Neon Waltz, The Circles, Silver Screen.
Holy Molys Lev 1 Esquires Saturday 6th December 2014.
It has been a very sad week for popular music. In the past few days we have seen the death of Ian McLagan, keyboardist for the Small Faces, then The Faces (who included Rod Stewart and Ronnie Wood). In a way those bands rather shaped tonight's entertainment, which was hosted by The Pad Presents. Headlining are NEON WALTZ, a six piece who incorporate the aforementioned keyboards. As the classic "Lazy Sunday" and "Itchycoo Park" thrilled a sixties generation, these Scottish lads also ply some woozy sun-kissed psychedelia. It's certainly not big and far from clever, but it sure is damned effective. The enchanting organ soundwaves act as a natural ochre to vividly colour their pretty musical paintings. Importantly, how have they gained this notable ability? It's a mystery, as Toyah once sang! This is because they hail from Wick in Caithness. Indeed, as the band have stated, it is "as far north as you can go before hitting the North Sea". Naturally devoid of any tangible 'local' scene, it is a real credit to them that so far in their short career they have achieved so much recognition.
NME have already singled out Neon Waltz as a buzz band to watch. It appears that all that gigging in nearby (200 miles!) Aberdeen is paying off. It is unclear quite what the band make of Bedford, but this is the second night of the tour and both nerves and excitement are sure to feature. They say little but are totally respectful. The crowd numbers are small tonight and, as with all the gigs in Holy Moly's, I always feel that it is a second class event compared to the awesome level 2 main stage. Except for a minor distortion later on in the set, the sound quality does Neon Waltz justice, even if the tiny stage does not. These fresh faced youngsters possess a prominent frontman in Jordan Shearer whose dreamy vocals dovetail the laid back guitar work. On first viewing I found Neon Waltz to be a hugely entertaining band to sample. As they ended their set, well deserved and warm applause filled the room and I gained the impression that the band were genuinely touched by this glowing response. The small crowd then successfully enticed the band to do 'just one more'. Jordan explains that "it's a cover". Not just any well worn cover, but an obscure one called "Something like you" by cult Liverpudlians Michael Head and The Strands. I was most impressed and really hope that they succeed in this often fickle business. I will definitely be keeping a keen eye out for Neon Waltz's future efforts.
Also keeping that sparky McLagan spirit alive were THE CIRCLES, a trio who seemed to fire and thrive on the old mod fuelled attitude. Retro television fans are also well catered for by their bass player who sports a very Beckinsale (the late Richard of Rising Damp fame) haircut. A friend and I were half expecting Rigsby to make an appearance on stage. Influences are numerous, Oasis obviously as the all too familiar Liam whine is constant. Brit pop - yes, but also many countless early nineties baggy has-been bands, long forgotten but still a source of inspiration for some musicians today. Lyrics are naturally dumbed down, but for people who do enjoy plenty of "yeah yeah yeah" in their songs, then The Circles are their men. The band's aggressive manner is, I feel, rather out of step with the rest of the evening. The over exuberant confidence is probably the result of a recent prestigious support slot in Birmingham with The Courteeners. I feel that if Neon Waltz were the luxurious three course meal to savour, then The Circles are the quick and easy takeaway. Eaten in seconds, forgotten about in minutes.
Local fellas SILVER SCREEN open for us. Immediately they request everyone to be in touching distance of them. This is a band who offer straight up and down indie. A bit jingly, a touch jangly. This is a gig that I'm sure will help boost their shaky confidence and stage demeanour. Indeed, their frontman certainly needs a helping hand of something potent. At times it is hard to tell whether he is disinterested or sorely lacking some much required confidence. Some of his very earnest high pitched vocals can make one wince on occasion. A plus point is the band's constant use of good all round harmonies and as songwiters they show plenty of imagination. Recently they have been busy working hard with their recording work. Two of the tracks that they have finished are my highlights from their set. These are "Seratonin" and "Hard to get". A minus point was Silver Screen's supporters who rapidly fled Holy Moly's as soon as their heroes had finished and miserably failed to support the two touring bands who would have shown them a thing or two about class. That is important.
Review by Martin Stapleton. www.bedfordalternativemusic.co.uk