Month: June 2018

Nine Inch Nails – Sunday 24th June 2018

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After the psychedelic delights of Black Moth Super Rainbow there was a long interval whilst the stage was prepared, so time to visit the facilities and grab some refreshments as it was hoting up. The RAH is one of those rare venues where there’s a queue for the gents! There was also confusion in the refreshments queue as a large group were just milling about, I couldn’t understand why the queue was moving at the front but we weren’t, then I realised and bypassed the group and the whole queue behind me followed. After chatting to the chap at the bar about the music I returned with refreshments to my seat. Then followed many up/down movements as more people joined the row and left again for their own refreshments.

By the time Nine Inch Nails were due the seating areas were nearly full, the gallery looked quite full but the floor area I estimated could hold another 50-75 people, so much for the sold-out tag. This situation didn’t change much either so perhaps RAH have different capacity limits?

Nine Inch Nails

There’s a short intro that announces the band as they walk onto the stage, that as well as the lights dimming and the smoke machine starting up, grabs our attention. As soon as they arrive at their various destinations they launch straight into their first number of a long almost exhausting set of 23 songs. The opener was “Branches/Bones” starting slowly but with a vibrant chorus it sets the scene for what will turn out to be a frenetic night. Short and to the point it gets us and the band into the mood straight away.

Throughout the set the band gave us a totally immersive experience one that occupied all our senses as you could hear, feel and taste the music as well as see the ghostly images projected on the backdrop as well as the stunning visual display. They’d managed to get the most out of the RAH’s gothic/Romanesque architecture with the lighting at several points illuminating the pillars of the gallery turning us all into Romans in an amphitheatre witnessing a spectacle like no other. The smoke machine was working overtime and clearly there was no CO2 shortage tonight and this, together with the heat and bodies around, engaged our sense of smell.

Musically the 5 musicians were determined to aurally assault us as they literally attacked their instruments which what appeared to be murderous intent. In fact, the drummer looked just like Animal from the Muppets and how the kit survived I don’t know. Amongst the swirling soundscape were synths, guitars, drums, bass lines and tortured vocals all adding to the wall of sound. That sound ranged upwards from the stage to swirl around our heads and just as quickly fell back down before rising again only to fall back as on cue the lights went out. The auditorium was dotted with lights, at times bathing the whole place in stark white. On stage technicians moved giant lighting rigs around between songs to create atmospheric effects not least the silhouettes on the backdrop that danced around as though in a macabre puppet show.

NIN apparently are described as an industrial rock band but that doesn’t really fit with what’s happening as there’s more genre’s thrown in the mix than you can shake a stick at. There’s heavy metal bass lines, techno and trance synth loops, drum and bass and even a bit of jazz on “God Break Down the Door”. Taken together the result is a perfect match for the tortured lyrics of fear, isolation, alienation and political angst.

Once again there’s little chat between songs but Trent does engage with us occasionally perhaps out of a need to slow down as he tells us “all the tracks off the recent EP’s are fucking fast”. He also regales us with a story from when he first visited London how he was scared walking around and the beer was warm! “Who’d have thought all these years later we’d be playing in a place like this!” and you have to agree with him as the RAH is special with tremendous pedigree.

Their new EP’s are hugely influence by David Bowie as he tells us before delivering a gorgeously heartfelt rendition of Bowie’s “I can’t Give Everything Away” for the last time live he adds, a very poignant moment delivered with the caveat “If it wasn’t for David Bowie, we wouldn’t be here”. They end the set with a dramatic and full on version of “Head Like a Hole” with it’s refrain of “Bow down before the one you serve, you’re going to get what you deserve”.  Although not in keeping with the songs sentiment the crowd has bowed before NIN and they, in return, have given us what we deserved, a masterpiece of a show.

But they’re not done, and the encore begins with “Survivalism” which triggers a frenzy amongst the crowd as the senses overload. The standing fans go nuts, a mosh pit has developed and there’s one brave soul who crowd surfs which I doubt has happened before at the RAH, perhaps that would liven up “Last Night of the Proms!”. Things calm down with the next track and as many others before it comes to an abrupt halt with the lights going out. This signals a significant mood switch in everyone and as Trent begins “Hurt”. This is a powerful, tearful (for everyone) and vulnerable delivery, just his voice, shaking, with only a single subtle guitar for accompaniment. Well not quite because the whole crowd is now on their feet and join in adding a “choir” to turn that isolated voice into a congregation.

My Review Score: 10

After saying goodbye to my new friend we parted company and I made my way back to the tube. Unfortunately, in my hurry to make the next train home, I got on the wrong tube and went in the opposite direction! I did make it for the last train home though and was able to see Jupiter, Saturn and Mars with the near full moon.

Black Moth Super Rainbow – Sunday 24th June 2018

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The heatwave continues with yet another sunny day for a concert, this time to see Nine Inch Nails at the Royal Albert Hall. First however there’s the small matter of a football match in Russia as England take on Panama at the World Cup. What a result and that set the mood for a great evening. I was on my own this time as partner had a clash with her choir performing but I’d sold her ticket on the Twickets web site for the price I paid to an enthusiastic NIN fan.

Arriving at South Kensington I wandered slowly towards the RAH to try and find somewhere to eat but it was proving tricky unless I wanted a restaurant. Google maps came up with a mews gastropub nearby, so I made my way there. Turns out that many other NIN fans, not to mention football fans, did likewise and the patrons spilled out into the mews. Anyway, I was able to order food and squeeze onto a bench to wait.

Fed and refreshed I made my way over to the RAH where I met the lady that had purchased my spare ticket and we made our way inside. The security guard with the electronic wand was simply stunned into inaction by my pacemaker card so I had to gently explain what the issue was and how he could overcome it! That test past we made our way to the seats which, despite being listed as side view, had quite a good view of the stage. The hall was almost empty and by the time the support band came on it hadn’t filled that much despite the sold-out tag it had.

Black Moth Super Rainbow

I’d only vaguely heard of this band before and looking down I could see a bassist, drummer and several keyboards although one of those may have been the lighting or on-stage mixing guy. They came with what looked like an old style pull up projection stand and as they started video was projected on to it. However, it seemed the screen was too small and some spilled over onto what I assumed was the back drop for NIN, I wondered why they didn’t just use that instead.

From the start it was loud and the bass full, heavy and reverberating shaking the seat next to me. I felt they may have set up for a full crowd as warm bodies absorb some of the sound waves around dulling it to more manageable levels.

For the most part their set reminded me of psychedelia, with its swirling rhythms creating patterns of sound waves as they ebb and flow around. The bass pulsed menacingly but was washed by the vibrant chords of the synths that were powered by the drum beat. Being side on I couldn’t really make out the video and perhaps this is why one looked particularly creepy. However, it was accompanied by vocals that seemed as though Darth Vader had joined in albeit a few octaves higher!

At times it all gets a bit messy, there’s feedback loops, swirling hypnotic chords like the Tardis is landing, other worldly vocals and on occasion just noise that creates a feeling of unease and yet has an odd beauty to it. During one song, if I can call it that, the bass players appears to try and climb into the speaker shaking his guitar furiously at it.

Their set lasted 40 minutes and there was zero talk, nothing at all except a “Thanks” as they left the stage. What a strange performance but at the same time captivating 60’s psychedelia resurrected for the new millennium.

My Review Score – 8

Commotio – Saturday 9th June 2018

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For the second Saturday in a row we headed off for a concert on a sunny day. This time it was to see Commotio in Oxford and we decided to have a stroll around the parks. Parking close to the venue we tried to walk through the nearby park but there was no bridge over the river, so we had to back track and go through the city centre. Whilst wandering around a park we heard a large party having fun, presumably graduating students which was confirmed by the confetti strewn around as well as one shop offering Champagne at £6.99 a Magnum!! We then saw a graduate covered in silly string clutching a bottle and pink flamingo balloon suddenly decide to take a dip in the nearby river. Fortunately there were no mishaps and she managed to clamber back out again just as two punts collided 😊

Tonight’s sustenance was provided by the Portuguese chicken emporium before we headed to St John the Evangelist church. Once there we settled into front row seats, well second actually, but as good as, since the front row is reserved but no one sits in it. Perhaps the choir don’t like to see us that close up and I don’t blame them. Whilst waiting for them to begin I had a look round and found a notice near the grand piano asking for nothing to be placed on or under it! After visiting the facilities, a journey of c300 steps, it was time for some refreshment to help wash down the Polish marshmallows we’d bought. This time I’m accustomed to the fact that they’re selling alcohol in Church although I do notice that the statue of Jesus, that stands above the Rood Screen, still hasn’t been cleaned but together they provide a perfect backdrop for the choir.

If you’ve never seen Commotio then you should understand that this is a choir that performs esoteric works rather than those choral staples championed by the likes of Gareth Malone. However, Gareth has popularised choral singing to such an extent that this week I heard it was becoming the activity most people are taking up.

Commotio

They enter from the left where, I presume, the changing facilities are and form up in front of the Rood Screen in a rough semi-circle around the conductors stand. The conductor arrives last and I notice that he’s fixed his shoes 😊 Today’s performance is a celebration of women composers in recognition of the 100th anniversary of Representation of the People Act. Appropriately several members are wearing purple, scarfs, jewellery and even a cumber band over their black attire. There’s total silence as an alto hits middle C for them all to compose themselves and they begin their first song.

Their first piece “Resignation” is described as a sorrow song and from the first note you can feel that sorrow being poured into their voices by the choir. Yet by being performed a cappella by such an accomplished choir the piece is lifted from what could’ve been mournful into something beautiful. As I’ve mentioned before their voices flow out over us, the “congregation”, like the sea calm one moment and raging storm the next. The harmonies are perfect, each voice blending with the other to become one.

The next piece “The Lord Is” is based on Psalm 93 and is by a young award-winning composer who happens to be the same age as our two eldest children which always gives pause for thought. Hearing something, albeit a derivation, that I may well have sung during my time in a church choir all those years ago, does bring an inner calm to ones’ thoughts as they drift with the exquisite sound produced by such angelic voices. And what power in those voices from seemingly nowhere they become loud enough to ruffle a few hairs. As we applaud the conductor motions to someone behind who stands, the composer smiling happily with this rendition.

The choir followed this with a longer piece comprising 5 sections “Messe de Saint-Dominique” with 4 soloists. The translation is “Mass of Saint-Dominique” and although it would appear to be an ordinary mass it is missing the “Credo” and adds the “Benedictus”, perhaps because this is a choral work rather than a “Mass” in the liturgical sense. In any case this is an entirely appropriate setting for such a work to be performed. Each piece is sung beautifully with full choir combining with soloists to produce a stunning piece of work. Watching each person in turn shows the passion they have for the music as well as sheer enjoyment from performing it, bringing it to life for us to share. There’s joy on everyone’s faces although I’ve no idea about the audience because I’m enraptured by the moment. If I have one niggle it is with one of the solo performances that I thought was a little weaker than the rest. However, my partner didn’t discern the same, so I won’t say which one here. The last piece was “Agnus Dei” and I had thought of wearing my Lamb of God t-shirt tonight which would’ve been apt 😊

During a brief pause the conductor welcomes us to the performance and talks about the choice of works that are being performed tonight. Commotio scour the world for rarely performed works and works never performed before as is shown again by tonight’s “order of service”. That is their forte but in truth these are works that ought to be performed more and perhaps it’s us the audiences that are to blame for not wanting to hear them. The church is quite full, but a choir of this calibre should be performing to a packed Royal Albert Hall.

This half finishes with a piece from the book of Lamentations and is another outstanding performance. With the two soloists combining to contrast against the choir’s harmonies they weave a line between despair and hope. The soloists reinforce each other against a sometimes restless choir as they appear to battle against them towards redemption.

At the interval there’s time to view a gallery of paintings I’d noticed earlier before obtaining more refreshments, those marshmallows are an odd flavour but moreish! The gentleman serving was apologetic at the price but as I’d paid £11 for 2 small cans last week this was an absolute bargain!

The second half starts with a piece that is quintessentially Commotio, a little-known composer who is being revived. In this case not only by Commotio but also her native Czech Republic where her work appears to have been “lost” after her death at the start of WWII. The choir sang two poems she set to music singing them in their original dialect from a small region or the Czech Republic. We’re later told it’s akin to Geordie which I know from personal experience can be impenetrable at times! Only the first piece carries a translation, but we’re told the second is about a lady being questioned by a quail who is asking her for money. To be honest it sounded a lot better in the “Geordie” Czech 😊 😊

My partner and I were looking forward to the next piece, not because we knew it but because we’d tried to read the words to the first part and wondered how you could manage the tongue twisting mature whilst singing. This piece is about a hen being melodramatic about giving birth to a chick whilst the carp self righteously denounces that by exclaiming she lays a million! It’s an uplifting piece made more so by the wonderful harmonies, smiling faces and spectacular delivery of those tricky twisters. There are 5 pieces in all and each is followed by a short pause, so they can compose themselves before the next. Throughout most, if not all, the sopranos and altos provide the melodic narrative whilst they are underpinned by the tenors and bass rhythms much like a band with it’s lead guitars and vocals supported by the bass and drums. They are all delivered expertly and with passion, even the cat’s burial piece, although sad, comes across as something uplifting.

The penultimate set is again by a relative unknown composer who, we’re told in the programme, was unknown as such until after her death. That this is a travesty is borne out by the simply gorgeous rendition provided here by Commotio. Music carefully crafted to match, compliment and elevate the words, performed with subtlety and yet fervour by the choir, stunning.

I’ve travelled the underground for many years when I worked in London where you are a captive audience to the numerous advertisements which were recently analysed by the BBC. Unfortunately, after my time the underground embarked on something special and began printing poems in place of adverts. I imagine these would provide welcome relief from all those “get a better job” adverts in much the same way as the proverbs the staff put up more recently. The final collection presented to us is from “100 Poems on the Underground”. What a delight these are and how wonderful to have imaginative poems set to music and yet aren’t most song lyrics poems of some kind? After all Bob Dylan won the Noble prize for Literature for his songs/poems. Each piece is breathtakingly performed and when required the full choir summon forth a mighty sound from deep within that assails our ears, resonates deep within our souls and, when they stop, continues rising towards the Heavens. This leaves my ears tingling as though I’d stuck my head in the speakers at a Motorhead gig and for that it’s simply astounding. Who needs amps and speakers when you’ve got that power within you.

At the end there’s rapturous applause and a curtain call or two, the choir are all smiling as are we before we gather ourselves, return the empties and take our leave.

Commotio are a special talent, a rare thing in a world where everyone and his dog tries to become famous by entering those inane “talent” shows. In the past few years I’ve been fortunate enough to encounter 3 such groups of people all from different genre’s: Commotio for their choral abilities par excellence, The Blackheart Orchestra for their delightful musicianship and intricate melodies and Courtesans for their mesmeric doom metal. Tonight, it was Commotio’s turn to mesmerize and delight me and I’ll be back for more.

My Review Score: 10

Camden Rocks – Saturday 2nd June 2018

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I’d booked tickets to Camden Rocks 2018 specifically to see 3 bands, The Amorettes, The Rews and British Sea Power so I was a displeased to first find that two of these clashed and then surprised to find The Amorettes had been shoe horned into a venue way to small for their followers. I knew to get any chance of seeing them I’d have to virtually camp out in the pub from opening time.

The day was sunny and warm and would only get hotter as we set off for the journey to Camden. Unlike previous years, where it was a train and then short walk, we now had to negotiate 3 tube changes. We arrived in time to queue for the wristbands at The Worlds End and had enough time for a coffee and cake whilst marking out who we were going to see and where they were playing. Camden is a large one-day festival spread over 20 venues and this year there didn’t seem to be many big names and they’d probably be popular. Having realised we may not see The Amorettes we decided that we would only see bands that we’re not going to see later in the year.

Having decided we hot footed it over to The Hawley Arms to catch the first band on “Childcare”. Following a swift bag check we entered and then found the note saying the first band weren’t playing after all! Good start to the day. I later found out they’d had transport problems. A quick exit and we came up with a fall-back plan to see “Elswhere” at The Devonshire Arms.

Elswhere – 7

The place was rammed and hot, so I got a cold soft drink and we found a place next to the mixing desk. We’ve been here before and it is a small room where the band sit in the window. Oh and yes, it is “Elswhere” not “Elsewhere” and they are a 4-piece band who have only been playing for 18 months but you’d never know it. It was an interesting start to the day as they worked they way through an alternative rock set full of emotion and depth as well as being full of hope. A good start for us after all. Hopefully nobody fell for the typo on the stage times posted in the pub as these guys were listed as 21:30!!

We made our way back to The Hawley Arms for the next act, hoping they’d be there! Door guy recognised us and we got in quickly. Once upstairs it was cooler because there’s also a roof terrace so the doors were wide open. We got a good position in the middle and shortly afterwards the set began.

Lots Holloway – 9

This set is more acoustic than full on rock and Lots literally bounces on the stage full of nervous energy. The info on the website led us to believe she was a solo artist and maybe that’s normally the case but today she had bassist and drummer. Lots has a great voice; beautiful tones lending emotional hues to the vocals and is enjoying herself in front of a large crowd indoors and out. Her indie-pop tunes are catchy affairs full of light and breeze. Its hot and as she tries to replace a bottle of water it falls over almost drenching the electrics, she’s embarrassed but the official from Camden Rocks doesn’t seem bothered and doesn’t move from her stool. In the middle of the set Lots does a fantastic rendition of The Cranberries “Zombie”. However, her own songs feature layered melodies and lyrics making the set both enjoyable and captivating.

We move on to the next venue The Dublin Castle and once on the road to it my partner realised which pub it would be as two weeks ago we’d eaten across the road on our way to Nick Mason’s Saucerful of Secrets! Once inside we need another cool drink but also a pick me up, since there’s no Coke on offer we settle for a Red Bull and ice. The venue is at the back and quite dark, not many people here so we find a seat to wait a few minutes for the next band.

Black Sixteen – 5

Well they certainly were black and kicked off with a heavy sounding song. The place had filled slightly but there were a few fans enjoying themselves at the front. However, for me there was something not quite right and when the lead singer spoke between songs he sounded breathless as though he had Asthma which if he did fair play to him for getting on with it. Unfortunately it appeared to impact the singing and for me the songs were better musically. About half way through we called it a day and headed off to find something to eat.

Being Camden there’s lots of places to eat the problem is choosing one. We ended up having Mac’n’Cheese in the new Pret on the high street. Whilst there my partner and I decided to part company for the next bands and I walked her to Brewdog for an acoustic set whilst I ventured over to the Black Heart for something a bit more metal. On my way I passed the band members for “Sulphur” who said hello to me because I was wearing my Amplified Festival “Fuck You Rain” t-shirt I’ll be catching them there. Time for refreshment and I get a pint of Camden larger and make my way to the venue. Wow what a change, they’ve done the place out making more room for people and installing a second aircon unit which, given the current temperature, was very welcome.

Skarlett Riot – 7

As they warm up there appears to be a few problems as the sound guy keeps running back and forth. The room starts to fill and becomes hotter even with the aircon on. The band come on and again it’s clear they’ve got followers. They’re good and doing their best but the first few songs are beset with technical issues that I thought had been sorted, namely her voice was lost in the over-amped music, please can sound guys realise metal isn’t just about turning up the volume! Anyway, back to the songs and there’s melodies and thumping bass riffs to go with an electric performance on guitar, it’s head banging stuff and we duly oblige. The last 2 songs are infinitely better as the issues have been resolved and despite the dark gritty melodies the vocals have an operatic quality to them.

I meet up with my partner and we wait for the next band to come on. On our return to the venue we stand near the back mainly to get the full effect of the aircon! Skarlett is still there chatting to a fan as more people start to join us. My t-shirt gets a great reaction from some guys standing behind me even more so after I explain what it’s all about!!

Bryde – 8

I’d decided to see Bryde based on photo alone which seemed to promise a solo act however here she was with bassist and drummer so was it a band? Nope I don’t think so. The set up went better than it did for Skarlett Riot and the sound hit the right spot from the start. Clearly she was on a lot of peoples lists as the room became rammed. I’d describe the songs as alternative rock that swayed from grunge doom to almost bright but not quite. There was a menace to the sound, but it was also fragile creating a haunting quality as if Bjork had turned to gothic rock. It was good and at times fierce with dark undertones.

We left as the last note died to get to the next venue Fest. On our way we passed the Monarch and as predicted it was full to bursting with a long queue outside, inside The Amorette’s were rocking! We missed the entrance to the area where Fest is located and had to back track so by the time we arrived we were hot and in need of refreshment. I ordered 2 cans (you could only buy cans) and was asked for £11 WTF!! That’s just taking the piss especially as I notice the price list is a printed one headed Camden Rocks Price List which I took to mean special prices.

Rews – 9

One of the bands I’d booked to see so I wasn’t going to let the prices spoil it. At the start Shauna and Collette literally bounce their way onto the stage and from the start this is a high energy gig full of fun and laughter. The place has filled up, but more could get in as we know from being here before. Shauna is lead guitar and most of the vocals and bizarrely has decided to turn up in brown cardigan!! Bloody hell I’ve not seen one of those this century, in fact I had one like that in the 1970’s 😊 Their music is mainly rock and roll with some bluesy notes thrown in with also a bit of pop to give it a bouncy vibe. In fact, there’s one guy at the front that bounces his way through the entire set. I notice a sound engineer at the back (I’m stood at the back on a raised platform for a good view) who has a tablet and is making changes to the mix all because the desk is to the side of the stage but great to see he’s getting it right. Shauna is using the full stage to deliver her catchy pop/rock riffs whilst Collette on drums is bouncing on her seat with such vigour I wonder if it’s all going to end Keith Moon style. In the middle they acknowledge how many all-female and female fronted bands have been booked to play and I have to say we caught a fair few. It’s a good set and made better by the fact that they have both smiled throughout, they clearly enjoy what they do and that infuses the music with warmth and pleasure for us to soak up. The crowd were lukewarm at the beginning but the Rews came at them full throttle and by the end the crowd were enthusiastically applauding and a lot hotter.

Getting out of Fest is much easier than the last time we were here, and we wander through the crowds who are soaking up the sun and push past the tourists just ambling along. Next stop is the Electric Ballroom and after a quick bag search we’re into the dark cavernous interior where it takes time for our eyes to adjust.

Blood Red Shoes – 8

The band, or should I say duo, were already into their set by the time we arrive and the place was rammed already. Hopefully they had come to see them and not loiter for PIL who were on later, a problem for this years Camden Rocks with not many top headliners to choose from. We’re at the back but have a good view of the stage where there’s just the lead guitar vocalist and drummer. I notice the drummer also contributes a lot to the vocals and wonder if it would be better if the mike was in front rather than him having to twist sideways. Listening to the full songs I hear a lot of frustration and anger in one followed by doubt and depression in the next. This appears to be a band hooked in the psychosis of modern life, the daily struggles of people and when venting their anger and frustration they’re both beating the hell out of their instruments. That’s 2 Keith Moon moments in 2 gigs! Yet amongst all this they throw in a song of hope, hope that things will change for the better and the set reminds me of the time I saw Queens of the Stone Age at Download. For all the darkness it is an enjoyable set and for 2 songs the duo become a threesome as a bassist joins them for their newer songs. To be honest I think I preferred the duo but that may just be down to those songs being more polished.

Once again my Amplified t-shirt has gathered some attention and raised glasses and horns all round in true British style of enjoying a good moan about the weather!

After Blood Red Shoes it’s off out into the light and towards the golden arches for some sustenance but everyone seems to have had the same idea and it’s rammed. Time to take it down a notch and next up is an acoustic session at the Brewdog. It’s quite full in the bar area when we arrive but the downstairs venue is nearly empty. With beer in hand we sit on a sofa watching as the guitarist gets ready. This doesn’t take long and he’s ready to go with 10 minutes to spare so I get another pint of the delicious beer.

Reigning Days – 9

Reigning Days are a 3-piece rock band but on this occasion it’s only the lead guitarist and singer, well it is an acoustic set or is it?! Daniel has turned up with electric guitar and amp sneaky 😊 Perhaps he feels even more naked with an acoustic guitar and the electric is a comfort blanket 😉 He seems a bit nervous and keeps glancing at a person in the crowd who smiles back both appreciatively and supportively. He needn’t have worried however because this is an accomplished performance of great rock songs. The reduced sound level adds to the quality and his voice comes across very well, full of feeling and emotion. Remember people great music does not have to be loud. He rattles through his set and is surprised to learn he still has 10 minutes left quipping “this is the longest 30 minutes of my life”. The small room is rammed full as are the stairs and everyone, bar the chattering couple, appreciate an excellent session. I’d previously seen the full band at Download from a distance, but you always feel more for the music when you’re up close and this was a much-improved performance.

Off now to the final band of the night and I’m keen to get there early to ensure entrance to the 500 maximum venue Dingwall’s. The reason, and one picked up by several people I talked to, is the difficulty in getting in to see bands this year. It seems there’s quite a few very popular bands but perhaps in the wrong venues – The Amorettes would’ve filled Fest and probably Electric Ballroom and yet were in a small pub. However, Camden Rocks is always what you make it and so far we’ve had no trouble getting in because, perhaps, we chose wisely.

Once in the venue we see some seats off to one side and quickly occupy 2 of them. Another couple came along and asked if the ones next to us were taken and I joked it was for VIPs and she made to leave before I told her I was joking as surely we’re all VIPs. We spent the half hour chatting to her and partner who turned out to be a music journalist, so I recommended Alien Weaponry as a band to look out for and Commotio as a choral group par excellence. I went to the bar to get another drink, it was still hot, and bumped into more people admiring the t-shirt. Turns out one was from my near my home town so we had a long chat about this and that and the beer prices!

British Sea Power – 10

What an entrance, well I think it was because the smoke machine guy seemed to have got all excited and a huge fog descended on the stage. Perhaps he’d not considered how hot it was out here. Anyway, on came BSP and strummed into their first number. BSP are an indie rock band I first came across when I found their debut album in a record shop in Edinburgh in 2003. The album was a refreshing change at that time in my life, highly original and, as I was living on the coast, hugely appropriate. Tonight, I hear the same music and it takes me back to the sea, I hear the waves lapping and then crashing over the sand into the rocks and remember the biting North East wind on my face. Not only do they have great songs but they are not afraid to put in 10-minute epics that span world themes. The lyrics and music are exquisite, original and truly extraordinary in scope. They create a soundscape to escape into and voyage with them on the magical carpet they weave underneath. I just wish the smoke machine would behave! In the midst of all this appears a polar bear who comes to dance with the crowd, be hugged and pose for selfies. Not to be outdone a huge brown bear appears with menacing teeth on display but he, or perhaps she, too just wants to dance, be hugged and take selfies. It’s all such joyous fun, people are dancing around (no mosh pit here) hugging each other and the bears and then the bears themselves embrace at the start of the next song. On stage they’re having fun as well and this is a massively impressive show by a group of talented musicians that have broken the mould to create modern rock music infused with the power and majesty of the elements.

Unfortunately we had to leave as they began they’re last song for the tortuous journey back home. We made it to the train station with just enough time for some water and crisps for the long journey on the last train. A great day out and in the end we saw 9 bands across 8 venues not bad for £45 and as a friend said, “worth it for BSP alone”.