September 3, 2006
That Fucking Tank
Once again the atmosphere is chilled and friendly for this Audio Massage and I am not from London presentation of musical mayhem! Starting it off are 2 men on a mission, That Fucking Tank may only have 2 members but they can certainly make plenty of noise! The guitarist links his guitar through 3 amps and experiments with the sounds from clever fast riffage to soft melodic drop outs and full on feedback playing noise mongering, he tries to make a many weird, odd and impressive sounds as possible. The second member on drums also experiments, changing beat and tempo at fast and random intervals and with some crazy time signatures is very impressive. Some people may think this is noisy but That Fucking Tank are very tight and a lot of time and effort has been put in to build there songs into unique and atmospheric musical master pieces, this is musical art!
http://www.myspace.com/landsandbody
The Cape of Good Hope
Next are the Cape of Good Hope, who mix technical progressive rock wizardry with a more emo punk edge and catchy riffs. The drummer is the most impressive members, using tight beats with quick and clever changes in tempo and dynamic whilst still singing lead vocal! The others mix their genres and ideas well and once again show a band willing to experiment with some difficult technique yet still keeping a catchy edge.
http://www.myspace.com/thecapeofgoodhope
The Dirty Backbeats
Third on tonight are The Dirty Backbeats from Leicester. With a growing reputation the room goes crazy as the Backbeats, kick straight into their lively rock n roll tingled progressive blues vibe. With one insane vocalist, a jumping keyboardist, a tight as tails bassist and guitarist and a wonderful and pretty female drummer, this band not only look the part but have a unique and catchy sound. With random changes, some mad expressive vocals and tight dynamic structures, The Dirty Backbeats rocked the whole room! If you can imagine Tom Waits, Nick Cave, Mike Patton (Mr Bungle/Faith No More) and Frank Zappa all writing songs together you might get close but the best way to witness this barrage of energy and fun is by going to their next gig!
http://www.myspace.com/thedirtybackbeats
Old Basford
Finally we have Nottingham's best funk blues brothers, Old Basford. Starting with the awesome Cruel Love, Old Basford mix a Chilli Peppers funk vibe with a more dirty, laid back blues rock n roll edge. The percussionist mixes harmonicas, maracas, tambourine, melodica and backing vocals to add original and interesting touches of power and with big dirty bass lines, funky guitar hooks and big solid beats, they are catchy and powerful. The vocals mix high funky screeches with deep booming bluesy wails and with infectious patterns and hooks, the songs are in your head. Some of the new songs showed a more mature and softer side but still with that infectious touch as they swung towards the blues side of their sound and it reminded me of The Eagles. Old Basford didn't move around as much as normal tonight and didn't always have a the bursts of energy they have had on past viewings but the crowd still loved it and they still provided a quality end to this quality night.
http://www.myspace.com/oldbasford
Reviewed by: Gaz and Steph
