There’s been quite a buzz of excitement brewing for those ‘in the know’ in Barnsley about this gig. It’s the ‘biggest’ gig that Burn Down the Disco has put on at The Cedar Room this year. With Jon Windle, the front man of Sheffield’s Little Man Tate before they called it day, gracing the funky little venue in the heart of Barnsley Town Centre.
For once, we get to The Cedar room early enough for the sound check, and have the absolute privilege of not only seeing Dirty Jeans play a couple of new songs to make sure everything is clear, but also Jon Windle playing to just a handful of people, namely just the sound engineer, promotions manager and me. It’s a little bit humbling to be honest. Sound checks nearly always let you into the inner circle of a bands or artists workings. You see their camaraderie, their sense of humour, and it gives you a sneaky taste of the astonishing live energy that bands can produce.
Dirty Jeans are definitely a band that have to be experienced live – their recorded EP’s are all excellent, but somehow, it’s all bought together even better live. The four of them gel so perfectly musically – it is hard to believe that they’re unsigned and all working ‘normal’ jobs. To be honest, they shouldn’t be. They should be sat on their own private island somewhere living the rock star lifestyle they deserve.
So, what do Dirty Jeans sound like? Their whirling synths, tinkling keys, soaring and intricate guitars coupled with an unbelievably tight rhythm section – solid and complex drum patterns and bass lines which take on a life of their own – form the super charged wall of sound of their musicality. Then come the vocals. The gravelly soulful machoness of Gareth’s lead vocals are given a spine shivering new level with Katie’s oh so sweet harmonies – the songs which are already alive instrumentally are given a whole new birth with the dramatic vocals. Their set proves to be as popular as ever with their electrifying stage presence, songs that pull you into the intimate venues’ atmosphere effortlessly, and charm (up to the point of wishing someone a happy Birthday), provide a brilliant and difficult to beat first support act for Jon Windle.
South View Juniors are up next, and tonight is a bit of a celebration for lead singer Ben. Well, that’s a bit of an understatement. It’s a big night, with it being his Stag Night. Ben’s forced to strip down to his trousers for the first song, leaving just his scarf on, and the style of music moves from the sultry alternative of Dirty Jeans to shoegaze – but with a sense of humour and more charm than some of the bands ‘90’s idols.
Their language is colourful between songs, and Ben’s voice sways from Liam Gallagher to Billy Corgan from the Smashing Pumpkins. The songs have an upbeat, almost party feel to them, and have to be played loud. With everything from full on Stadium filler riffs to funky drum beats and rock star dream lyrics. The bass lines provide a wonderful fullness to the songs, working perfectly with every beat of the drum to give a melodic thwack. Even their more ballady offerings take you to a happy place where Parkas and Adidas are accepted as comfortable evening wear.
This is a band who are not afraid to wear their influences on their sleeves. Even if you haven’t heard them before you immediately feel comfortable with them. Everything from ‘90’s Madchester, ‘60’s Mersey Beat and ‘70’s Punk is blended together to assault your ears with pleasing familiarity.
When Jon Windle comes on to the stage armed only with his acoustic guitar, you could, maybe be forgiven for thinking ‘and now for something completely different’, however, his up tempo chirpy tracks leave you feeling slightly mollified if that was your first thought. He holds the packed out venue in his hands with ease, and although makes the occasional joke about not being able to sing due to having done more than three gigs in the week, his voice is still clear and strong.
His stage presence is immense – considering he’s performing solo tonight without his backing band – and that has nothing to do with his considerable height. He’s a mature performer, the years of playing with Little Man Tate obviously bringing him a wealth of experience. There’s not one song that he plays without a manic energy. He isn’t spinning around on the stage or anything like that, he doesn’t need to. His smiling face and posture have more energy in them than many another live artist I’ve seen.
He laces his performance with a couple of classic tracks from Little Man Tate, and the audience love him for it. They sing along, and move ever closer to the stage as they do so. It’s clear from the volume of appreciation that this has been an excellent performance, and Jon seems to know it too.
After what seemed like an age away, Skint & Demoralised announced their reformation back in late 2010. Not long after, they started recording their second album, ‘This Sporting Life’. Finally, this long awaited ‘difficult’ second album is due for general release on 12th March 2012.
It is with great excitement that we start to listen to the brand new album from the finest ever band to come from Belper, Derbyshire. ‘Things Change’ by James Warner Prophecies isn’t actually due for release until the 12th March via Sound Hub records, and so, with grins stretching from ear to ear, we launch into the album.
We’re Back!
