I am always interested in seeing a band that I have never seen before and Plastic Factory are new to me. Are they named after the Captain Beefheart song of the same name I wonder? But I have seen and enjoyed both support acts before. First up it was Eugene Gorgeous, they are like a swampier, slightly less frenetic, but definitely still a tad bluesy Dr. Feelgood. They have some great songs, particularly the cannibal track. That one was hilarious, entertaining, and like no other band. There is a slight undercurrent of Nick Cave in their sound. They can be quite funky at the same time as showing their post-punk chops! Eugene Gorgeous creates gorgeous music for gorgeous people and not-so-gorgeous people too!
Victory Samosa have a complete arsenal of original pop-rock hooks. There is so much to like in their music which draws on some of the finest British artists. At times there were elements of the early Dire Straits, Rockpile, and Nick Lowe. Their songs are classic and well-thought-out story songs that are hard not to like. When they really put the pedal to the floor they sound like a more edgy Killers. Will Evans’ voice has hints of both Elvis Costello and John Lennon. I am still hoping that there will be a Victory Samosa album someday. Oh, and I have to say that the man on drums for Victory Samosa seems like the happiest drummer in the world. A truly great band!
Plastic Factory were here to give a formal launch to their album ‘Forgotten Dreams’ which was released a couple of days previously. They have a jingle jangle indie style with some cool ’60s vibes thrown in, think maybe the Byrds and the Hollies. The featured harmonica adds a fabulous extra dimension to some great songs. “The Bluest Eye” is based on Toni Morrison’s first novel, published in 1970, and is a stand-out track. Maybe I need to read the book now! “Tough Decisions” was a fine slice of funky rock which was like a polished Stranglers demo just missing the organ work of Dave Greenfield. My favourite track of the night was “Hollow Gesture”, a song which I believe is a smart takedown of that ridiculous clap for the NHS thing during Covid. The crowd participation, which was obviously clapping, was ace on this one! The closing cover choices were sublime and perfect; “Let’s Stick Together” (Bryan Ferry) and a magnificent take on the Feelgood’s “Down By The Jetty”. Plastic Factory played a blinder and I got to make two Dr. Feelgood references in one post, so all in all a great night of music!
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