April 30, 2005
Next on was Josh from Spolton, again doing some acoustic stuff. He seemed quite shy to start off with, but gradually became more confident. His voice reminded me slightly of Conor Oberst (Bright Eyes) as he had the same introverted strength, which was backed up by the guitar. Spolton then performed later on upstairs, sounding somewhere between Bleach-era Nirvana, Eels with a distortion pedal and Big Black.
Also downstairs were Mike and Danny. Mike was the front man out of the two, as Danny seemed to hide behind a suspiciously large fringe at the back. However, thahe combination of this worked quite well, as Danny complimented Mike’s soulful yet gravely vocals with intricate work on electric guitar. Their style seemed influenced by American bluegrass, but more rocky and melodic. They covered Pixies ‘Where Is My Mind?’ which worked quite well. The singer, in particular, had great energy whilst performing. These lads didn’t hold back and just belted it out.
(Up Stairs)
First up at this year’s Broxstock is Lakrymology, with a nice interesting mix of grunge and melodic stoner rock they set up a excellent start to the event. The growing crowd was buzzing and gave them a warm reception and they showed a lot of potential with a fairly original sound as Abi later told me ‘This is the future of music’. The music scene needs new sounds like a whore needs crack and it was good to see musicians who are trying new things. It will be interesting to hear how these guys progress.
With the sound of Lakrymology still ringing in our ears, it was time to push our happy gland up into 4th gear as Wagstaffe took the stage. We have reviewed Wagstaffe on the site in the past and I hear they are getting some real big attention now and its no surprise with WagstaffeÂ’s excellent mix of happy, fun and bouncy Ska-Punk, the crowd also start getting into things and with a lively and professional stage show these guys bounce, like the bastard child of a Kangaroo and a frog, though their set showing great musical ability and giving the crowd a real boost. Wagstaffe are a must see happy, fun night out.
With a buzz about the building after the first two bands excellent show, one man band, Yet Cape, Wear Cape Fly, hit us with a very interesting and beautiful set which mixes some nice influences. Playing a single acoustic, using his laptop and some interesting effects to make a huge sound for one guy, his political rants rocket him through his set. With funky and foot moving beats that at times reminded me of Radiohead or Simple Kid, he uses a more folk influenced guitar riffs and good strong vocals to bring across his political and intelligent lyrics. Original and catchy, this guy really showed some talent and I would like to hear where he goes with this original and very clever sound.
The night had already showed a range of genre and with 4th band, Spalton, taking the stage, the feeling changed again, this time to a grungy and heavy Nirvana influenced rock set. With a lead guitarist/vocalist who made breaking bones look fun with his lively running around and head banging, Kurt Cobain would have been proud. But these guys werenÂ’t just a Nirvana wannabe band, showing some nice metal influences too. These guys sounded like Kitten stabbing the Foo FighterÂ’s eyes out with a rusty coat-hanger. Catchy and angry, these guys might have took time in between songs but the waiting around was no worry when your ears are getting kicked in with such beautiful steel toe-caps. If they could get a bit more communication with the crowd, I could see this music having a big appeal.
Suddenly the crowd seemed to double in size and even though after the first bands performances the crowd had been buzzing nicely, suddenly the beehive is open and a sense of excitement comes over the crowd. As the guitars bounce into view and the horns catapult into our ear drums, there is no mistaking NottinghamÂ’s favourite Ska band Weeble, with a bouncy, fun and lively feel throughout Weeble put out one of the liveliest stage shows your ever gonna see from a unsigned act and for a 8 piece band they are unbelievably tight. Using great interlocking Bass and guitar Riffs and big sing-along chanting lyrics, the crowd suck up WeebleÂ’s sound like a Dyson vacuum sucks up dust. These guys are one NottinghamÂ’s biggest growing acts and you can see why, they not only play fun and catchy songs but they always put enough energy into their stage act, to power a small country. Weeble are more fun than a paint fight in your worse enemyÂ’s newly decorated frontroom when its full of naked porn stars and leave the crowd higher than the Hubble telescope.
After that little fiasco I fell slightly sorry for any band who had to get WeebleÂ’s worn out left-overs but Heavy Grunge punkers Misused come on stage looking like they meant business. With a fast and furious mix of heavy punk and metal using excellent interchanging guitar and bass riffs, Misused seem confident and even though they had some technical problems they rock through a catchy and kick-ass set. With classic metal influences these lot use fast melodic punk like AFI and mix it with nice some real classic rock riffs right out of MetallicaÂ’s book to get a tired crowd buzzing again. Misused are fast, furious and sweaty music yet still beautiful and impressive, with all members showing a lot of musical ability, the two guitarists both waltz through some nice riffs and soloÂ’s as well as the bassist giving a mini master class in one song and the thundering drums keeping the wheels rolling. I liked their mix of music and with a few more dynamics these guys could really have a great sound, a lot of potential indeed.
To see more photos from this gig Please click here Review – Gaz Photos – Uche
Written By Gaz
Photos ~ Uche
