Robo kindly invited me to this gig for the launch of their new single “All Night” and frankly it would have been rude to refuse! So obviously I went along and I am glad that I did. Community Centres like this one are like a home from home for me after more than 30 years as a mobile DJ. But it was an interesting place for a gig like this. There was some great support before the main event too. First up was Jasmine Lowe, someone I had heard a lot about but had not seen until now. She has a wonderful collection of sad songs that drift in the soft swell on a sea of serene fragility. The songs with spoken word elements reminded me of Kate Nash. In Jasmine’s voice I can hear not just Kate Nash but also Delores O’Riordan and on the saddest of the sad songs a hint of Sinead O’Connor too. Jasmine is a great performer and she knows how to write a great song. I definitely need to see her again.
Next up it was the Unnamed Band. This was the second time that I have seen them, the first was just a couple of weeks ago when they supported Pedestrian at the Fulford Arms. Once again they played mostly covers and as before that selection of classic songs was deliciously eclectic and included the Kaiser Chiefs, the Killers and Chuck Berry. Ace front man took a walk through the crowd during an incredible “Johhny B Goode”. They played a good version of the Hall and Oates 80s smash “Maneater”. The short, saxophone supported, excerpt from “Careless Whisper” dedicated to guitarist Luke and his girlfriend was nicely done. They then played “I Can See Your Face” which Luke actually wrote for said girlfriend. Luke it sounds like she’s a keeper! When I reviewed them earlier I said that I thought their originals were good but that they needed a bit of polishing. I was quite touched when I spoke to Arthur later and he said that they had taken that advice on. In fact that much was evident from their fiery, barnstorming closer “Don’t You Know”.
Finally it was time for Robo. I can tell you that for this performance, their first headline sell out, they were as tight as fuck! Their were shades of Television spliced with the Doors, but without the Ray Manzarek keys. On one song (was it something like “Appalachia”?) it was like hearing the ghost of Jeff Buckley. On the song were the band introduced each other and added each members star sign it took me back to the Floaters “Float On”, not in style, just in sentiment. Robo are far more rock than the Floaters ever were. Some of the band’s songs draw on the blues base of Led Zeppelin and drag it into the 21st Century. When they psych out they do it with style and panache. For one song they were joined on stage by a talented female vocalist who added a Nicoesque layer to the track. The finale was a storming live take on their new single “All Night”. You can find my review of that song here. But essentially if you imagine Tom Verlaine producing the Arctic Monkeys it might sound a little like this new song. This was a short, punchy and absorbing set from a band on top form. After that we were treated to a premiere of the “All Night” video which was produced and directed by Natasha Pugh. The video will have a separate review soon on these very pages. All I will say before that is that it is bloody good!
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