MusicNet Live Review
Though a few sound problems may have offended the discerning ear, July’s MusicNet at Newcastle’s Hyena Cafe once again proved to be an enjoyable evening of fun entertainment and networking. The hot summer weather helped, oh, and possibly the drinks promotion too!
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Glide (duet) - Glide are discovering music on a new and exciting level. Mixing intelligent and thoughtful musical mis-structure delightfully juxtaposed by the howling genius of their tangential divergence, they have found an untouched oasis of promise and opportunity. The inspired decision to sing the same song in two unconnected pitches allows the music to be exploited on an exquisite bi-linear parallel polarisation. Moving on from the by now standard acoustic-alternative, post modern, retro prog-folk pop, these music terrorists are taking the uncontrollable into entirely new arenas of sonic experimentation. The angst filled nihilism of impotent rage at the world around them is manifest in their astonishingly violent folk, de/un tuned guitar passages - again by varying the tunings and levels of the guitar output, the two succeed in a unique and almost discordant cacophony of tear jerking emo-core rage-folk. Glide have transcended beyond the limits of the pop boundaries of musical structure, timing and melody and have emerged beyond the neverside of the sublime, even beyond the ridiculous. Alternatively, other (possibly) less imaginative individuals may prefer to inform you that tonight - time seemed to stand still while two chaps cheerfully butchered a selection of songs and assaulted some seemingly defenseless tunes, with no apparent provocation. That said everyone cheered them enthusiastically and the good-time vibe seemed to spread everywhere. [ Contact the Artist(s) ] [ Next ] [ Top ] |
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Slut Puppet - Or Napalm Death as they may alternatively be referred to. I guess that really sets the stall out for these guys. The music is fast and furious - BUT - thankfully pretty tight and well organised. The initial most striking thing is the vocals - which sound for all the world, like a dog barking - and that's not by way of a slagging off - I'm just telling you the noises I heard. The Puppets got off to a stiff two dimensional start, obviously nervous and uptight - as the proceeding wore on and they realised that people weren't leaving, however, they loosened up a little and became all the more enjoyable for it. - Something that always leaves me a little hollow is when a hardcore band, grinding out ferocious mayhem are still too inhibited and self conscious to let go and enjoy themselves - to live out what they see in their minds eye. Thank God then, that with a little self belief and some support from a couple of mates moshing down the front, the Puppets started to bend and flex, to, as it were, and feel the music - visibly. Keeping things moving and lively they gave us an instrumental (good move - kept the set on it's toes and stopped any stalwarts complaining about the barking front man) as well your basic gurn-core metal. Heavy music, well played and well delivered - a very promising start. [ Contact the Artist(s) ] [ Next ] [ Previous ] [ Top ] |
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Alice in Wonderland (DJ) - Now then, could be tricky this one as I could do Ms in Wonderland an injustice here. See - I'm not mega clued into the dance scene - I tend to know what I likes - type of thing. So I don't know all the fancy words and stuff. But the point is, I REALLY enjoyed the set. And the other point is EVERYONE I spoke to REALLY enjoyed the set. In fact many would claim that Alice in Wonderland stole the show tonight. Basically we were treated to a fantastic set of dance beats and infectious booming sounds - carefully structured, thoughtfully prepared - and brutally delivered. The first female DJ I've ever seen at the MusicNet affairs she blew away all previous competition. Nice to see as well that she was enjoying the set as much as anyone else, maybe this contributed to the infectious dance vibe that permeated the venue. I mean you don't normally get people dancing at the MusicNet do's but as the set progressed, people payed more attention to the DJ, and tapping feet and nodding heads gave way to swaying bodies and bounding limbs. A great set and triumphant for Alice in Wonder-land. A victory for the (usually) unseen heroine! [ Contact the Artist(s) ] [ Next ] [ Previous ] [ Top ] |
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Shine - The unfortunate victims of something of a sound crime tonight. As the first two members took the stage for a minimalist acoustic piece, some fine music was subject to some poor sound. This only became apparent when you moved around the venue, in the middle, the sound was OK but elsewhere it gave a really poor account of some great songs - well played. A real shame. After a couple of quiet numbers the rest of the band took the stage and the momentum was upped, singing duties where switched with the lilting female vocal of Louise Roberts filling a more harmonious backing role.
Comparisons to the Beautiful South although apt, are probably a little tiresome to the group - but do at least give an idea of what to expect from the band. Songs on the easy side of pop and the poppy side of folk, allowing good songs to shine and good musicians to showcase their talents, made for a very passable set. My only gripe is that Louise’s fabulous voice was grossly under-used. A band with an asset like that have a real great opportunity to make a big impression and that opportunity should be utilised to it's full extent. Good stuff, keep it up!
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