Alcopopalooza (Brixton Windmill, 23.01.15)
I headed to the Brixton Windmill for the first time in a decade for Alcopopalooza, an all dayer organised by Alcopop! Records on the basis that January is shit and we need something to cheer us up. I applaud the rationale but suspect a rather more spacious venue might have been suitable than the Windmill, a 100 capacity sweatbox with space very much at a premium.
I showed up in time for the second half of proceedings which kicked off with Ducking Punches. The Norwich folk punkers reminded me somewhat of a more phrenetic Frank Turner And The Sleeping Souls which is no bad thing. I will be checking out more of their stuff.
Next up were John, so called because the duo of guitarist and drummer both share that name. They conceded this made them difficult to look up on Spotify, or indeed in general. I find two piece rock acts lack the sort of nuance (or indeed bass) that I like from my favourite acts. John fell into a similar trap although their loud garage rock sound is not entirely unappealing.
I rather feared the worst when Emporer Yes started by employing the sort of squidgey synthesiser sounds last heard in the 80s where they should have stayed. It was a set that improved as it went on though as the band deployed a couple of catchy indie pop tunes.
Headlining were Tellison, playing last year's excellent "Hope Fading Nightly" in full. Long time readers will know I love this band. I'll try not to repeat myself. This was a sweaty, loud, brilliant set from the crowd drowning out Stephen H Davidson's vocals during "Letter To The Team" at the start, through to possibly the single best rendition of "Get On" I've ever heard, with the room going ballistic.
It's terrific to hear the record's huge riffs in an intimidate setting, but highlights came in unexpected places too. "Orion" and "Mendokusai" are not my favourite tracks on the record but were given more urgency in the live arena. It's also great to hear "My Marengo", possibly my single favourite track of last year, on the subject of clinging on when all seems lost. HNF is a sad record, but it's performance tonight feels life affirming. We may be pushing 30, angry, disappointed and disillusioned. But we're still here and still going and still singing until we're hoarse.
"So I will mourn you, but I won't agree with why you did it and it won't beat me. No matter how bad the damage you will see, I'll strive valiantly"
I showed up in time for the second half of proceedings which kicked off with Ducking Punches. The Norwich folk punkers reminded me somewhat of a more phrenetic Frank Turner And The Sleeping Souls which is no bad thing. I will be checking out more of their stuff.
Next up were John, so called because the duo of guitarist and drummer both share that name. They conceded this made them difficult to look up on Spotify, or indeed in general. I find two piece rock acts lack the sort of nuance (or indeed bass) that I like from my favourite acts. John fell into a similar trap although their loud garage rock sound is not entirely unappealing.
I rather feared the worst when Emporer Yes started by employing the sort of squidgey synthesiser sounds last heard in the 80s where they should have stayed. It was a set that improved as it went on though as the band deployed a couple of catchy indie pop tunes.
Headlining were Tellison, playing last year's excellent "Hope Fading Nightly" in full. Long time readers will know I love this band. I'll try not to repeat myself. This was a sweaty, loud, brilliant set from the crowd drowning out Stephen H Davidson's vocals during "Letter To The Team" at the start, through to possibly the single best rendition of "Get On" I've ever heard, with the room going ballistic.
It's terrific to hear the record's huge riffs in an intimidate setting, but highlights came in unexpected places too. "Orion" and "Mendokusai" are not my favourite tracks on the record but were given more urgency in the live arena. It's also great to hear "My Marengo", possibly my single favourite track of last year, on the subject of clinging on when all seems lost. HNF is a sad record, but it's performance tonight feels life affirming. We may be pushing 30, angry, disappointed and disillusioned. But we're still here and still going and still singing until we're hoarse.
"So I will mourn you, but I won't agree with why you did it and it won't beat me. No matter how bad the damage you will see, I'll strive valiantly"
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