White Lies Hoxton bar and Kitchen 24/07/13

       White Lies @ 

Hoxton Bar & Kitchen  

             Hackney-London 24.07.2013

Today in East London the sun is shining its a lovely day, and I've just checked in to my exclusive hotel suite, it's lush I spend an hour getting aquainted !! At 2pm I head off in a cab flagged down by my consiege which ensures I leave in seconds for the venue.. best service ever.

 

I Arrive at bustling Hoxton Square in the heart of Hackney,East London which is full of eateries and bars,restaraunts,and an area for people just relaxing under trees and on benches,people walking various pedigree's of dog,so far 2 lovely pooches a Miniture Daschund and an Italian Greyhound both stole my heart.

But I'm not here to chat holiday expereriences with you, tonight is the 2nd night of exclusive shows by London's own 'White Lies'.

 

These shows were exclusive ballot only entries the idea was to play 3 nights at the venue where they first played a gig at Hoxton's now trendy area Bar & Kitchen + Grill,so a tiny venue for a big band capacity is about 300+

 

I was one of the lucky one's to have had the chance to see them as they prepare for the launch of their third album 'Big TV',it's not the usual gig atmosphere of queuing and fan banter, me and my guest are sat inside the bar area,I've known her since 2011 and she's also a big fan of 'White Lies'.

 

We spot 'Tommy' and 'Rob' the 2 live session musician's and members of 'White Lies' whom we've come to know as we go from Tour to Tour,they are about to go in to the soundcheck,the 2 support bands have already done theirs.we say 'Hello' to them and they seem quite surprised to see us sat relaxed drinking and chatting (Usually we're outside trying to keep warm..Ah The perils of the Winter Tour),they wave back in recognition which is nice.

 

There was no actual queue to speak of and we didn't need to go outside all that was between us was black curtains leading into the room where the stage has been set up for the gig due to start 8pm,we are all stamped with the words 'Gold Dust' (Very modest boys ,Very modest),the first thing I notice in disbelief and wonderment..there was NO yes that's right NO barrier at the low small stage keeping us back.

 

As the people came in to the room behind us,the crowd were polite kept distance and were just relaxing with their drinks watching the crew preparing for the 1st band,there was none of the usual body contact, squashing, squabbling it was dignified for a gig.

 

 

8.30pm first band 'The Juveniles' came on to the stage ,my friend didn't rate them much but was enjoying their set and I was dancing about to their songs with vigor,they were a bit like a Discotized version of 'The Foals' with a funky bassline they were on for 30 mins,Excitement taking over or just enjoying the music... you decide.

Next band 'Bipolar Sunshine' a bit more slower in pace and sound and lead singer more talkative to the people and especially the ladies,they were a bit like a soul tinged 'Tv On the Radio' so they weren't really my thing.

 

Between each bands set the crew had to move the equipment over our heads and came down to the floor to take away amps while we moved back a bit and watched,I genuinely can't believe how close to the stage we are my fingers can touch the stage edge without  even moving, and the stairs.. 3 of them are 2 sidesteps away from where I'm standing, feels strange but very exciting.

The crew's boss approaches us at the front and says "Right I'll only say this once,no touching the equipment,no getting on to the stage,this is obviously a different situation for the band and us,anyone on the stage will be thrown out OK" I nod and say "Yes of course no problem".

On the stage I notice 'Jack's drumkit has a new skin on it,it's the artwork for 'There Goes Our Love Again' and 'Harry' appears to be using his old Cream coloured telecaster he used on his first tour in 2009,dry ice bellows from the right of the stage lights go down flashing lights begin,and to the left of the stage's steps a small hatch door from which the band come out of to the sound 'Relax' by 'Frankie Goes To Hollywood' and the band take to the stage with cheers and applause.

 

So far so good no pushing very cosy place to be, and my place is right at the mic stand a little too close as 'Harry' is now standing just above looking right down at me a little awkward at first, he smiles at the crowd with his newly grown beard, White T-shirt and Black baggy trousers.

 

He speaks to us "Hello ,welcome to this special show tonight were going to play you some new songs from the album 'Big Tv' " and he begins by playing us a classic album track 'A Place To Hide' followed by the indie hit 'To Lose My Life' then straight onto new single 'There Goes Our Love Again',I dance around as there is much room people are not pushing or moving near me so I just go with it that I almost forget the band can see me and hear me screaming between songs oops.

 

Next song 'Farewell To The Fairground' and I'm bouncing like 'Tigger' to this arms all over the place like in a disco,always a crowd pleasing song glad they included it we are a loud crowd tonight and my lungs are holding out for more ,Then another new song my fav so far 'Getting Even' to which 'Harry' speaks to us again "I hope you like this song you can download it free from our website its another from Big TV" my friend hadn't heard it but I think she liked it.

 

Then as we were well into the spirit of the show another oldie from 'Ritual' the last track to be released from it was back in July 2011 'Power & The Glory' then in a panic or so it looks from our side of things 'Harry' rushes over to Charles' pointing,gesturing and whisphering it turns out that 'Harry' wants to change the song on the setlist which was due to be 'Mother Tongue' instead he explains "We are just deciding what song to play for you" he'd like to play this one and gets some lyrics for on the stage he reads them as he's playing the song which turns out to be 'I'll Be Your Man' a song I also didn't know too well ,I found myself sneaking a look on the lyric sheet too ha.

 

Back to a classic track 'Unfinished Business' and then more tracks 'First Time Caller' and title track to 'Big Tv' which I hadn't heard at all would need to hear it again as I can't recall it now,obviously they played 'Death' it was the most relaxed of all the performance's of this song tha I've attended as the usual student crowd usually do their crowdsurfing and bump into you and squash you quite a bit,it been knwn to start a few fights, so I bounced extra hard to make up for it.

They ended with the song they have ended with throughout 2011 shows 'Bigger Than Us', the show was only an hour long, it was just a taster of what to expect ,new album is out August 12th.

 

 

I managed to get a word with the boys after the gig and asked them about amongst other things ..their plans to tour this album in the U.K. and 'Harry' said "Yes We'll be touring all over the U.K. for this album" the last tour was Dec 2011 I know WL fans here will be pleased to know it wont be long now, I also know that there will be 2 shows taking place the London area but this will not be announced until after 'Reading & Leed's' is finished, soon after will come the announcement in September of the dates and details of the shows to come so there we have it. 

 

 "The WL Boys are back"!!

 

You can see the full set of 40 live shots I took at the gig on Wednesday 24th 's Hoxton show on a link to be posted out soon stayed tuned to Big TV Folks !!!

 

 

LMI  x

 

 

 

 

Delphic -Our Worldly Collections Manchester Last Show Manchester International Festival 20/07/13

Delphic Manchester International Festival 20th July 2013

 After The previous night's shenanagans, here I am in sunny Manchester for an afternoon of culture, arts and Gig later of course, it's the final night of Delphic's 3 night shows in the twice yearly Manchester International Festival throughout the July Month.

 

Already it has now hosted by a number of bands in their live shows including 'The XX' 'Massive Attack', 'Mogwai' and Goldfrapp to name a few 4th-20th July 2013.

 

Tonight is the turn of Manchester band 'Delphic' but as I have time to kill in the family friendly atmosphere, I have a mooch around  Manchester's 'Albert Square' to see what it has to offer.

 

There's a Huge installation called 'The Glass House' where you can sit on the top deck and basque in the sunshine or you can simply ,pick up a deckchair and sit around the site, take in the free bands on acoustic stage  & chillax or you can just sit around in the Huge white tent and have some hot food.

Whilst I was sipping glasses of Pimms and relaxing other's were going to surrounding bars and resteraunts and enjoying the day.

People of all ages dressed up in various states of fancy dress the whole city was buzzing today really busy, and other's chose to blend in quietly.

 

 Tonight 8pm doors open for 'Delphic' in the special Pavillion venue on site it can hold 300 people apparently, tonight is a specially prepared set of their new album 'Collections' this was titled 'Our Worldly Collections' with people of different origins playing rare and unusual musical instruments from around the world,percussion rhythm and bizzare instruments and a conductor ,I had no idea it was such a specialist gig when I booked the ticket it was my first 'Delphic' show, I thought it was a gig..it wasn't really, it was a more relaxed affair and a performance never heard before.

 

The band arrived on stage at 8.30pm and you could hear a pin drop apart from the odd cheer, it was an arty gig, singer 'James Cook' took to the stage in a suit as did the other two members it was hot so a brave move, tonight he reminded me of 'Jack Whitehall' the comedian with his white teeth slight of frame and rapid spreading stubble (the fashion accessory for men in 2013).

 

There were clearly die hard fans here tonight including one bloke with a camera zoom lens that heard clicking over my shoulder, 'Jame's welcomed us and introduced the backing artists with the band he told  us that a young lad called 'Luke' had learnt to play the Gamelan specially for the shows, apparently this instrument came from Indonesia.

 

My fav song is 'Baiya' I like the original version, it was very odd reviewing this for me as the songs were played in a different way and I hadn't heard the new stuff, so I was hoping they would play material from their first album and maybe single 'Doubt' but this was just to promote the new album they were only playing for 60 minutes.

 

'Delphic' emerged with a crop of electro indie bands in 2009 and disappeared for a while to come back with new album in late 2012 called 'Collections' which now features a newer sound of experimental guitars and key's, much different to what they have done before.

 

So tonight is an energetic strange affair with an eye opener of stage set up and stripped back performance, the crowd love it, I'm impressed but a little bemused, better watching them in a live show first to better appreciate what they have done here, it went a little over my head.

 

I have photos from the gig which I shall be uploading in the gallery soon.

 

LMI   x

 

 



Happy Mondays -Warrington Music Festival 2013

Happy Mondays -Warrington Music Festival 2013

I First heard a Happy Mondays track in the 90's,I hadn't realised they had been together for as long as they had years before.

Like 'The Stone Roses' their songs were anthems for Manchester people and fans of the baggy scene across the North West, so I loved everything from the album 'Bummed' and 'Pills & Thrills & Bellyaches' respectively.

 

I had my first live 'Monday's Experience in 2008 when they made an appearance at a charity 'Versus Cancer' gig in Manchester at the MEN Arena along with The Farm,Inspiral Carpets & Peter Hook, it was a little disappointing, 'Shaun Ryder's vocals were not up to par they were barely on speaking terms and he wasn't allowed to earn money due to addiction to heroin things were tense, he was barely audible he looked like he didn't want to be there, Bez was just Bez the star of the show,but it wasn't particularly memorable for me.

 

So tonight in my birth town of 'Warrington' live and free for one night only 'Happy Mondays' are back here in all places 'The old market place' as the Saturday before there was a ticket giveaway 2 to a person, and people camped overnight to get the lucky tickets to see them you had to wait for 10am,there were  approx 2'000 tickets.

 

Me and my guest went early to work out the queueing system, we were first in the queue we're used to gig etiquette, hardly anyone turned up until well into support bands set.

 

Supporting tonight are 2 bands from 'Warrington' 'In Blue Skies' and 'The Ambersons' the first band sounded like a tribute band for 90's and now radio hits with a female singer although the guy sat on the percussion box had rhythm and was impressive, they sang covers of 'Coldplay' and 'Bruno Mars' and afterwards handed out free Cds and wristbands to the crowd.

 

'The Ambersons' were the most entertaining lead singer looked a little bit like 'Kid Rock' but sang with the harmonies of 'Orson',they played their own songs,he dressed in white ,he seemed confident and outgoing for  a new act I think he knew how to work the crowd which is always good.

 

'The Mondays' took to the stage at 9.30pm Bez walked up to the mic and began "Ladies and Gentlemen, Warrington introducing The Happy Mondays!!!" the crowd went crazy ,now the kids seemed to vanish behind us and the adults in it now were the ones yelling and pushing to the front some pissed up some not so pissed trying to enjoy it without getting whacked in the face or having lager thrown over their heads ( IE it was very difficult).

 

Shaun walks onto the stage in Shorts and Blue and White striped T-shirt and shades with freshly shaven head "Manchester,Liverpool,Warrington" and Bez who leaves the stage and lets 'Rowetta' walk on after him she arrives wearing what looks like a red and black Ann Summers outfit with tights and thigh high boots with riding crop tucked in at the leg I'm guessing it was for 'Shaun' to keep him in check and get him to complete the show for us haha.

 

They kicked off with 'Loose Fit' then classic indie hit 'Kinky Afro' next up was my fav track from 'Pills N Thrills' 'Dennis & Lois,Bez arrives back on stage for some of the show clambering on the amps, shaking his marracas, his eyes goggling out of their sockets, and the crowd now mainly consisting of 40 and 50 somethings, I did think what am I doing here with this lot but most of he time  I went nuts too ,possibly worse than them as I knew the words and was sober !!

 

Then it was onto '24 Hour Party people' and then class tune 'Hallelujah', Shaun cracked me up with each track as he kept saying 'Is This an 80's song or a 90's song' bless him he cant remember much of it, then he exclaimed 'h not done this one in a while I like that turn it up' which could only mean one thing 'Mad Cyril' to which I went bonkers for,then another track showcasing 'Rowetta's vocals 'called 'Bobs Your Uncle'.

 

Approaching Encore time the whole place goes Beserk when 'Step on' starts,'Rowetta' is trying her luck winding up Showsec man standing with his back to the stage,she thinks its funny to whack him over the head with her red tassle sticks,he looks back bemused and she keeps doing it he isn't having much fun but its entertaining.

 

Last track of the night is 'WFL' Wrote For Luck and Bez comes back on the stage (The video for this has a connection with the town if you've ever seen it ,it's filmed in a club ages ago in Warrington the club was called 'Legends' well closed own now obviously.)

Bez comes back on stage and wows the crowd,he then picks up setlists and distributes them to people in the crowd and loses a flip flop in the process.

 

He then beckons a fan to come up on stage the guy is in wheelchair and Bez is losing patience with security who then help him out and in a moving moment  Bez hugs him and has dance in jest with him, that guy was in the queue with us top geezer, he's a big fan so kudos for that one mate Nice one !! There was no allocated disability area for him so he'd risked getting hammered at he front, they played just over and hour,then when they left the stage was the usual setlist chaos I did manage to get one, Class gig Happy Fridays all round!!

 

 

LMI  x