Gig Review : Wedgewood Rooms Showcase Final 2018

So this is The Wedgewood Rooms Showcase 2018, and what have we done? Well, after many heats in the smaller Edge Of The Wedge seeing many acts flogging their proverbial musical wears we came to the final which involved such a plethora of musical genres and depth, it blew the whole shebang wide open. I’m going to try and piece together bit by bit the night from the first note to the last, bare with me as I regale the tale...Onwards Marengo…

For those of us that like our music a little bit more gentle, a little bit more anecdotal and full of a little more acumen the first act of the night Matt English was on hand. Having seen him fill a room so effortlessly through sound in the heat stages Matt took the stage with ease, bringing everybody to his attention from his first chord. If you’re a fan of Bon Iver, Iron & Wine, Joe Purdy, Jack Johnson and a little bit Seasick Steve then Matt English is right up your boulevard, from gentle picking to pure acapella singing and the unfortunate technical issues which resulted in a more personal and intimate rendition of his “best song” (see picture) everyone became entwined. Though always off the cuff and always humorous Matt English possess such humbleness that you don’t see these days which is so refreshing, I personally cannot wait to see him grow in the local area and further afield.  

Next up the the plate were Kayleigh Thomas & The Effectors, a young and very fresh pop-punk-esq band with hooks that come straight out of the playbook from early Paramore, Tonight Alive, Hey Monday and All Time Low. What was attuned from the off set was that although the ability to play instruments successfully was in abundance the overall stage confidence was not present, although the vocal glued every single part of the band together that little something that was missing continuously let the band down, lyrically Kayleigh Thomas is permeate and steeped in genius, if I could pick out a line I would but some were so well mastered and interweaved it is impossible. Kayleigh Thomas & The Effectors have the groundworks to build upwards and I would love to see them grow over the next year or so and come back bigger and stronger and take it to next run of The Showcase. 

I’ve mentioned in previous Wedge Showcase reviews that the pure outpouring of talent that comes through the doors of The Wedgewood Rooms on a yearly basis is totally unbridled, I am honestly totally overwhelmed by the talent we contain on this little island that we populate, and even then some is still hidden in bedrooms and practice rooms in the city still waiting to spread its wings onto the stage and in front of a crowd. I could not be more prouder that year in and year out we give this opportunity to so many people to show what they can do and give them an outlet in which to showcase their abilities, a big massive well done to everyone that took part this year from me personally. 

Up next were probably the oldest band of this years Showcase in the form of Fake Empire, a 3 piece that channeled New Order, The Chameleons, Fear Of Flying and The Editors into one beauteous bewailing. Polished and immaculate they hurled through their set at a blistering pace, by an inch of deafening bass or pounding drum beats while also connecting at every interval with the adorned ever growing crowd. Although I do feel like they should know better than to visit the well of the already known and emulate such sounds Fake Empire did what many could with their own twist and it worked at every single attempt. A band that could support any touring act and fill a local haunt at the drop of a top hat. 

My ears were totally battered by this point, with the concentration span of a small mouse my ears quickly perked up at the sounds of Lobster Pot, a quirky art-pop-rock act fronted by a female, shock and a gasp that such thing could happen but what utter brilliance. Another very young band that sound like the now exiled Portsmouth Sci-Pop act Bear Cavalry, Alphabet Backwards, Good Shoes, Larrikin Love and Bromheads Jacket all rolled into a ball and thrown around a bit. From track to track it was clear that the band were more about having fun than taking things too seriously, enjoying the moment and opportunity to play a show on probably one of the most famous stages in the UK where many before them had cut their teeth, how refreshing that was to see. For me, they were the eye opener of the evening, and will most definitely go onto bigger things. 

Last but very not least closing the night were Brother Deep, former The Wedgewood Rooms showcase veterans who seemingly had not moved a mile from their storming first entrance a year previously. Musically they sound a little like the indie bands from the noughties (think Twisted Wheel and Johnny Marr era Cribs) with a little Cults adding the psychedelia of Sleigh Bells for good measure. Ploughing through an already tried and tested set that was shortened due to time their set was faultless and tight throughout. 

Regaled I have the tale of The Wedgewood Rooms Showcase 2018, to which we learn the victors and the spoils. This years overall winner were Brother Deep, and coming in second place were Fake Empire. As always and as I have mentioned already a big thanks to everyone that entered this year and gave me the pleasure of hearing your music, a big thanks to The Wedgewood Rooms for giving those bands and solo acts the opportunity to play, a massive well done to Mike Hartley & Dudley Stagpool for their continuing efforts into The Showcase, the bar staff for keeping people well watered and security for keeping everyone safe. 

Live music is alive and well ladies and gentle folk, keep supporting your local music venues. 

Until next year...

On The Radar : Stella Donnelly

Sometimes I’ll just flick through artists on Spotify, like when you start listening to one artist and then click ‘Related Artists’ then be completely sucked into a black hole of music for a few hours. There is always one or two that stick out from that black hole and Stella Donnelly was one of them for me.

I had gone backwards in my blog as I’ve recently started writing again and found The Colourist which led me to the acoustic brutal lullaby like voice of Stella Donnelly, the very first song I’d heard was ‘MechanicalBull’ purely for the fact that it’s the most listened on her Spotify page, a song that is honest and open regarding relationship issues. Stella has this voice that screams jaded Kate Nash, in the instance that if she was bought up by Sinead O’Connor while growing up in the surroundings of Adele and her best friend is Amy Winehouse...Think ‘Foundations’ meets ‘Daydreamer’.

Lyrically Stella Donnelly touches on subjects that only previously I feel Scroobius Pip would, ‘Boys Will Be Boys’ is written quite frankly about rape and the victimization of a young women. What is blatant is that she is writing music beyond her years, the most eloquent voice is bashed with pure emotion and words. With only 444,000 hits on Spotify, I’m sure it’s only a matter of time before the right amount of exposure leads to more mainstream success, definitely one for the future. 

On The Radar : Yungblud

When you’re greatest city exports are Leslie Garrett, Louis Tomlinson and Kevin Keegan what aspirations in life do you have? Well, earlier this week my first comment after hearing ‘King Charles’ by Yungblud was “Stop the world I want to get off” but the track stuck and I went back to it days later and I’m still listening.

You’d be mistaken to think that from the opening of ‘King Charles’ could be the vocals of YouTube star Devo, but don’t get confused because it’s actually 19 year old Dominic Harrison from Doncaster. Now I’m not going to tell you that I’m well in touch with the youth of today as I’m pushing 30 but the vocal aggression and downright honesty of the lyrics in this track is straight fire, talking of the ongoing troubles with youngsters today and their feelings and thoughts on the world. With musical heritage coming from a granddad in T-Rex, Harrison is clearly steeped in talent with a sound that is handpicked from early Jamie T, second album Arctic Monkeys and the catchy riffs of Kasabian.

Yungblud have that polished feel, maybe so much so that it’s already gone too commercial but they are having a good punt at it...What more can I say? Have a listen and make up your own minds.

Gig Review : Wedgewood Rooms Showcase Final 2017

Another year over, a plethora of bands passed and only one winner could be crowned, welcome to the Wedgewood rooms showcase grand final. 5 bands had battled through heats and semi final stages to take to the world famous Wedgewood stage which has seen the likes of Gorillaz, Oasis, Kasabian, Vampire Weekend and Muse to name a few, and now it was the turn of Station 47, Cyprian Sceptre, Flowvers, Demonheads and Grief Daddy.

The wonder of the showcase is the pure raw talent that it throws out every year since it’s conception, every year that I have taken part I am taken aback by just how much talent is actually in our little island town of Portsmouth and the surrounding areas, which makes platforms like the showcase so important for local live music, creating a permanent position for those who would like to strut their proverbial musical stuff in front of an audience whilst also having the opportunity to get a foot into the music industry. What is also great to see is the unbridled support for every single band that not only took part in final but overall through the whole competition.

The first of the bands to take to the stage of the evening were Station 47, a 4 piece consisting of 2 guitarists, a bassist and drummer. It had always been so clear from heats that Station 47 hold every single chess piece needed to become a well established band, from their dueling vocals to tight guitar solos adorned by jazz like bass rhythms. One special mention from me goes to a catchy little ditty of a song called ‘Red Stripe’ which has me whistling and singing away from the showcase for the first time. One thing I hope from the band is that they get a few releases under their belt as they could hold their own as support for any band passing through these parts as well as headlining their own shows.

Next up were possibly the youngest and most supported band in showcase history Flowvers (yes that is how you spell it) with an energy that was palpable from the front to the back of the room. Their support packed the first few rows of the stage including their dads who garbed band t-shirts in support of their sons. With a sound that falls somewhere in between shoegaze, indie pop and The Stone Roses from the get go it’s pretty obvious where the bands influences come from, speeding through their set at 101kmh they kept the energy at a high with the occasional time issue. What is great about Flowvers is that they have so much confidence for a band so young, with the right support system around them and hands pointing in correct directions they could go on to do great things either as a unit themselves or separately in different projects.

Talking of firsts, for the first time also this year we had “in fighting” between 2 bands which also managed to make the news and bring attention from a local MP. The rivalry between Cyprian Sceptre and Grief Daddy dragged itself from the heats all the way to the finals intensifying as it did, including the popping of balloons, stage invasions, stickers and general anarchy. Safe to say it was as entertaining to watch as it probably was to take part in also, well done to them.

Up to the half way stage of the night we were all introduced to Cyprian Sceptre, which is where also the night took a sharp right turn. I had never seen them before so I was exposed to a genre of music I had never experienced before with instruments including flutes, clarinets, a banjo, an old organ, hand drums, cow bells and an acoustic guitar to name but a few. I can only describe Cyprian Sceptre as Sea Shanty folk, if you’re trying to work out what that would sound like imagine Pirates Of The Caribbean crossed with Fishermans Friends with a little bit of Frank Turner added in for good measure. Although niche the set was enjoyable from start to finish keeping the concentration of the crowd, which I feel they could also do anywhere else they would like to play.

Demonheads followed Cyprian Sceptre in what I can only describe as a full on assault of the eardrums, another band that bought 110% to every one of their sets from heats to the final. Demonheads are 2 piece consisting of only a guitar and drums. Like every great 2 piece that I could list Demonheads bought everything and the kitchen sink with them to their performance with energy that a full band could produce and a sound to boot. Demonheads win the award for only band of the night to get half naked, living up to their rock influences which possibly included Band Of Skulls, Biffy Clyro, Queens Of The Stone Age and maybe Royal Blood. Any direction that the band takes from here is a successful route as they are a tight knit unit with a great selection of original music.

Now, I can only say that I have been left speechless by very few things in my life but the final act of the night Grief Daddy not only left me speechless but also completely blew my mind and left me without thought or feeling generally. From the first song members of the crowd were either fully into the band or they were picking their jaws up from the floor in total shock. With a backdrop highlighting lyrics partnered with images of Rupert Murdoch, babies dancing and money raining down adding in their own personal smart dressed man dancing. Grief Daddy play what I can only describe as Chromeo meets Art Brut on acid with influences of hip and trip hop, even then I don’t feel I’m getting across everything that Grief Daddy actually do. Where do they go from here? Aldi...I don’t know? Wherever they go it’ll be brilliant for whoever is going to witness it.

The votes were then counted, the judges scores totted up for around 10 minutes and compere (me) returning to the stage the winner was to be announced along with their prizes. Up for grabs were 2 slots at Icebreaker Festival next year, recording time and monetary vouchers for The Wedgewood Rooms. The runner up of the evening winning an afternoon slot at Icebreaker were young outfit Flowvers, and the winner of The Showcase 2017 were...Grief Daddy.

In closing I can say that it’s great to be a part of the showcase this year, a massive well done to everyone involved and a big well done goes to Mike Hartley for his ongoing efforts in organizing and making every heat happen. The Wedgewood Rooms staff from promotions, security to the bar staff for also supporting the nights and keeping everyone safe and hydrated, all of the judges that took part this year your knowledge is second to none and it is well appreciated and last but not least once again well done and thank you to every band that took part in The Showcase 2017, see you all in 2018!

Live Review - The Pigeon Detectives at The Wedgewood Rooms

 The Wedgewood Rooms to me is like my second home, and last night (Saturday 11^th May) it was made quite aware to me that it also holds a special kind of place in a certain indie bands heart. Since forming 2004 Yorkshires very own Pigeon Detectives have played the venue 5 times, I've attended at least 3 of those, and every time the band has got more tight, performing harder and stronger than the last.

So, 10 years and 4 albums later The Pigeon Detectives return to Portsmouth, an air of anticipation is in the air, we all knew what was coming and it was clear from the off that everyone was prepared for the inevitable. The Portsmouth date was the final furlong of 15 on the ‘We Met At Sea’ tour, and it was going off with a bang, by the seaside.

As the venue filled itself up first support act HARES took to the stage, a bubblegum- grunge phoenix rising from the burning embers of The Holloways. Looking like they’d just walked off of Camden high street, the recognisable face of Robb Skipper (vocals/guitar) was joined by Jack Flanagan (bass) and Adam Sullivan (drums).

No strangers to a Portsmouth crowd having recently played The Cellars, HARES took to their set steady with a post-grunge/baggy indie sound, complimenting each other nicely with some top form between song banter. Check their new EP ‘Coastlines’.

Next up were 4-peice MUST, also hailing from London. A band that consists of funky bass lines, a sweeter kinda shoegaze sound and a lot of toilet paper (a reference that only those in attendance of the gig will understand). Stand out tracks from the MUST set include ‘Die For You’ and ‘The Devil Lives’.

Now near full to capacity, The Wedgewood Rooms was ready for headline act The Pigeon Detectives. A crowd ranging from teenage girls to burly older men, battle lines were drawn, the lights dimmed and they took to the stage. Opening with ‘We Met At Sea’ track ‘I Won’t Come Back’, the still audience was now a sea of arms and bodies, the stage a blur of the erratic Pigeon Detectives lead singer Matt Bowman.

A quick word and bow to what Bowman describes as his ‘beloved Pompey’ the band tore into first album anthem ‘I Found Out’, moving everyone into pure delirium. Only 2 songs into a 17-song strong set The Pigeon Detectives had the capacity crowd in the palm of their hands, the backline tight from the off, but this is what we all expected. Following ‘I Found Out’ from ‘Up guards and at’em’ was ‘What Can I Say’ into second album single release ‘This Is An Emergency’ which was complimented by the accommodating all singing, all dancing crowd.

Although new album ‘We Met At Sea’ has been approached in a bad light by the musical media, played live album tracks ‘I Don’t Mind’ ‘Day And Month’ ‘Hold Your Gaze’ and opener ‘I Won’t Come Back’ slip nicely into The Pigeon Detectives live set up, with confidence around previous albums materials.

As always Bowman was on top form with crowd interaction, at one point crowd surfing over the first few rows as well as apologising to a female on the front row that I can only name as ‘Amanda’, in the unfortunate case of having his crotch in her face. Bottles and bottles of water were disposed of over himself or into the raucous crowd and the trademark jumping splits and microphone swing were continuously in action.

In a personal first before ‘Go At It Completely’ Bowman kindly asked every member of the audience to climb the shoulders of a friend, or not a friend in my case, before he could finish his sentence I was on the shoulders of another member of the audience, crowd surfing alongside members of HARES and MUST. Now a sweaty and very wet mess Bowman confirmed that the band would be going off for an encore but we must not ‘mug ourselves’ into thinking they aren’t coming back, he also confirmed that the next time the band return to the city they would take the party down to the seafront itself and into The Pyramids.

 In their return they smash into second album track ‘Everybody Wants Me’ followed by the few final crowd sways and circle pits during ‘Take Her Back’ ‘Hold Your Gaze’ and Indie banger ‘I’m Not Sorry’. As the final thank you was said, some more toilet paper was thrown and water was poured, The Wedgewood Rooms crowd ran onto empty and into the night.

The Pigeon Detectives are now to embark on a European tour on the back of their new album which you can buy in all good record stores, and in the words of the band themselves “Keep music alive, buy music”.

Images courtesy of TomLangfordPhotography.

On The Radar : DoubleOSessions

Sometimes all the best things are right under your nose, even then you don’t pay attention to them, I certainly smelt what was cooking this time.

Last Wednesday, as a part of ‘Big Jugs Wednesday’ at The One Eyed Dog (Portsmouth) DJ Lemon cast his net out for all the best local talent from all genres, a massive challenge in itself, and he came out with some bangers, one of them came in the form of DoubleOSessions.

DoubleOSessions are a 2 piece from Portsmouth, going under pseudonyms K.O and Oh Kay. Influences are what feel like the chilled out vibes of A Tribe Called Quest, the licks of Jurassic 5 and ‘Ill Communication’ Beastie Boys.

Radar Track (and only track released) ‘Hit’Em up’ has the old school hip hop style while sounding fresh, social commentary is spot on and I’m not the biggest connoisseur of hip-hop and rap or fully in touch with the UK scene, but I’m feeling DoubleOSessions going from strength to strength in the near future.

On The Radar : Asta

Those Australians have done it again, just as April properly rears its beautiful head into sunshine, this time with a wonderful solo artist in the form of Asta.

Back in 2009 I became addicted to co country dwellers Empire Of The Sun and their first album ‘Walking On A Dream’, tracks such as ‘We Are The People’ and ‘Half Mast’ were constantly propping themselves up on my iPod shuffle and practically sound tracked my summer. Hailing from Hobart, Australia, she could quite well become my Empire Of The Sun for 2013.

Asta is Karen O meets Empire Of The Sun, hypnotizing vocals encapsulate themselves around a soft kick, hi hat and acoustic guitar. Radar track ‘I Need Answers’  is a tiny bit early Daft Punk meets Ellie Goulding with a bit of Gabrielle Aplin, a nice gentle tune you’d have on in the background on a sunny Sunday afternoon.