckily I might add. They seemed to fit into that Cherry Ghost, Athlete, etc. group which seemed odd for a Joy Zipper support. The next band also might have raised an eyebrow or two- Yeti, featuring ex-Libertine John Hassel. They play music indebted to 60's bands like The Kinks and The Zombies, and were actually pretty nice. They're never gonna shake the foundations of rock but they do a decent line in bluesy pop songs. Not bad for someone who used to hang out with Pete Doherty, hohoho....
Joy Zipper were pretty fun and shambolic, but lovably shambolic, like two friends having a laugh. Tabitha Tinsdale looked more spunkier and streetwise than the average indie girl, and Vincent Cafiso was reminiscent of Vincent Gallo, but with all the charm and humour that Gallo allegedly lacks. Their set was full of hushed, breezy pop songs peppered with rawer guitar sections courtesy of Cafiso. Tinsdale's vocals sounded like Kim Deal's, which is apt considering she later cited the Breeder's leader as a hero of hers. The connection was amplified by a cover of Pixies 'Wave of mutilation', which was well received by the crowd, which was followed later by Guided By Voices 'The Goldheart Mountaintop Queen Directory', which Cafiso said was one of his 'favourites'. A band of GOOD TASTE. It was pretty funny to see the couple up on stage debating which songs to play, demanding shout outs from the audience (who shrieked titles out obligingly) in a ramshackle, spontaneous manner. Often Tinsdale or the audience would suggest a song, and Cafiso would cry "Oh nooo!" like his parents were forcefeeding him brocolli. It was a humorous sight to behold. So Joy Zipper- in no way a slick, ultra tight act- and nor would would I want them to be.
I bought American Whip on a whim a few years ago and it gradually sunk into my system as the delight that it is, but unfortunately I haven't picked up anything else. It sometimes happens. I chose the Barfly gig because I guessed that it would be a little bigger and more like a 'normal' venue after a few cramped gigs previous, and it fitted the assumption well enough. I caught one song by the first of the nights bands- luckily I might add. They seemed to fit into that Cherry Ghost, Athlete, etc. group which seemed odd for a Joy Zipper support. The next band also might have raised an eyebrow or two- Yeti, featuring ex-Libertine John Hassel. They play music indebted to 60's bands like The Kinks and The Zombies, and were actually pretty nice. They're never gonna shake the foundations of rock but they do a decent line in bluesy pop songs. Not bad for someone who used to hang out with Pete Doherty, hohoho....
Joy Zipper were pretty fun and shambolic, but lovably shambolic, like two friends having a laugh. Tabitha Tinsdale looked more spunkier and streetwise than the average indie girl, and Vincent Cafiso was reminiscent of Vincent Gallo, but with all the charm and humour that Gallo allegedly lacks. Their set was full of hushed, breezy pop songs peppered with rawer guitar sections courtesy of Cafiso. Tinsdale's vocals sounded like Kim Deal's, which is apt considering she later cited the Breeder's leader as a hero of hers. The connection was amplified by a cover of Pixies 'Wave of mutilation', which was well received by the crowd, which was followed later by Guided By Voices 'The Goldheart Mountaintop Queen Directory', which Cafiso said was one of his 'favourites'. A band of GOOD TASTE. It was pretty funny to see the couple up on stage debating which songs to play, demanding shout outs from the audience (who shrieked titles out obligingly) in a ramshackle, spontaneous manner. Often Tinsdale or the audience would suggest a song, and Cafiso would cry "Oh nooo!" like his parents were forcefeeding him brocolli. It was a humorous sight to behold. So Joy Zipper- in no way a slick, ultra tight act- and nor would would I want them to be.
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