June 18, 2005
I have been asked, several times lately, “have you seen that Adam Bomb?” and, strangely enough, also been asked “have you heard of Patchwork Grace?”. So when I discover both parties on the same bill at Rock City something tells me to investigate. However it’s not looking good on the day, the hottest day of the year so far and wandering around the bars of Nottingham in the sunshine seems far preferable to the imagined (and oft experienced) oppressively hot dingyness of the basement. But the bullet is bitten and I trundle up Talbot St. (Distortion “get in for a quid” flyer in hand) to an almost empty Rock City.
Being a pro. I find myself a decent vantage point (in FRONT of the pillar) and wait for stuff to happen. Much to my surprise, I think I mentioned the weather, a very sizeable crowd assembles and something of a buzz begins…hmmmmm! Then, the stage doors open and my inbuilt warning light flashes red, as a bunch of kids take to the stage, where do all these kid bands come from??Dressed in some kind of strange glam, punk, grunge style they proceed to, from the first note, almost literally tear the air apart with a sonic chainsaw (light to amber) before lovingly tending the wounds with the attractive girl singers delicate yet assertive melody. I am enthralled (lights to green all the way now) for the next 30 minutes the guitarist and bass player physically abuse all around them, from their instruments, to the stage, to the singer herself and before I know it …it’s over! Two battered guitars lie across each other like war casualties, the feedback a beseeching wail, I look around to an open mouthed audience, the bass player re-enters, casually, the amps are silenced…and the audience erupt!
Now and then in Rock n Roll something HAPPENS…I remember the first time I saw the Sex Pistols and Nirvana and I wont forget Patchwork Grace.I am not quite sure what I’ve just witnessed…but I loved it! At this point the phrase “follow that” springs to mind and as I talk to those around me, who seem to be in the know, it seems Adam Bomb is more than happy to “follow that” having invited Patchwork Grace onto every available show since their first support on the tour. As I research / talk at the bar, further I discover a veritable who’s who of bands, musicians, writers et al associated with New Yorks “glam rock survivor” from Guns n Roses to John Paul Jones.I am still buzzing from the first act as the stage again erupts, this time with a pyrotechnic guitar intro played on a pink Gibson Les Paul that looks like it’s been dragged along behind the tour bus. The perpetrator of this entrance stands, jet black rock hair cascading, in his element, surrounded by lights, smoke, adulation and his band. The bass player while only looking about 19 is clearly a seasoned pro who gives the impression he could do this all night everynight and possibly does.The drummer… I have been told to watch the drummer.Carmen Gorgeous!…now let’s face it with a name like that you GOTTA be good. This guy is amazing! Sitting behind the lowest kit I’ve ever seen, topless, but for a white silk tie, wearing flying goggles that unlike some (entertainers?) do NOT make him look ridiculous, the guy is a show in himself. He has stick tricks that Tommy Lee would die for while making it all appear so effortless…and…looking at the unwavering focus on the female faces around me, yes…he is gorgeous. The show rocks on with a consistant high quality to the material, this is no excuses, balls out, rock n roll. The in between banter is succinct, with Adam letting the audience know how much it means to him to finally (after 20 years of trying) headline his own show at the legendary (yes even in the states) Rock City. The show ends with Adam arms akimbo pink Gibson aflame in one hand as the bass player joins him front of stage, to ignite his own guitar and Carmen Gorgeous standing on his kit playing the cymbal crescendo, pure unadulterated joy!
Do I hear a wake up call?… for too long I have been subjected to “Liam clones” and “whinge pop” bands “too cool” to move around on stage in the same jeans and T shirts as the audience wailing about how it’s all unfair. Adam Bomb may hark back to the “hair” days of the 80’s, but, Patchwork Grace are definately the new, new. If there are four things everyone should do before they die, they are; 1.Have sex (any orientation)
2.Drink (alchohol)
3.Denounce god (any and all)
4.See Patchwork Grace (preferably with Adam Bomb, it just made a great night)
Is entertainment back?…Oh I F*cking hope so.
Review – Rodger England
Written By Rodger England
