Kev2012
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Theatr Powys Music: Newspaper Article
Last weekend saw two amazing gigs take place in consecutive nights as the music scene in Mid Wales goes from strength to strength. Friday 7th saw LoveBoxx Promotions host a show at the Elephant in Llanidloes. A nice mix of music greeted the ears of all in attendance. Harry Harris, from Builth Wells, opened up the show with an unplanned acoustic set, asked on the night if he wanted to play he duly obliged and as is the norm with this accomplished musician he showed consummate skill. The Hostages, of Rhayader, took to the stage next and performed arguably one of the best sets of the night; Tom Jones led the line with a dominant display of guitar playing coupled with some powerful vocals. The Hostages were followed by rock outfit, Monkey Spank, who were so affected by the heat in the venue they saw fit to undress mid-set, which was a sight to behold! Local favourites The Kryptics took the mantel thereafter and their ever-improving sound was the ideal foil for the final band, who had travelled up from Exeter. Le Chat Noir are quickly making Mid Wales their second home, not only was this their third appearance in under a year, but their fourth will quickly be following tomorrow (Saturday 15th) when they attend the Mid Wales Music Scene gig at the Drill Hall in Llandrindod Wells. Teddy and Eileen are a bundle of energy and their set was warmly received by the small, but appreciative, audience.
The following day Theatr Powys Drama Centre in Llandrindod Wells was the venue for an inaugural gig organised by Theatr Powys administrator Ian Yeoman. The gig was such a success that it looks likely that similar events will be a regular fixture in the Theatr Powys calendar. The set-up was splendid, with some wonderful lighting and top sound, the scene was set and all that was needed was for the musicians performing on the night to take full advantage, and so they did. First on stage was up-and-coming Llandrindod Wells act, The Appraisal. Consisting of Fearnley Evison (bass guitar), Will Skyrme (drums) and Benji Talbott (guitar/vocals) the band offer a diverse selection of songs. Their sound ranges from tracks laced with rock such as Turn the Lights Off to more melodic tracks containing interesting and diverse guitar riffs, Cataclysm Sound a perfect example of this. All in all The Appraisal offer something not many bands do in the local scene and that trait alone means you’ll surely be hearing more of this band in the future.
The second act on the bill hailed from Lancaster and had recently performed on the BBC Introducing… Stage at Glastonbury. How’s My Pop? came with a growing reputation and a buzz about their name. Andy Raven (lead singer/guitar) has something a little “Jarvis ****er” about him on stage, if by presence alone, but the bands overall sound is thoroughly unique and riveting and there was something jazzy and uplifting about their set. They are obviously influenced by the likes of Oasis and Pulp, and I’d imagine many other bands who were a part of the Britpop movement, but it’s refreshing to see a band move this sound forward not merely mimic what has been done before.
With Chris Macneil (drums/vocals), Matt Canty (Bass/Vocals) and Tom Diffenthal (Keyboard/Synths) How’s My Pop? seem to be going places. They offer a Ska sound in some of their tracks, evident particularly in the classy Laura Laura, but the vast majority of their songs have an underlining subliminal message about modern culture hidden somewhere amidst the catchiness, the track England on it’s Knees carries less than subtle proof of this. The enthusiastic audience were so impressed that How’s My Pop? didn’t do an encore, they were actually coaxed into doing another set later in the evening.
Sandwiched between this was the highly skilled acoustic musician Joe Spence, also from Lancaster. Joe Spence’s set was not only hugely impressive, but it was his apparent innocence whilst on stage that encapsulated the audience for his set’s entirety. Vaguely reminiscent of American act, I Can Make A Mess Like Nobody’s Business, Joe Spence’s cleverly contrived and lyrically heavy songs were the perfect compliment to what went before. Even the story about how he’d come to don his sister’s friend’s T-shirt was somewhat poetic, whilst also being highly amusing! Joe got a rousing reception upon the completion of his set and both of the Lancaster acts will be welcome back to Mid Wales with open arms.
Overall the weekend of music was a huge success and credit must go to all who put the effort into hosting, organising and performing at both of the shows. Tomorrow, Mid Wales Music Scene puts on yet another gig. Synthetica, Le Chat Noir & MWMS debutants The Coalition perform at the Drill Hall, Llandrindod Wells, for the modest entry fee of £2. Doors open at 7pm and music runs through until 12midnight.
Copyright of Kevin Martin 2007
Published in the Mid Wales Journal 17th September 2007
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Sep/10/2007, 1:46 pm
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