October 28, 2005
Well The Boat Club seemed to suddenly spring upon to us live music loving Nottingham-onians (dunno if that’s what we should be referred to, better not ask for comments), dabble in a few high profile gigs and then- as is felt at so many levels of the live music world- appeared to have slowed down. Maybe the not-quite-town-center element of the venue is a problem, especially on a weekend night. It’s a difficult job as a promoter to get them that’s out already to YOUR gig, or the fact that there’s more than one place in the Trent Bridge area that dabbles in live stuff- whatever the answer, I don’t know. But it does baffle me, because I’ve been to this venue three times now and not one gig was a let down. If you’ve not been to see it yet, make the effort to go and have a look- it’s actually walk-able from town and is a quality venue!
And numbers through the door is an issue that dogged our friends Saggy-Pants this Friday the 28th October, with no apparent reason whatsoever. A great line up, a top venue and a truly amazing sound engineer and PA (guess who!) was enjoyed by those that were present. We just needed more in! But lets get to the important bit: the bands.
Kicking it all off was Apache Rose. This local three piece began playing to an empty room, but the good folks that made up the other acts and their friends traveled through to the main part of the venue to have a look. The vocalist has a great voice, and is suited well to the style the group are playing for us tonight- a kind of Peal Jam, Soundgarden feel with a funkier edge on it- and put across a good strong sound for a three piece. They receive a mixed response from the audience during the set, a shame as these guys are good and definitely have the sound to liven a gig up a touch.
Next in is London Road. The five members offer us that loud indie sound that’s still very popular out there, and the Oasis and Stone Roses influences are evident, although this group don’t let it “drag out” as some Indie bands do- the tracks are better structured and though they do keep a good riff going- as it were- it isn’t left to repeat over and over- an act I’m not a fan of! Again, not a massive response from those here, but it’s difficult to get an empty room on your side!
Now it’s the turn of The Ambassadors. I’ve met the band before- a long time ago though, way back during my time on P+D (Mansfield 103.2fm!) but have not gotten round to seeing this band at a gig until tonight. They’re a Nottingham based 4 piece, one of whom has no less than 3 keyboards (which is a nightmare when you only have 2 DI boxes..!) They bring us a kind of psychedelic (due to the presence of the keys) pop-esque (it’s very friendly on the ears) Uk indie thing (er.. coz it’s got guitars in it?!) and annoyingly, a lot of the punters decided now’s a good time to wander off.. not sure why, I reckon they were all here to see the other bands and went through to have a chat. Maybe they weren’t too impressed with The Ambassadors to start with. I have say “to start with,” because as the set progressed past its halfway point, they started to filter back in- with inquisitive faces! I have to admit, I was guilty of something similar. At the beginning of the set, I thought “yeah- these sound ok” and took to taking notes, and as the band moved from tune to tune my opinion of them stepped up a level each time, and I found myself thinking “these are great” but was confused by it. Hence the inquisitive faces! Their style is of a darker side of what they do, and is carried by great structuring and the presence of a bright vibe- like a “pub piano rock” feel lying in the shadows. The band know, however, that the audience aren’t 100% attentive to the music tonight, even though a great response is received from the audience, but the band really put their all into it and put in a great set. Good band!
Last up is 7Stone. They are normally a four member band, but tonight only three could make it, and the usual singer is on the drums. Nobody mentioned why they were a man down, but to have to rearrange a band this way is a nightmare! A heavier sound, like a slightly rockier Feeder at times but they do lighten it up every now and then. Choosing to cover Coldplay’s “Fix It” (is that what it’s called? I can’t remember!) and get the bassist on the mic really confuses us- but unfortunately, there are only 10 or so in the room.
It’s been a good night, but a great shame for the turnout. I do believe that Saggy Pants are next at The Boat Club on the 18th November 2005, try and get down- it’s a good venue!
View More Pictures From This Gig
Review – Leon (Gigged) Photos – Smat
Photos ~ Smat
