There are many pitfalls that can threaten to clip the wings of a fledgling band. Tonight, it seems, the musical gods are itching to throw a whole gaggle of them at the newly named Lost Knives.
Through no fault of their own, after only seven weeks in existence, the band has had to change their name. Taking that into account, they would be forgiven for throwing a hissy fit when stepping foot onstage 90 minutes after they were originally supposed to.
“Cheers for waiting for so long,” says joint vocalist Steven Mcinerney. The venue is unfairly empty, meaning the apology is heard by not nearly enough people. Oh well, their loss.
Ever the optimists, they proceed to press on and incinerate the humble gathering with ‘Cold Morning’. Joe Craig is the gentile assassin on the drums, rasping the skins with unassuming enormity.
The song is incredibly bold for a new band, yet there is nothing green about Lost Knives or front-man George Agan, the harbinger in the long black coat.
During their first outing, ‘Solstice’ almost fell apart. As the klaxon intro rings out, there is no trace of nervousness this time round. Mcinerney shines, swaying to and fro, completely lost in the moment. As the song closes, his voice strains, demonstrating a hunger not heard round these parts since ‘Stay Young’. This is so far removed from the laddish Gallagher brothers though; it’s more like The Strokes meets Guillermo Del Toro
We’re treated to new song ‘Nothing Relents’ next, with Will Clutton breaking out bass lines that would make Peter Hook grin like a Cheshire cat.
‘Out of Touch’ closes and is a beastly tune. It lulls in the middle, building up to a crescendo and injecting the kind of anticipation that would cause Alfred Hitchcock to sweat.
It’s remarkable to see how much they have improved since their first gig. If they carry on this way, they won’t be “our little secret” for much longer.
3 1/4 out of 5
Monday 18 May 2009
Young Pretenders or Genuine Contenders?
With the weekend's boxing in mind, it'd be quite apt to compare the Ruby Lounge to Manny Pacquiao - both are small, compact little offerings, yet both certainly know how to punch above their weight.
Unfortunately for local band The Sticks, they, like Ricky Hatton, didn't really offer much. At best, they sound like a prickly Los Campesinos, although more often than not, their music seems better used as filler on a Kate Nash album.
Luckily, the next band on are definitely not also-rans. Baddies have acquired quite the reputation in their short existence and are tipped as contenders for 2009.
Stepping onto the stage in matching attire, similarities to The Hives are there to be seen. This comparison doesn’t end with aesthetics, as vocalist/guitarist Michael Webster channels his inner Howlin’ Pelle, whilst Juicebox-like guitars bang away during second song, Open One Eye.
Battleships portrays an incredibly tight band as the Southend natives break out bars that could dupe you into thinking you’d come to see an edgy B-52’s tribute act.
The set closes on Holler For My Holiday, demonstrating a passion most would struggle to muster in front of such a non-partisan crowd. In a time of synths and 80’s gimmicks, it’s nice to see four honest lads need only their instruments and wits to put on a good show.
Speaking of a good show, next up are Airship. These four messrs have been harkened to the the Pixies, but they’re less world-weary than that.
The kick drum reverberates around the venue for Spirit Party. Its bassline chips away at the audience and is perfectly juxtaposed by guitar riffs that hammer them. It’s a warm, Arcade Fire-laced song.
They close on Algebra, with front man Elliott Williams displaying amazing clarity. The song possesses that innate ability to lift the spirits, despite its borderline lethargic rhythms.
On tonight's showing, both Baddies and Airships are destined for popular, justified acclaim and might even make title contenders; The Sticks, on the other hand, were left floored in the first round and have lessons still to learn.
Unfortunately for local band The Sticks, they, like Ricky Hatton, didn't really offer much. At best, they sound like a prickly Los Campesinos, although more often than not, their music seems better used as filler on a Kate Nash album.
Luckily, the next band on are definitely not also-rans. Baddies have acquired quite the reputation in their short existence and are tipped as contenders for 2009.
Stepping onto the stage in matching attire, similarities to The Hives are there to be seen. This comparison doesn’t end with aesthetics, as vocalist/guitarist Michael Webster channels his inner Howlin’ Pelle, whilst Juicebox-like guitars bang away during second song, Open One Eye.
Battleships portrays an incredibly tight band as the Southend natives break out bars that could dupe you into thinking you’d come to see an edgy B-52’s tribute act.
The set closes on Holler For My Holiday, demonstrating a passion most would struggle to muster in front of such a non-partisan crowd. In a time of synths and 80’s gimmicks, it’s nice to see four honest lads need only their instruments and wits to put on a good show.
Speaking of a good show, next up are Airship. These four messrs have been harkened to the the Pixies, but they’re less world-weary than that.
The kick drum reverberates around the venue for Spirit Party. Its bassline chips away at the audience and is perfectly juxtaposed by guitar riffs that hammer them. It’s a warm, Arcade Fire-laced song.
They close on Algebra, with front man Elliott Williams displaying amazing clarity. The song possesses that innate ability to lift the spirits, despite its borderline lethargic rhythms.
On tonight's showing, both Baddies and Airships are destined for popular, justified acclaim and might even make title contenders; The Sticks, on the other hand, were left floored in the first round and have lessons still to learn.
Sunday 10 May 2009
Lost Knives alternative review...
They’ve gone from Hot to Lost; pretty soon they’ll be discovered too…
You’re a seven week old band, playing your 2nd gig. What scenarios would you prefer to avoid? Having to change your name due to the fear of being sued? Falling foul of piss poor scheduling, seeing to it that you take the stage 90 minutes later than expected? Finding out your backing singer is Michelle McManus, who is stoned, hallucinating and thinks you’re actually a cheeseburger?
OK, so the final scenario is a little ridiculous. The first two unfortunately, have happened to the newly named Lost Knives.
You wouldn’t have guessed it judging by tonight’s performance. To say it was flawless would be to lie. There were problems, an errant plectrum and a snapped guitar string almost scuppered things, but all in all this was a tighter display than their first, nervous outing two weeks ago.
‘Cold Morning’ opens the set, introducing the band. Specifically front-man George Agan. His long black coat and lethargic movements liken him to a manic doctor from an old B-movie. The tune itself is laced with samples, dark riffs and sternum shaking drums.
‘Solstice’ informs those who don’t know, this band has two singers. Lead guitarist Steven Mcinerney demonstrates he isn’t a one trick pony with this epic undertaking. The song has real passion in it and shows a great deal of hunger.
Will Clutton demonstrates the ability to bash out a cracking bass line on ‘Nothing Relents’, which is quite apt given the ridiculously cool performance turned in earlier by Whitest Boy Alive’s Marcin Oz.
‘Out of Touch’ rounds things off with its eerie percussion and driven drums; the latter supplied by Joe Craig. These chaps are more than just a guitar band; the different samples and contraptions add another layer and definitely serve to separate them from some of the tripe on the radio. Expect to hear more from them in the future.
You’re a seven week old band, playing your 2nd gig. What scenarios would you prefer to avoid? Having to change your name due to the fear of being sued? Falling foul of piss poor scheduling, seeing to it that you take the stage 90 minutes later than expected? Finding out your backing singer is Michelle McManus, who is stoned, hallucinating and thinks you’re actually a cheeseburger?
OK, so the final scenario is a little ridiculous. The first two unfortunately, have happened to the newly named Lost Knives.
You wouldn’t have guessed it judging by tonight’s performance. To say it was flawless would be to lie. There were problems, an errant plectrum and a snapped guitar string almost scuppered things, but all in all this was a tighter display than their first, nervous outing two weeks ago.
‘Cold Morning’ opens the set, introducing the band. Specifically front-man George Agan. His long black coat and lethargic movements liken him to a manic doctor from an old B-movie. The tune itself is laced with samples, dark riffs and sternum shaking drums.
‘Solstice’ informs those who don’t know, this band has two singers. Lead guitarist Steven Mcinerney demonstrates he isn’t a one trick pony with this epic undertaking. The song has real passion in it and shows a great deal of hunger.
Will Clutton demonstrates the ability to bash out a cracking bass line on ‘Nothing Relents’, which is quite apt given the ridiculously cool performance turned in earlier by Whitest Boy Alive’s Marcin Oz.
‘Out of Touch’ rounds things off with its eerie percussion and driven drums; the latter supplied by Joe Craig. These chaps are more than just a guitar band; the different samples and contraptions add another layer and definitely serve to separate them from some of the tripe on the radio. Expect to hear more from them in the future.
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