It’s unusual for a venue such as the Joiners to attract a crowd of such sorts before doors open and it clearly became evident that a band of high stature were to be gracing Southampton this evening. Forget Champions League semi finals, the much talked about Envy & Other Sins were set to perform, and football shirts were nowhere to be seen.
Entering the stage dressed in pompous waistcoats and fancy scarves, Envy & Other Sins retain their title of campest act (bar Mika) and perform to a rowdy Southampton crowd. Flashing light shades and coat hangers surrounding, the fashionable quintet perform track after track taken from their debut album under A & M records “We Leave At Dawn”. You’d be forgiven for almost instantly questioning their gimmick appeal, with the stage set up and attire, yet these guys didn’t win career creating channel 4 band competition, knocking out firm favourites Revenue, for nothing.
The set was critically short, but the highlights stick with audience members to this day. Catchy choruses in “Talk o Strangers” “Almost Certainly Elsewhere” and first single “Highness” were evident hits, provoking the crowd to sing back in time and tune- markedly to the bands approval. Bassist Mark could be mocked for his perfectly shaped moustache- possibly an over compensation for the ‘insignificance’ portrayal of bass players, but his performance left nothing to be desired. Thoroughly enjoying themselves, the band managed to banter continuously with the Southern crowd; thanking specific members for citing lyrics and at one point, we were blessed with Al’s nipples.
Not a patch on Liverpool Arsenal I hear? I have to strongly disagree. With immediate response negative, I was extremely impressed that not only was their set pleasing, but I found I actually really enjoyed myself. And so did they. Which is the important thing obviously.
Wednesday, 23 April 2008
Panic! Pretty.Odd Review
Is it Panic with or without the exclamation mark these days? Because, regardless of their claims to be the same band, in their opening track they just aren’t. The second album for a band like Panic, who exploded onto our scene on the back of Fall Out Boy’s success and indie disco’s popularity; was always going to be a challenge. It became pretty evident as ‘A Fever You Can’t Sweat Out’ was nearing the end, beating the excitement, energy and intensity the first album poured out in buckets, was a task not even worth contemplating prior to 'Pretty.Odd' reaching the studios.
With songwriter and bass player Brent Wilson leaving the band, Brandon and co had to start from scratch, learn how to write massive hits, and well… replace him. Jon Walker gladly stepped in, and the rest as we say, is history.
The temptation to write this review in rhyming couplets, was brought about entirely by this fantastic, riveting, unbelievably good CD. Yes, you can listen to it first time round and burn it. If you do, most Panic fanatics, band members and critics would forgive you. But make sure you buy the album again, because honestly; this grower is destined to become a firm favourite. Remember The Killers second album? Didn’t go down too badly at Glastonbury ’07 you might say? Arctic Monkeys- Favourite Worst Nightmare; not a touch on the first? It’s fair to criticise Panic, the emo, big beat quintet for losing their roots, turning their back on adolescent years and stepping into American country indie, but, the change should be welcomed with open arms. 'Pretty.Odd' is quite clearly created by a band who aren’t stupid enough to try and fight the teen angst and subtle sarcasm the first managed to portray so bloody well and instead provide a laid back testosterone boy. They aren’t virgins anymore perhaps?
A continuing theme throughout 'Pretty.Odd' lies in the weather, changing seasons and coincidently - change. It’s an alteration I don’t expect you to accept first time round, but one I hope with 4 or 5 listens you embrace. A long album also, consisting of 15 tracks in total; all of which fit hand to glove. Over compensated, random track names are still a quirky touch added by the boys, matched with fancy artwork and glamorous stage attire. The package is still there. Look out for brilliant first release ‘Nine In The Afternoon’, ‘Northern Downpour’, ‘When The Day Met The Night’ and ‘Mad As Rabbits’ as catchy and much-loved. What Jon manages to bring to the band is unsung, contrasting Brandon’s vocals at points that send chills and smiles down my spine. It’s a magnificent return, one I can’t allow to leave my stereo. Criticise as you will, ignore at your peril. Panic may not have been your cup of tea first time round, but right now; music lovers can’t argue with this stonker.
Track Listing
01 - We're So Starving
02 - Nine In The Afternoon
03 - She's A Handsome Woman
04 - Do You Know What I'm Seeing?
05 - That Green Gentleman (Things Have Changed)
06 - I Have Friends In Holy Spaces
07 - Northern Downpour
08 - When The Day Met The Night
09 - Pas De Cheval
10 - The Piano Knows Something I Don't Know
11 - Behind The Sea
12 - Folkin' Around
13 - She Had The World
14 - From A Mountain In The Middle Of The Cabins
15 - Mad As Rabbits
With songwriter and bass player Brent Wilson leaving the band, Brandon and co had to start from scratch, learn how to write massive hits, and well… replace him. Jon Walker gladly stepped in, and the rest as we say, is history.
The temptation to write this review in rhyming couplets, was brought about entirely by this fantastic, riveting, unbelievably good CD. Yes, you can listen to it first time round and burn it. If you do, most Panic fanatics, band members and critics would forgive you. But make sure you buy the album again, because honestly; this grower is destined to become a firm favourite. Remember The Killers second album? Didn’t go down too badly at Glastonbury ’07 you might say? Arctic Monkeys- Favourite Worst Nightmare; not a touch on the first? It’s fair to criticise Panic, the emo, big beat quintet for losing their roots, turning their back on adolescent years and stepping into American country indie, but, the change should be welcomed with open arms. 'Pretty.Odd' is quite clearly created by a band who aren’t stupid enough to try and fight the teen angst and subtle sarcasm the first managed to portray so bloody well and instead provide a laid back testosterone boy. They aren’t virgins anymore perhaps?
A continuing theme throughout 'Pretty.Odd' lies in the weather, changing seasons and coincidently - change. It’s an alteration I don’t expect you to accept first time round, but one I hope with 4 or 5 listens you embrace. A long album also, consisting of 15 tracks in total; all of which fit hand to glove. Over compensated, random track names are still a quirky touch added by the boys, matched with fancy artwork and glamorous stage attire. The package is still there. Look out for brilliant first release ‘Nine In The Afternoon’, ‘Northern Downpour’, ‘When The Day Met The Night’ and ‘Mad As Rabbits’ as catchy and much-loved. What Jon manages to bring to the band is unsung, contrasting Brandon’s vocals at points that send chills and smiles down my spine. It’s a magnificent return, one I can’t allow to leave my stereo. Criticise as you will, ignore at your peril. Panic may not have been your cup of tea first time round, but right now; music lovers can’t argue with this stonker.
Track Listing
01 - We're So Starving
02 - Nine In The Afternoon
03 - She's A Handsome Woman
04 - Do You Know What I'm Seeing?
05 - That Green Gentleman (Things Have Changed)
06 - I Have Friends In Holy Spaces
07 - Northern Downpour
08 - When The Day Met The Night
09 - Pas De Cheval
10 - The Piano Knows Something I Don't Know
11 - Behind The Sea
12 - Folkin' Around
13 - She Had The World
14 - From A Mountain In The Middle Of The Cabins
15 - Mad As Rabbits
Friday, 4 April 2008
So...
My radio show. well it's fair to say that Sinradio is a growing station and definitely bringing in better quality shows every year. My show specialises in new unsigned music and live performances.
A band come into the studio every week, and perform two live acoustic tracks- one of their own to showcase and a well known cover. Yes it is very Jo Wiley-esque but I'm trying. Also as a regular feature, I announce my unsigned band of the week- this is generally the band i can't turn off my ipod and often one whom are playing local dates close to the show.
The Stug brings us exciting and unnecessary facts every week, and I provide the audience with brilliant music, indie classics of old and new, and a perfect radio voice to boot ;)
Catch the show every Monday night 5-7 on www.sinradio.co.uk.
If you think you would like to make an appearance and perform a few tracks for us, email me at Mel.Lewis@RoomThirteen.com and I will see what I can do :D
On a random tangent. Wasn't the weather awesome today? I had an exam and lessons and what not, but seriously. When I hit the fresh air, I enjoyed every minute. This weekend would be nice if the same continues.
Peace
Mel@sinradio
My radio show. well it's fair to say that Sinradio is a growing station and definitely bringing in better quality shows every year. My show specialises in new unsigned music and live performances.
A band come into the studio every week, and perform two live acoustic tracks- one of their own to showcase and a well known cover. Yes it is very Jo Wiley-esque but I'm trying. Also as a regular feature, I announce my unsigned band of the week- this is generally the band i can't turn off my ipod and often one whom are playing local dates close to the show.
The Stug brings us exciting and unnecessary facts every week, and I provide the audience with brilliant music, indie classics of old and new, and a perfect radio voice to boot ;)
Catch the show every Monday night 5-7 on www.sinradio.co.uk.
If you think you would like to make an appearance and perform a few tracks for us, email me at Mel.Lewis@RoomThirteen.com and I will see what I can do :D
On a random tangent. Wasn't the weather awesome today? I had an exam and lessons and what not, but seriously. When I hit the fresh air, I enjoyed every minute. This weekend would be nice if the same continues.
Peace
Mel@sinradio
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