Big D and the kids table + Mouthwash 10/08/2010

Location: O2 Academy Newcastle

Photopass wasnt exactly on the door, but someone came down with it after about 5 minutes! So no problem at all there! so straight into the review! Huzzah!

First of all. Just a heads up. If you really dont like Ska music you might not enjoy this review, as these are 3 of the best Ska bands ive ever heard.

Review:

Mouthwash! (i dont know whats with all the !!'s today? maybe im shouting this whole thing!)

I have to start the song 'No Fear' as its still stuck in my head. Its quite clearly their anthem, and as soon as it starts bouncing through the crowd, everyones hands are above their heads clapping. Though the whole set was as thougtful and a pleasure for your ears.

Instruments were being changed and swapped throughout the whole set, energy and movement throughout every member of the band, and every one of them singing along with the lyrics. A definate listen for someone who enjoys their Ska or awesome music in general, and a bit of healthy competition for the likes of Reel Big Fish.















Next up! The JB Conspiracy!

Another talented group of musicians with a bunch of catchy, dance inducing party tunes. Rythmn which bounces through your bones and takes hold of your legs, if your not swinging your arms and legs uncontrollably, you'll be tapping your foot and i bet you cant stop it.

At one point one of the group jumped up over the pitwall and into the crowd began skanking and playing his instrument in the crowd itself before making his way back up onto the stage.

A quality shock and awe moment, and just shows the joy which the band find in playing to a crowd. Just as good as Mouthwash and another quality opener in what was fast becoming a great show.















Enter *Big D and the kids table*

The music is clear, melodic and beautifully thoughful and well crafted. Every note is there for a reason, and the lyrics scored through the middle to highlight the talent in the player of each instrument.

David McWane is the coolest guy ive ever seen in my life. He held the crowd in the palm of his hand with laugh out loud funny stories and a geniune rapport with the crowd, he positioned himself as the best front man ive ever seen preform live.

Playing up to every member of the crowd and every camera pointed at him, its obvious that he is a natural born preformer. The music channelled through him into the crowd, every member of it, with a smile on their face, mirrored by the massive grin on his face while he preforms.

A talented band, with catchy upbeat tunes, an awesome ending to an awesome show.













http://www.myspace.com/mouthwashlondon
http://www.facebook.com/thejbconspiracy?ref=ts
http://www.myspace.com/bigdandthekidstable

Amy Mcdonald: 07/08/2010

Location: Belladrum Festival 2010 (Inverness)

I was already working the festival anyway, so i thought if im there i may aswell get some shots, Amy was headling the mainstage on the Saturday night so i thought it would be a good opportunity to crack out the long distance lens and take a few. Got into position towards center stage and waited for the set to start. The sheer quality of her voice was evident from the first note of the first song, through the the final of the last song. Theres a reason her songs are so popular, and i now know firsthand why she is reviewed so well for her live music also. Every song was belted out with the confidence of a veteran preformer, and sounded as good if not better than the studio recorded versions of the songs. She played through her barrage of hits including; 'This is the life', 'Mr Rock and roll', and 'Dont tell me that its over'. Her originality showing through, and her stage presence kept every eye in the crowd on her.

Amy Mcdonald photo set: http://www.flickr.com/photos/cnphotocn/sets/72157624558386301/

Not Advised + They Sink Ships : 04/08/2010

Location: 02 Academy Newcastle

Hi lo mon amigos. Straight in no troubles!

Review:

Forever Living Dead. The quality of the band was way beyond what you would suspect for the first warmup band at this sort of gig. I was really impressed with the complexity of the songs they were breaking out, multi-layered, strong lyrics against shredded rock guitar riffs. Comparable to the harder stuff which Funeral for a friend have produced.

Forever Living Dead Set: http://www.flickr.com/photos/cnphotocn/sets/72157624655556400/




Next up. They Sink Ships. Powerful and thoughtful lyrics against a pop punk drum line hurried along by high speed guitar riffs, firmly positioning themselves in the pop-punk mold, and they pull it off well. So though you may not find anything which sets them apart from the pack. Theyre enjoyable to listen to, and surely thats the point? The song "Tired Eyes" is a quality tune and you can feel a bit of a Say Anything-feel to the song whilst not changing from their upbeat pop-punk style.

They Sink Ships set: http://www.flickr.com/photos/cnphotocn/sets/72157624655623218/




Main band! Not Advised. I was a little disappointed at first when the band came out, as that was when we realised that the main frontman Jim couldnt sing due to a problem with his voice, so another member had to step up to the plate. It’s a testament to the quality of the tunes that they still sounded as good whilst the main frontman wasn’t singing them. 'The Worlds Not Ready' a song someone like the Lost Prophets would be happy to have in their setlist. A pop-punk anthem that vibrates around the academy as its sung back to the band by the crowd, "i found a way to keep you coming..keep you coming back". The rest of the set just as quality, filled with party anthems and brough alive by the energy within the band. Quality.


Not Advised photo set: http://www.flickr.com/photos/cnphotocn/sets/72157624530968527/



http://www.myspace.com/foreverlivingdead
http://www.myspace.com/theysinkships
http://www.myspace.com/notadvised