10/11/2006
JOHN PEEL DAY
VATICAN DC,CHEAP HOTEL,
THE VITAMINS,THE WOMBATS
@ BARDEN’S BOUDOIR
OCTOBER 12TH
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
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