Wednesday, January 23, 2008
The Bleep Test
As I mentioned a little while back, I was really looking forward to last weekend's Bleep Test with Six Nation State, it ended up being as good as I hoped. When I arrived Sid Velocity was spinning a great if eclectic mix of tunes, most of the Reading band scene seemed to be in attendance already. Marcus from the MidiMidis was already dancing enthusiastically.
The live music kicked off with a very promising (if brief) debut from the West Reading Galaxy house band, or Nu-Rebus as some people were calling them. They don't have a name for the band, any of the songs, or any idea when they might play again, but if I find out I'll let you know. If you knew the name to look out for, it'd be worth looking out for.
They were followed by Union Street Runners who contained members who were previously in The Souls, a band that was much loved round these parts. Still very solid, tight etc. they somehow lacked the slight edge of greatness that The Souls had, maybe a bit picky, still a very good band.
Six Nation State were last and they were brilliant. They are a great live band anyway but this was possibly the best I've ever seen them. Gerry had been telling me earlier that they were looking forward to touring some of their newer material as they'd been playing this stuff for 18 months or so, but it still does sound really great live.
In between bands and after they finished the West Reading Galaxy DJs and JoeyRemote played some great tunes. The night closed at 2am with an emotional rendition of Tiny Dancer by Elton John. The best regular club night in Reading? I think it probably is.
Check out Adam Reading's photo blog and website for some great pictures of the night.
The live music kicked off with a very promising (if brief) debut from the West Reading Galaxy house band, or Nu-Rebus as some people were calling them. They don't have a name for the band, any of the songs, or any idea when they might play again, but if I find out I'll let you know. If you knew the name to look out for, it'd be worth looking out for.
They were followed by Union Street Runners who contained members who were previously in The Souls, a band that was much loved round these parts. Still very solid, tight etc. they somehow lacked the slight edge of greatness that The Souls had, maybe a bit picky, still a very good band.
Six Nation State were last and they were brilliant. They are a great live band anyway but this was possibly the best I've ever seen them. Gerry had been telling me earlier that they were looking forward to touring some of their newer material as they'd been playing this stuff for 18 months or so, but it still does sound really great live.
In between bands and after they finished the West Reading Galaxy DJs and JoeyRemote played some great tunes. The night closed at 2am with an emotional rendition of Tiny Dancer by Elton John. The best regular club night in Reading? I think it probably is.
Check out Adam Reading's photo blog and website for some great pictures of the night.
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
The Hold Steady
Approximately a year after everyone else got in on the act, I finally got myself a copy of Boys and Girls in America by The Hold Steady. I'd listened to it a couple of times before but now, after repeated listens , I can confirm that it's very, very good indeed.
Thanks to the Anonymous poster who asked about Joey Ultra. As well as the Club Velocity gig I mentioned below, we've got some more gigs we're trying to line up, as well as recording. We wrote a great new song yesterday. As we're finding our feet as a band I reckon the set is starting to sound a bit more coherent and it's all clicking together nicely.
Thanks to the Anonymous poster who asked about Joey Ultra. As well as the Club Velocity gig I mentioned below, we've got some more gigs we're trying to line up, as well as recording. We wrote a great new song yesterday. As we're finding our feet as a band I reckon the set is starting to sound a bit more coherent and it's all clicking together nicely.
Labels: Joey Ultra, The Hold Steady
Thursday, January 03, 2008
Another gig for JU?!
Happy New Year everyone!
Yeah, gig! We're playing at Plug'n'Play again for one of the legendary Club Velocity nights on Saturday 9th February. Some more details here, including the shock news that our guitarist broke his thumb.
Another date for your Reading diary is the 19th January when the Bleep Test boys, bring Six Nation State back to town for a gig at the Oakford. And there's a rumour that some of the members of Rebus, who coincidentally are some of the people running the Bleep Test, might be showcasing their new band as well. Not one I'd recommend missing. I'll have a great day as I'll be going to see Reading vs ManU in the day as well.
And if all that wasn't exciting enough, Pete and the Pirates have a new website where you can download an unreleased song and leave them a message. Their album's out on the 18th Feb.
Yeah, gig! We're playing at Plug'n'Play again for one of the legendary Club Velocity nights on Saturday 9th February. Some more details here, including the shock news that our guitarist broke his thumb.
Another date for your Reading diary is the 19th January when the Bleep Test boys, bring Six Nation State back to town for a gig at the Oakford. And there's a rumour that some of the members of Rebus, who coincidentally are some of the people running the Bleep Test, might be showcasing their new band as well. Not one I'd recommend missing. I'll have a great day as I'll be going to see Reading vs ManU in the day as well.
And if all that wasn't exciting enough, Pete and the Pirates have a new website where you can download an unreleased song and leave them a message. Their album's out on the 18th Feb.
