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You are here -> Live / Past Gigs Sunday, 07 September, 2008
PLANETNOTION TELEVISION!
CAMERA-FOLK AND FILM EDITORS WANTED!
Planet Notion is looking for guys and dolls to film and edit features for its new TV channel, PNTV. Accompanying Notion to artist interviews, gigs, fashion shows, festivals and international events, you will be skilled, passionate and full of ideas about how to produce shit-hot video content. Camera-folk will be experienced and ideally have their own equipment, or at least access to equipment, while editors must be able to turn projects around quickly, and with stylistic flare. If you can both film and edit content, we would especially like to hear from you! These casual, unpaid positions would be ideal for those looking to develop their showreels, and to get the chance to travel, film major artists and top events.
 
Please email lucy@musichqmedia.com if you’re interested in getting involved, cheers!
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Spanky Wilson and the Quantic Soul Orchestra
Spanky Wilson and the Quantic Soul Orchestra
16/11/2006
Since the release of prolific producer Will 'Quantic' Holland's third solo album 'Mishaps Happening' in 2004, his 'Don't Joke with a Hungry Man' collaboration with acclaimed soul singer Spanky Wilson has become something of a modern funk classic. With this in mind, when a full-length album featuring Wilson recorded under Holland's live guise of the Quantic Soul Orchestra surfaced this year, it hardly came as a surprise. But news of a tour did. Keen to see whether the aging Philadelphian songstress could cut it live, fans packed each and every one of the four London Jazz Café dates for what could certainly have been a once-in-a-lifetime show. The first notable point is that the band members have changed since the last tour. Gone is Limp Twins collaborator, charismatic compere and former frontman-of-sorts Russell Porter. And most obviously, silky-voiced singer Alice Russell, who has since enjoyed solo success, is also absent. But taking their places as the most prevalent personalities on stage is an enigmatic and perhaps overly-enthusiastic character on keys and, of course, Wilson herself, both of whom are worthy of stealing the limelight. Holland stands further back, directing the band with his guitar worn high, beside the drummer, bassist and percussionist, and the horn section who deliver brassy stabs and solos from the far right. The incredible thing about the live incarnation of Quantic Soul Orchestra is the balance between musicianship and, well, fun. When they perform 'You Can't Judge a Book by it's Cover,' the crowd is jumping frantically to a super-quick tempo and Wilson is busy belting out the vocals. The band, too, are bouncing - but their expert musical aptitude is never compromised. Downtempo tracks are just as well received by the Jazz Café masses and when Wilson puts her all into 'That's How it Was,' a woe-filled tune about 2005's deadly Hurricane Katrina, I notice I’m not the only one with a trembling bottom lip, blinking away a teary eye. Picking the pace right back up is a rousing rendition of 'Don't Joke with a Hungry Man' as the encore. The audience is singing loudly and Wilson gives an appreciative smile. It seems fitting that the track which catapulted her back into the hearts and lugholes of the public sphere is the one which ends the show. As the band members leave the stage, the fans scramble for the merchandise stall. An unforgettably impressive evening. Text: Sarah Chapman
tags: | will | quantic | more...
Datarock/Shitdisco/Klaxons @ Koko, Camden
Datarock/Shitdisco/Klaxons @ Koko, Camden
13/11/2006
DATAROCK/SHITDISCO/ THE KLAXONS @ KOKO OCTOBER 13TH 2006 Three leaders of the nu-rave movement in one building at the same time. If someone wanted to end the sale of day-glo caps and glowsticks in one easy move then tonight is their chance - the sea of synthetic nylon luminous clothing would make ignition extremely swift but let’s not dwell on the potential terrorist risk at Koko on a Friday night, the music was pretty incendiary too. Norway’s Datarock shuffle on and they look like they could be a band who play anything from death metal to scum punk but the opening chords of a manic 30-minute set prove otherwise; their music sits firmly in retro dance (the theme of the evening) which is something that Datarock are very good at indeed. Cue much glowstick waving, arms in the air and dancing that takes up room for two. Shitdisco, the second band of the evening, started life putting on free parties in a Glasgow tenement so the rather gaudy surroundings of the Camden Palace are a world away from their roots, similarly Camden has probably never seen such a collection of retina-busting outfits. Their new single ‘Reactor Party’ has been one of 2006’s catchiest dance songs of and it draws one of the biggest choruses of whistles and horns of the evening but the rest of their set possibly lacks a few more killer tunes. However, this is balanced by their energy and persistent wave of indie-mixed-with-old-school sound which is fantastically addictive; it almost defies you not to smile. With the regular drummer suffering from a recent arm injury, lucky his sling matches the all-white clothes of the band, a stand-in was employed whilst the regular drummer had to make do with a cowbell and drum stick which was actually quite in keeping with the band’s DIY attitude to having a good time. Other makeshift instruments included the ubiquitous dance party loudhailer and some clue as to how the drummer’s injury was sustained was given when one band member launched himself into an ambitious crowd surf which ended in him being dumped rather painfully. Although its doubtful many of the crowd were out of nappies when the ‘The Bouncer’ was being played in warehouses and fields around the UK they’ve certainly embraced The Klaxons’ version as their own. Along with a cover of the classic ‘Not Over Yet’, these were two highlights of the evening and judging by the presence of The Arctic Monkeys and Mystery Jets at the gig, they may just be onto something bigger than a party in a disused warehouse. Words: BEN H. MURRAY Photos by: MIKE BURNELL
tags: | datarock | more...
Amy Winehouse @ Liverpool Carling Academy 2
Amy Winehouse @ Liverpool Carling Academy 2
10/11/2006
"I hate Amy Winehouse." The £12 a throw t-shirts bearing the above slogan, provides as good an introduction to the mindset of the hardy and veracious soul-rider, as the slow climbing jazz/lounge backdrop coupled with life-bearing vocals of opener, 'Know You Now'. This gives Amy the perfect chance to sternly stroke the crowd into submission, with her earthy soul projection and defence mechanism exposing lyrics: "You're just a little boy underneath that hat, You need your nerve to hide your ego - don't come with that You think everything is handed to you free But it’s not that easy." It is already apparent that the promoters have made a faux pas in fitting so many people into a venue with a small viewing area. Too many members of the crowd are staring at a brick wall (probably thinking they are at a Meatloaf gig) or someone's head. Others make full use of the relaxingly rugged sound, turning it into background bar music. The subtle chord changes and tempo waves are largely lost, struggling to make an impact passed the large slabs of wall that separates too many from the main act. The beaming horns and vocal cruise picks up to drown out the sound problems and the pub style banter of Winehouse, makes everyone feel at home. Cries for the rebelliously defiant 'Rehab' punctuate the evening. This number from Amy's rough edged, soul/jazz with rock n' roll attitude offering 'Back To Black', has raised her profile to Jonathan Ross levels. 'I'm No Good' boldly makes no excuses for the much reported behaviour and attitude of the feisty songstress, making for a laidback but feisty mood, stirring an intrigued crowd into some subtle body swaying. The battle against the venue is slowly being turned around in the young Londoner’s favour. A powerful pop jaunt by way of 'Me and Mr Jones', emphasises the departure from the jazzed up sound contained in the powerful 'Frank' album of a few years ago. 'Rehab' provides for a potent r&b, funk/soul ending, to the mood switching and groove styling main set. Irony seekers head over to the merchandise stall, in order to make a bold statement of their own, to the unsuspecting Friday night revellers of Liverpool. Text: Dave Adair
tags: | amy winehouse | more...
Gym Class Heroes/Barfly/Camden/September 7th
Gym Class Heroes/Barfly/Camden/September 7th
10/11/2006
GYM CLASS HEROES @ BARFLY, CAMDEN SEPTEMBER 7 TH Voluminous hairstyles and tight jeans. Yes, the broccoli look is well and truly in force tonight. It’s almost like being an 80s throwback, what with classic AOR songs, such as ‘More Than a Feeling’ and ‘Here Comes Your Man’ providing the pre-show backdrop to this sold-out gig. That is, until you realise that Gym Class Heroes sound nothing like classic US AOR. Granted, singer Travis’ commands to raise a pinkie finger…and dance your ass off to the (next) song reveals more than a hint of US-schlock. As does his constant checks to make sure everyone is having a good time. But it’s all done with good humour and the band certainly has a rapport with the (mainly teenage) fans, who’re more than happy to be “down with it”. GCH are here to promote their new album ‘As Cruel As School Children’. While not a radical departure, it is still a feel-good mix of rap-rock and more like a continuation of the previous ‘Papercut Chronicles’. “I have a problem with a certain website, Travis declares. “I call it an addiction…I need help…” Any doubts as to what site Travis is referring to, are dispelled by the MySpace logo displayed on guitarist Disashi’s t-shirt. But all the die-hard fans already knew that – hell, half of them are probably already on the band’s friend list anyway. Other “addictions” injected into the show include “Pill-matic” (“for the kids with tha chemicals”) while “tha sexy ladies” get not one, but two treats in the form of ‘Make Out Club’ and ‘Cupid’s Chokehold’. Returning to the chants of “GCH!” ensures an airing of ‘Snakes On a Plane (Bring It)’, the band’s collaborative foray into motion picture soundtracks. Before too long the night ends on a rather tame note – a far cry from the excited riot at their summer gig. A sign of maturity? Not a chance. Words: Tracey Chin
tags: | gym class heroes | more...
The Pipettes/@ Koko/September 29th
The Pipettes/@ Koko/September 29th
10/11/2006
THE PIPETTES @ KOKO, LONDON SEPTEMBER 29 TH Koko was packed to the rafters on this hot and sweaty Friday night, with a mix of old and young and a multitude of polka dot dresses about. The Pipettes had landed and the crowd was raring to go! First up to kick-start proceedings however were the fantastic Hot Puppies, whose frontwoman Becki looked positively gorgeous and confident taking to the stage and belting out tracks from their fantastic debut. The crowd were also treated to a new track from the Puppies, called ‘Somewhere’. The song was a move away from the traditional style of the group and showcased Becki’s amazing vocal range. Soon enough though, the Puppies made way for the Pipttes whose entrance came with drum beats leading in to the familiar sound of ‘Sex’ from their debut. By song two, the girls were well and truly in Pipette mode, with dance routines and boy dissing in full flow. The girls introduced the next track, ‘Really That Bad’ – a song I was unfamiliar with, but followed the girls’ style. The girls admitted that they know a lot of bad bad boys, but from the way these girls come across, I’m sure they can deal with some bad boys. Next up the girls performed the stomping ‘Your Kisses Are Wasted on Me’ assuring those in the packed Koko not to worry about dancing space as all they would need was their fingers... it still didn’t stop those in attendance from jumping about and crashing in to each other. ‘Because it’s not Love’ slowed the pace of the night down, but certainly didn’t stop the girls dancing. ‘I Love You’, my personal favourite despite being just over two minutes long, was performed fantastically with Rose taking to the keyboard to accompany the band. Some new tracks made an appearance during the evening including ‘Baby Don’t Leave Me’ as well as the fantastically titled ‘Who Ran Off With the Milkman’. ‘Burning Ambition’ was another new track, showing evidence of the girls moving forward with their sound and experimenting further with their harmonies. The girls were on form at Koko, evident in the continual dancing and singing along from the sweaty crowd (why is that always the case at Koko?). Despite not being the strongest vocal performance ever, the main thing about seeing the Pipettes live is that you get caught up in them and what they are all about. The girls make fun pop music, and perform it in a most appealing way that you cannot help but dance and sing along. Words: MATTHEW WHITE Photos: DANNY FONTAINE
tags: | the pipettes | more...
Talc/@ Jazz Cafe/October 19th
Talc/@ Jazz Cafe/October 19th
10/11/2006
TALC JAZZ CAFE, LONDON OCTOBER 19 TH Talc are performing ‘Modern Sleep Over,’ a track from their recent long player ‘Sit Down Think’ which has won the quirky outfit deserved acclaim from big players as diverse as Gilles Peterson, Todd Terje and Bill Brewster. I cast a glance over the crowd at London’s Jazz Café and it reveals an audience that is captivated by the performance of the 10-piece in front of them. Some people are laughing amongst each other and jokily swaying to the beat, the rest stand wide-eyed, with their mouths hanging open. It’s not that Talc are bad. No, they’re just weird (but wonderful). ‘Modern Sleep Over’ deals with the love between a woman and her computer and the assembled masses struggle to hold back hysterics when the vocalists deliver lines like “Love it when you touch my screen / You know what I mean, baby.” Indeed, all of the tracks that the band perform have in common a twisted story or theme and as they rattle through tunes on “cheese dreams” and riding bicycles whilst drunk, the onlookers continue to battle with their collective listen-or-dance dilemma. So the onus is very much on a comedy show as well as a live music gig. This is manifested not only in Talc’s droll lyricism but also in a number of witty quips, some rehearsed and many seemingly spontaneous, that take place in between and in the middle of the tracks they perform. I wipe a tear from my eye when a band member sends his thanks to the crowd using a vocoder (which features heavily throughout the show), warping his voice into a robotic squeal. With the humour a top priority, you might expect the quality of the musicianship to be less than adequate. Thankfully, this is not the case with Talc. Each member of the band contributes an accomplished performance and they lay bare their talents with tight harmonies and improvised endings, without so much as a note out of place. What is more, clad in suits with trainers and some sporting ninja-style face masks and others bowler hats, the boys look fun and the resulting energy they emit is infectious. Though the recorded material is perhaps less impressive, the live experience has both style and substance together will all of the ingredients for a jolly good show. Words: SARAH CHAPMAN
tags: | talc | more...
John Peel Day/@Barden's Boudoir/October 12th
John Peel Day/@Barden's Boudoir/October 12th
10/11/2006
JOHN PEEL DAY VATICAN DC,CHEAP HOTEL, THE VITAMINS,THE WOMBATS @ BARDEN’S BOUDOIR OCTOBER 12 TH The night starts off well at Barden’s. One of a variety of London venues hosting a John Peel Extravaganza in honour of the champion of new talent, tonight’s line-up consists of four bubbling-under acts. First up are Liverpudlians The Wombats, who deliver a heady mix of indie-rock and tuneful melodies and ensures a treat for the in-coming arrivals. This is quickly followed by some sexed up blues-rock from Kilburn quartet, The Vitamins. Singer Rebecca exudes a fierce presence of sultry nonchalance, which disappears as soon as the drumbeat starts. Dressed like a naughty riding instructor, with red trousers tucked into black platform boots, much foot stomping is had – and not just from the lady herself. Following on the theme of sex-and-rock-n’-roll is Cheap Hotel – who certainly live up to their name. Also hailing from London, this trio consists of two blondes on guitars while the drummer could easily pass as the older–brother figure, banging the skins in an overprotected manner. Yet this doesn’t stop the guys from inching forward, mesmerised by the intoxicating mix of classic rock and exaggerated guitar writhing from lead vocalist Anna. While it is highly impressive, it is a bit much at times, and as they step offstage, you can’t help but wonder if it’s the tunes we’ll be remembering or the erotic mix of “girls-on-guitars”. Running 45 mins behind, Vatican DC have a lot to prove as the headliners, not least as people have already started to disperse to the numerous dark corners of the Boudoir. It starts off pretty promising, with lead singer Steve stealing moves from Mick Jagger. There’s a touch of 80’s New Wave about them, and I can’t help but get the feeling that this has all been done before. It is not until their second single ‘Side to Side’ that things start to pick up, with its hints of electronic-punk giving a nod to the now defunct Clor. And by the time we get to the catchy “Trampoline”, I’m starting to get into them. Unfortunately, Vatican never quite hit the spot as proceedings end rather abruptly. The cause for confusion? A stand-in guitarist “who only knows six songs,” (apparently). Which is quite a shame for a band having supported the likes of Bloc Party and Prodigy. Suffice to say, it’s an anti-climactic end to what is supposed to be a celebration of new musical-upstarts. Quite what John Peel would’ve thought, well, that’s anyone’s guess… Words: TRACEY CHIN
tags: | john peel day | more...
The World Festival/@The Hollywood Bowl/Los Angeles
The World Festival/@The Hollywood Bowl/Los Angeles
10/11/2006
THE WORLD FESTIVAL 2OO6 @ THE HOLLYWOOD BOWL, LOS ANGELES Walking into the Hollywood Bowl for the first time is one of those things that you don’t ever forget. With people as far as you can see down to the colourfully lit stage it’s just as you’re thinking it can’t get much better that you see the Hollywood sign up close and personal in the background. By the time you remember that you’re allowed to bring your own alcohol to a gig, you’re just about ready to up sticks and move to L.A. And so it was on August 29th as the Bowl once more played host to the World Festival. As the venue started to slowly fill up it was the multi-talented Matthew Herbert and company who really kicked things off. For one careful not to hog the limelight whilst performing (despite appearing in a rather fetching dressing gown and slippers outfit), Herbert often let his singer fill the stage, with the mellow vocals rising through the amphitheatre to greet any foolhardy latecomers. As the set went on however, and the sun started to sink in the cloudless California sky, Herbert’s enthusiasm grew and he became an increasingly excited character behind the keyboard, putting his heart and soul into complimenting the four-four bassline, whilst always measuring out each note with dedicated precision. By this stage the music was in danger of reaching a tempo where rising out of one’s slumped seating position might have become a real possibility, but before the unthinkable became reality the mighty Zero 7 took to the stage and enveloped us with their warm chilled-out melodies. On what must surely be the highlight of their current tour, they were joined on stage by the always effervescent Sia, who in the week previously had found time to play a set of her favourite tunes at The Standard club (Los del Rios – ‘Macarena’!), and the slightly more reticent yet no less talented Jose Gonzales. Playing a carefully considered mix of the new and the old – including a hauntingly beautiful ‘Destiny’ as the sun set over the Hollywood hills – the UK downtempo kings had the 18,000 strong crowd held rapt from beginning to end, ultimately wrapping things up with their re-working of ‘Crosses’. A performance like that was always going to be tough to follow, and so it was after a well-timed interval that the multi-national Gotan Project took to the stage, complete with a stunning visual set-up. Introducing a more punchy dance element to proceedings, the Gotan Project soon had many a head nodding and before long, people dancing in their seats and aisle-ways. The highlight of the set came with the awesomely choreographed appearance of two rappers on a huge screen behind the stage - the video completely in sync with the music coming from the stage. By the time the concert came to a reluctant close it was clear that those present had witnessed something a bit special. If there’s a better way to spend a Sunday night then I’m yet to come across it. Words: Tom Wilkins
tags: | more...
Peaches/The KBC/Manchester Academy 2/September 12
Peaches/The KBC/Manchester Academy 2/September 12
10/11/2006
PEACHES/THE KBC/ HUMANZI @ MANCHESTER ACADEMY 2 SEPTEMBER 12 TH Tonight, The KBC are demonstrating an ability to cruise into the funky haven occupied by the likes of Radio 4 and The Rapture. Fat bass-led stomping and a weighty vocal range follows the accomplished percussion like a teenager with a crush. A groove riding opening slot is completed with grace and some welcomed, but not overbearing musical strut. A bolstering drum solo allows the menacing Irish gang, Humanzi to unleash their AC/DC and Primal Scream merging bolts of freewheeling, guitar-led rock jams. The topics of insomnia and politics obviously influence their mindset. Early on the bite of ‘6 Gun’ proves to be a fiery incendiary of caustic vocals and grinding guitars in a live setting. This soon shakes into focus the wandering attention of a crowd here to see a spectacle really, given the main act’s reputation. The heart of singer/guitarist Shaun Mulrooney, coupled with the focused vice-like bass grip applied by Gary Lonergan, endears the gnarly and likeable act to the numerically expanding crowd. ‘Fix The Cracks’ parades true R N’ R grit and rhythm to become the most infectious combination of proceedings. With the dark horse debut album, ‘Tremors’ and several successful mid-range support slots under their belt, it is now surely time for Humanzi to take centre stage. When they do; bring your own bottle because it will be a party of Charlotte Church proportions. With sound choreography that Torvill & Dean would have sold their tightest outfits for, the provocative poseur Peaches and her timewarp clad, full backing band enters the fray. The crowd is stirred up by the background boom of Petula Clark’s strolling classic ‘Down Town’, setting the excitement bubbling. Unfortunately, this is where the uplifting and well put together music has a break. The master of the single entendre lacks thrust early on and mono dimensional synths pollute ‘Hit It Hard’, from the raunchily rampaging recent album of ‘Impeach My Bush’. Tonight the song lacks any really power or belief in the performance. The set is in grave danger of merging into a shameful faux disco/punk farce. Peaches is close to joining Har Mar Superstar on the list to give to the local hypnotist to erase from the memory for ever. Just when you are seriously contemplating the surreptitious shuffle towards the exit, the drum beats step up and the synths are suddenly awoken, joining Peaches’ provocative vocals that pick up in passion and strength. ‘Two Guys’ epitomises this renewed vigour all-round, as the crowd who previously ignored pleas to liven up are suddenly switched on. A giant inflated penis is thrown around the venue and the most brazen number ‘Shake Yer Dix’, sets inhibitions free. Peaches is reluctantly dragged back to the stage for an encore that includes her very own rags to kinky underwear story. A moment is taken to rejoice in the fact that she now has a full band behind her. ‘IU She’ gives the encore a provocative pinch and ensures a continuation of the set resurrection. Like it or loathe it, there is no denying Peaches’ sheer enthusiasm and belief in what she does that carries her away from the cabaret category. Words: Dave Adair
tags: | peaches | the kbc | more...
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