With Just A Hint Of Mayhem

Music reviews, gig reviews, fun trivia and extra added random stuff!

The New York Brass Band – Fulford Arms – Sunday 14th January 2024 January 29, 2024

Filed under: Review — justwilliam1959 @ 10:15 pm
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This was the first matinee gig I have been to in many years and the final gig celebrating the 10th birthday of the fabulous Fulford Arms. It was a two-set show from the magnificent New York Brass Band, a New Orleans-styled jazz-type band from York. But they are so much more than just a jazz or brass band. They are the ultimate party band that can raise a storm at festivals, parties, weddings, and intimate gigs like a matinee birthday party for the Fulford Arms. They are an 8-piece unit including four family members, and oh boy can this bunch play. They had the crowd on their feet from the first number and kept it that way the whole afternoon. I always think a band performs better when they are having fun themselves, and the New York Brass Band were having their own on-stage party. I loved some of the brassed-up Motown tracks they played, particularly “I Want You Back” and “Just My Imagination.” The female artist medley was ace and included some Spice Girls, B*Witched, S Club 7, and Weather Girls. I also feel that their version of Bruce Channel’s “Hey Baby” took ownership of the song back from DJ Ötzi who had a huge hit, a UK number one, in 2000 with an atrocious version of the track. The second set was even funkier with some excellent renditions of Earth, Wind, and Fire and Kool and the Gang tunes. At one point we even had a very polite York mosh circle/ conga going on which was huge fun! The cover of Marvin Gaye’s “Sexual Healing” was one of the highlights for me, in an afternoon full of them. To quote from that tune, “hot just like an oven” was exactly what the New York Brass Band made the Fulford Arms feel like on a cold Sunday afternoon in January! Bring on next year’s birthday, this one was fabulous! Well done to the Fulford Arms and all the fantastic staff and punters!

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PERCY – Fulford Arms, York – Saturday 13th January 2024 January 24, 2024

Filed under: Review — justwilliam1959 @ 6:44 pm
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This was one of several shows to celebrate the tenth anniversary of the fabulous Fulford Arms. Only three years until the venue becomes a teenager! The poster above shows JUKU as a headliner supported by special guests. Sadly, no thanks to that bastard Covid-19, JUKU could not play. Which left us with Special Guests, who are Special Guests? Are they a band, no, but that might make a good name, right? There were three special guests; No Como Crees, Speedreaders, and new headliners PERCY.

So first up it was No Como Crees. We got two-thirds of a punky trio forced into an acoustic set thanks to drummer Dave getting the back door trots, or as Roxy Music once said, both ends burning! Did this stop No Como Crees? No, they were absolutely ace with a towering display of slacker rock! Their original tunes were fabulous and their cover of Jessie J’s “Price Tag” was stunningly spectacular and supremely sublime. Vinnie and Harrison, you fucking rock! I am sure Dave rocks too when he doesn’t have the Dehli belly!

Speedreaders were next with a kind of drone-driven indie sound. Sometimes it sounded like shoegaze on speed, and I do mean that in a good way. The harmonies were mostly perfect. There is a definite Velvet Underground influence with Speedreaders. The particular highlights for me were “Little Things” and “Nobody Died” and the wild wig out on the closing number was full-on psychedelic.

When JUKU had to pull out PERCY, those West Yorkshire Super Heroes, pulled on the number twelve shirt and headlined. They have a new album coming out later this year and their set was pretty much that whole album. They opened with what is now a solid PERCY classic, “What Les Said.” “Blackout” is brilliant and in my opinion owes a small debt to Ian Dury. I really love “Thinking Of Jacking It All In Again” and this was the first time that song had ever been played in York. It has a weird and mesmerising fairground-style rhythm to it. Introduced as a song for autistics who are not really autistic it was “Do You Think I’m On The Spectrum?” This is the kind of song that probably only PERCY could write. The same could be said of the wonderful and very dark “I Can Hear Orgies” which reminded me a little of Public Image Limited at their finest. ”It’s Not About The Money” (at least that is what I think it is called) is definitely a future PERCY classic. they closed with the modern ghost story in a song that is “Last Train To Selby”, a truly epic track. So many of the new songs have a classy and more punky edge and for me, this bodes very well indeed for the new album. This was another brilliant set from one of York’s finest bands as they enter their 28th year!

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The Bowie Contingent – Fulford Arms, York – Wednesday 13th December 2023 December 17, 2023

Filed under: Review — justwilliam1959 @ 11:28 pm
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The Bowie Contingent is a Sheffield-based band that pays homage to the music of David Bowie. They are not a tribute act in the same sense as Absolute Bowie, where you get the full theatrical costumed appearance. The Bowie Contingent clearly has huge respect for Bowie’s music and they play it supremely well. The focus for tonight’s show was the much-acclaimed Berlin Trilogy. Although as the singer Jason said, we all know that not all of that music was recorded in Berlin. (‘Low’ was recorded in France and Berlin, ‘Lodger’ in Switzerland and New York. ‘Heroes’ was the only one of the famous album triptych to be recorded completely in Berlin.) The Bowie Contingent promised deep cuts from this era and they delivered. The band played for a little under two hours, what a show!

They played some of the instrumental tracks from the period. The highlights of those were “Sense Of Doubt”, “A New Career In A New Town,” and a magnificent rollicking version of “V2-Schneider” (yes, I know the latter has some vocal elements, but it is mostly instrumental. I really loved that the focus wasn’t on big hits, although some of those did get aired. I must applaud the Bowie Contingent for their spot-on and respectful takes on “DJ”, “Be My Wife”, “Blackout”, “Beauty And The Beast” and “Joe The Lion”. These tracks showcased just how good this band is. I know how much the Spiders From Mars were revered and they were a brilliant band, but I believe the strongest band in Bowie’s career was with him during those three albums, I am talking of the DAM trio (Dennis Davis, Carlos Alomar, and George Murray). If you shut your eyes during this set you could almost imagine that the DAM trio were in full force at the Fully Arms.

Some of the arrangements were very clever. It felt like “Always Crashing In The Same Car” was played in a slower tempo, “Sound And Vision” was more acoustic than electronic and how could you not love the slow start to “Let’s Dance”. The main highlights for me, and there were many, were the superb vocals from Jason and the piano accompaniment on “Life On Mars”, the enormous fun the band had during “Boys Keep Swinging” and “Scary Monsters” and perhaps best of all using the bass intro for “Under Pressure” as the start of “Heroes”. The latter was a work of sublime genius. Whatever you feel about tribute acts, if you’re a Bowie fan you will love the Bowie Contingent!

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The Exceptional Mr. Hyde – Fulford Arms, York – Thursday 23rd November 2023 December 7, 2023

Filed under: Review — justwilliam1959 @ 5:04 pm
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Having reviewed their album a few weeks back I was keen to see the Exceptional Mr. Hyde in action. Were they any good? Read on to find out, but first, let me tell you about the three support acts. First on stage was Beck Stacey. Beck gave us dark, bluesy folk with the voice of an angel. At this point let’s not forget that Lucifer was once a fallen angel. Working with that kind of theme I believe that Beck’s tunes would make the perfect soundtrack for a classic British Folk horror film along the lines of ‘The Wicker Man’. A perfect candidate would be the rather splendid “Red”. There were many highs in this wonderful set, particularly “Devil Town” and the gorgeous rendition of Townes van Zandt’s “Our Mother The Mountain”. Hearing Bek’s set strengthens my argument for never missing a support act. Beck Stacey was 100% ace!

Debdepan followed Beck Stacey onto the small and intimate Fulford Arms stage. I am not sure about the name, but the music is rather wonderful. This is Riot Grrrl meets Goth with the addition of slightly slower-paced New Order-style drums. Lead singer Chelsea’s voice is reminiscent of Siouxse Sioux and Patti Smith. Debdepan provided the perfect tunes to chill out after a hard, loud heavy metal gig. Based on this set I bloody love Debdepan. The final track had some weird, warped jazz tones in it and for me was one of the best songs of the night. But “The Goat” was my favourite track of Debdepan‘s set.

Feather Trade offer passionate, soulful, powerful rock vocals which reminded me of early U2, back in the days when they were still a bit edgy, and I am not talking about their guitarist. This was definitelythere in their new single “A Ready Defense” which includes a fabulous marching drum pattern a bit like U2’s “Sunday Bloody Sunday”. This was a stunning set from a stupendous band on top of their game and on peak form. Musicaaly that lack almost nothing. Emotional, soaring vocals, drums that are a hair’s width away from 100% perfection. Bass sounds that could bring down Olympus Mons, the highest mountain in our solar system. On top of all that their songs are overlaid with guitar sounds that could draw tears from the hardest of hearts, well unless that heart belomgs to a Tory MP! But fuck those scummy Conservatives, they have no hearts anyway. Feather Trade is a band that you need in your life!

Finally it was time for the Exceptional Mr. Hyde, this set was one of a number of dates that the band have put together to promote their new album ‘The Inevitable Rise Of…..’. I reviewed the album a litlle while ago and said “It is an album that bears repeated listening, and with each spin, it seems to build more power”. They have a great punk attitude and a mix of too many genres to mention, but fuck that mix works well! Bass and guitar work was exceptionally good. The band were missing their keyboard player, but the recorded parts worked well. They also don’t have a drummer, but the prerecorded drums (or drum machine) are mountainous. The srum sound on “Crash Land” stands in good comparison to the drum and bass style on Bowie’s ‘Earthling’ from 1997. The Exceptional Mr. Hyde blasted into their set with the song that opens the album, “Burn” and it was something very special indeed. A song about the earth and the environment, “She Cries” showed more care and conviction than any politician ever has. The ended the evening with a sonic explosion called “Solemn Power”. This was a great set showcasing a brilliant album!

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The SoapGirls – Fulford Arms – York – Thursday 7th November 2023 December 6, 2023

Filed under: Review — justwilliam1959 @ 5:47 pm
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It is ages since I last saw the SoapGirls. Were they still as good and still as controversial? Read on to find out, but first I need to tell you about the rather spiffing support bands. Proceedings were kicked off by York’s Kiss Kiss Kill with a very heavy, feedback-fuelled barnstormer of a set. Does anyone remember the early 80s and the New Wave Of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM)? There must be a New NWOBHM with Kiss Kiss Kill as its vanguard and torchbearer. But their sound is not just metal, they also showcased their punk and pop sensibilities. The band was firing on every cylinder, but a special mention of the exquisite vocals from Gemma-Louise a.k.a. lil Miss. It was like a perfect splice of Suzi Quatro and Girlschool. The new Kiss Kiss Kill single “Bad Bitch” is spectacular.

Next, it was the turn of Lavire from Lincoln. This is a city that has given the world quite a few very talented musicians and songwriters, particularly Bernie Taupin, Rod Temperton, Iain Matthews, and more recently Holly Humberstone. Talking of NWOBHM Lavire would be a major part of a New NWOBHeavierHM. But again this lot is much more than just metal. Chloé’s vocals might have been forged in the mountains high above Asgard, while Aaron’s guitar riffs could split a planet in two. Check out their new EP ‘No Truth To Tell, Part 2’ it is bloody brilliant!

The SoapGirls possess power, passion and, absolutely everything else you need from a great band. They sound like Beth Ditto fronting a full-on punk band but with oodles of SoapGirls originality. “Wasted” was a huge highlight for me. The SoapGirls “mean it maaan”, probably more than the Sex Pistols ever did. Given the SoapGirls‘ stance on female empowerment, I was a little disappointed, but sadly not surprised that it was a predominantly male crowd. The band’s protagonists sisters Noemie and Camille Debray are Riot Grrrl, Girl Power, feminism and so much more writ loud. If you need a band that actually matters and cares about what matters to you then look no further than the SoapGirls.

All pictures and videos were found online. If any of them are yours please let me know and I am happy to credit you or remove pictures and videos.

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Wooze – Fulford Arms – Sunday 5th November 2023 November 28, 2023

Filed under: Review — justwilliam1959 @ 7:43 pm
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I love it when a gig comes up and includes at least one band that I have never seen before. and tonight it is Wooze‘s turn. Additionally, I had never seen the opening act Joe Haydon and the Ghost Ship before either. In the first part of their set, I was getting a kind of Beatlesesque, the Coral and Zutons vibe. But after that, they went down a wonderfully funky road, like Haircut 100 with heavier rock credentials. “Evergreen” was a fabulous track, especially the full-on guitar wig-out at the end. Ghost Ship is a mesmerisingly good band that defies genre boxing completely. The rhythm oozes funk and the guitarist could give Ernie Isley some competition. I will definitely be checking out their new album when it hits the streets.

Next up it was the rather immaculate Hærtstrings, Fulford Arms Battle of the Bands champions 2023. This was just their fifth gig and given that their first was heat 1 of the Battle of the Bands it would be played five and won two! These lads are another band that defy genre pigeon-holing too. So much do they defy it that I wonder if we need to create a brand new genre just for them. They have slam poetry, jazz, punk, funk, heavy rock, disco (yes!) and much more. Almost everything but opera, at least not yet anyway. For a band that has only existed for 4 or 5 months, they are incredible. I believe that the future will be so bright for Hærtstrings we won’t only have to wear shades, but possibly a radioactive-proof onesie. Every song was a banger but for me “Continue” and “Talk It Out” were particular highlights.

Finally, it was time for London-based Wooze to hit the stage. Three members of the band were masked and that added a dark element of generic menace to proceedings. Their sound was grungey, punky and occasionally there was a feel of peak power Devo. Vocally it was a delicious splice of Andrew Eldritch and Tin Machine era David BowieWooze know how to put on a show. This was a stupendous performance and possibly one of the loudest sets that I have experienced at the Fulford Arms. There were some stand-out moments. “Good Old Fashioned Fan” was like Iggy Pop fronting Duran Duran in a weird and warped alternative universe. At the end, the crowd demanded one more song and Wooze delivered with a horror disco glam stomper that had beats big enough to raze Dracula’s Castle to the ground. So this is perhaps another band that is difficult to genre-ise, but I will try. Goth Funk Punk, is that a thing? It fucking is now!

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Battle Of The Bands 2023 – Fulford Arms, York – The Final! October 22, 2023

Filed under: Observation — justwilliam1959 @ 10:28 am
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Here we are, after six heats and three magnificent semi-finals today is the grand final of the Fulford Arms Battle of the Bands 2023 competition. We have seen some incredible performances from some spectacularly good bands. But only four remain. Offbeat, Hunter Gatherer, and HÆrtstrings all won their semi-finals and Ømmis are this year’s judge’s wild card. I am once again on the judging panel for this sell-out show, so I don’t think it’s fair to review it. But I will say that I think the contest tonight will be as close as hell and truly gladiatorial, although the spilling of blood, and probably no chariots! I hope to see you there, bring it on!

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Battle Of The Bands 2023 – Fulford Arms, York – Semi Finals – Part 1 October 1, 2023

Filed under: Observation — justwilliam1959 @ 5:47 pm
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After six monumentally exciting heats, we have had two of the three semi-finals. I was there as a judge for semi-final 1 but unfortunately could not make the second one. But I will be back in my judge’s wig and robes for the last semi-final on Friday, 6th October, and then the grand final on Sunday, 22nd October!

In the meantime, I can tell you that the first semi-final was, for me, the most exciting night so far and also one of the closest as far as scoring goes. It was won by HÆrtstrings, first band to qualify for the final. It was an unlucky night for Vaquelin, Attacker TV, and I Tell Lies, who all performed great. Don’t forget there will be a judges wildcard again this year so one band that missed the cut in the semis could still make it through.

I heard from my judicial colleagues that the second semi-final on Saturday was another very closely fought contest with Hunter-Gatherer coming out on top at the end. While Belle Velvet, Manic Calm, and Heavy Bloom missed the top spot, there is still the judge’s wild card to be awarded. That will be after the final semi-final. The last semi-final will feature sets from Ømmis, Fervent Red, Offbeat, and Frantics. I suggest that you be there or be a plane figure with four equal straight sides and four right angles!

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Battle Of The Bands 2023 – Fulford Arms, York – Week 3 September 27, 2023

Filed under: Observation — justwilliam1959 @ 3:24 pm
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Regular readers will know that I was invited back to judge this year’s Battle Of The Bands competition at the Fulford Arms in York. It is a fabulous honour to be chosen to judge such a great contest! As I am on the judging panel, I do not think it is fair to review the shows. But I thought you might like a few updates, this is the third one and covers the final two of the six heats.

Heats 5 and 6 took place on Wednesday, 20th September, and Thursday, 21st September. The lineup for Heat 5 was Red Recluse, Manic Calm, Ømmis, and 5 Or 7. It was yet another close contest, and Manic Calm, along with Ømmis will be in the semi-finals! Heat 6 had another great lineup with Trent and the Crickets, Hunter Gatherer, Gents and Ginger, and I Tell Lies. The two acts going through to the semi-final from Heat 6 are I Tell Lies and Hunter Gatherer. Gents and Ginger initially made the cut but were unable to make any of the dates. Get yourself to the Fulford Arms on Friday, 29th September for the first of the three semi-finals! The other two semi-finals are on Saturday, 30th September, and Friday, 6th October. Check out the semi-final lineups below.

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Battle Of The Bands 2023 – Fulford Arms, York – Week 2 September 18, 2023

Filed under: Observation — justwilliam1959 @ 4:58 pm
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Regular readers know that I was invited back to judge this year’s Battle Of The Bands competition at the Fulford Arms in York. Obviously, as I am on the judging panel, I do not think it is fair to review the shows. But I thought you might like a few updates, and this is the second one.

Heats 3 and 4 took place on Wednesday 13th and Thursday 14th September. The lineup for Heat 3 was Frantics, HÆrtstrings, Chased By Machines, and Uncultured. It was a very close contest, and HÆrtstrings and Frantics will be in the semi-finals! Heat 4 had another great lineup with Belle Velvet, Offbeat, Robo, and Darted. The two winners of Heat 4 were Belle Velvet and Offbeat. Get yourself to the Fulford Arms on Wednesday 20th September and Thursday 21st September for Heat 5 and 6!

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