Wired 16 Jan 2010 review
Words by Rose Churchill
Photos by Claire Wathen - click here for more from this gig
Jim Lockey and The Solemn Sun
The much anticipated Jim Lockey and his crew delivered a spontaneous seven-song set, including the title track from their new LP Atlases. Some alt-country folk straight from the ‘shire made an amused bunch out of the heavy metal influenced audience, which says a lot about Lockey & co’s ability to reel you in. Upbeat Aaragon pt two and Waitress were strong songs of the set, Battles left front man Jim catching his breath while Mothers and Fathers was a slower number begging for lighters to be lit. Their story-telling lyrics and effortless music making secure them as one to watch and their modesty adds to their appeal, thanking the audience who hung around to see them play, and saluting them for making it through the five band cast. Witty track Caskets and Bibles dropped the curtain on the night, ending another talent fuelled evening, which was an impressive onset to 2010.
Listen to songs from the live set:
Happy Birthday C***
Aragon part.2
Mothers and Fathers
Battles
Atlases
Waitress
Caskets and Bibles
Napoleon in Rags
Napoleon in Rags is a great upcoming band, and though not in the original line up they were full of energetic stage presence and were a satisfying addition to the show. Don’t Fall, Wound Too Tight, and Written in My Bones were highlights, with new song Close to Me sounding like something from Maximo Park, who played the same stage in 2007. They interacted with the audience which offered a personal touch, and adopted a fitting humorous attitude.
Listen to songs from the live set:
Don’t Fall
Dirty Hands
Grass Smells Fresh
Close To Me
Wound Too Tight
Written In My Bones
Don’t Let It Out
http://www.myspace.com/wearenapoleoninrags
The Darlingtons
…Could be described as Formal rock, a structured sounding mess in the best way imaginable, or just sheer brilliance. Sirens and Flashlights introduced their set, and then merged into Ten, with its military sounding drumbeat and inspiring chorus. Newer track The City really promoted The Darlingtons as an able band, putting all their talents on show, onlookers loved them. Some creative light sequences added to the performance during Broken Wires, emphasising an energetic vibe. Title track from their latest EP Glitch got people’s attention with the contemporary supernatural element of the synth, closing their slot gloriously.
Listen to songs from the live set:
Sirens and Flash Lights
Ten
The City
Broken Wires
Glitch
www.myspace.com/thedarlingtonsmusic
Theo Altieri
Young and overly talented, Wired present to you a forte from the Southwest soundtrack. With a powerful voice and some catchy acoustics there’s nothing at fault with this guy’s ability. Ear pleasing track Make A Move came foremost, followed by All Tucked up - played with a miniature 4-string, and No Guarantees, an earnestly uplifting melody amid some clever lyrics. Theo put on an entertaining set with his refreshing indie-folk music and is truly independent, producing everything himself. Finishing on a MySpace fan favourite The Thinker, the audience didn’t even realise they were listening to a born to be star.
Listen to songs from the live set:
Make a Move
All Tucked Up
No Guarantees
Our Souls
Light-out
The Thinker
Base 11
January saw one of the best opening bands this season when Base 11 kicked off with Muse Inspired song Natural Disaster. They proved a great launch to the showcase, with captivating rhythms to please the crowd. Staring Up Sun could see success with its similarities to the unexpected number one by Rage Against the Machine, and Outbreak reflected the growing trend of haunting descant. Covers of Stockholm Syndrome and Plug In Baby were welcomed by the gig-goers. Although the verses carried Last Chance, with a tremendous outro it turned out to be yet another track that labelled this band a talent in song writing.
Listen to songs from the live set:
