I’ll have two foot of this … and a yard of that.  

I once went water skiing. And the instructor said, It’s easy. Just hang on. If you can. Then rise up. That is all there is to this game. Yes. Fine. I said. But it wasn’t. And I couldn’t. And I didn’t. But so what?  I tried.

Here are some equally useful instructions for Staines newest band ‘Five Foot Something’. It’s easy. Get yourself a supporting role on a tour with someone famous (preferably Hard-Fi or their equivalent) then rise up. That’s about all there is to this game.

If they were a bar drink then ‘Five Foot Something’ would be fruity and non threatening fruit based beverage - an orange and  mango J20 perhaps ….or some kind of smoothie… but they are not a drink. They are a Staines flavored rock band. I over-emphasise that they are a Staines rock band because that is important to them- and to us. Their debut performance was at the Hob, Staines. (The Hob is the main place ‘to be seen’ in Staines.) And the whole population of Staines came out to see them and wish-them-well. (Maybe you were there, but if you were not, then it is “Your Look Out” as Mama used to say.)  They sing about Staines. They work in Staines. They drink in Staines. They go out with people in Staines. They look like they come from Staines. And they grew up. In Staines.

Yup. Staines. This is a recurrent theme in the 5’? song-book. Furthermore, to say that this band is breezy and cheerful is an understatement. If the band was your neighbour then he would be the kind of bloke who would bring your washing in from the line when it started raining because ‘you may have forgotten.’ Or he would ‘do your lawn’ because he has already got the flymo out, after all, and it’s no bother is it? The music is as light and refreshing as a pool-side shower on a stifling hot day in the Canaries. It is fizzy and quite bubbly. It eases your strains, soothes your tired muscles and cools you down. It is non-threatening. Undaunting. It is like a lunch-time drink with your mates. But then your Auntie shows up. But all your pals are actually fine with that. And she turns out to be very funny. So she stays. And we all have another drink.

Modish, in a kind of late 1960’s ‘Small Faces’ type way, the band can also remind you of latter years punk bands like ‘Green Day’ - with their plentiful tunes all tight and poppy - like a prep school hostess in her crisp clean shirt. Also, somewhere deep deep down, there is the soul of an R&B skeleton trying to clamber his way out. Maybe there is also some post punk lurking about down in those dark places too. The musicality is never far away; Ever so slightly whimsical, there is often a catchy beat or a heady vibe to bob you along…reminiscent of ‘The Searchers’ with strong lead vocals, tight arrangements and secondary harmonies. There is also some dream pop imagery in the mix too, reminding me of ‘This Mortal Coil’ and even ‘David Bowie’ circa Hunky Dory, with the locomotive beats propelling each song along, past the gently frothing motifs that gently waft across the scenery.

There is a familiarity and a quaint ‘Englishness’ and earthiness to the songs and lyrics. At times it is almost as if Five Foot Something is trying to conceal the fact that they are actually a folk band struggling to get away from their self-imposed constraints - their rock n ‘roll ropes and chains- as it were. Naturally there is plenty of punk and indie stuff in their sound too… but the substance of this is unchallenging, undemanding even.  The songs lack any brashness or harshness in their style or mood. They certainly lack any bitterness. But the sounds do not lack finesse. There is a profusion of colours and textures. This music feels ‘good for you’ in the same way that goats cheese on
crisp-bread feels good for you. Crunchy? Creamy? Smooth? Yes, yes, yes but a bit- shall I dare to suggest this- insubstantial? Maybe. Their music reminds me of those adverts where the fat bird suggests to her friend that she won’t feel ‘wicked’ or ‘naughty’ if she eats this (or, in the case of 5 Foot Something, listens to it.) Straight after a ‘Five Foot Something’ gig you would “just have to” knock over a police no waiting cone or wee on your mums shoes…merely to somehow re-balance the karma.

After a bit of a nervy start (but it was a big crowd for a debut performance, so I can forgive that,) Ravi’s lead vocals got stronger and more confident, gradually building up to master the performance by the second half of the set. Robert Hart (lead guitar and general ambience) was able to weave a genuinely fine and intricate framework of delicate and shimmering sounds from the outset. He also provided a series of robust and solid arrangements when required. Rob is, quite clearly, a very talented young musician. It would be nice to see him share the front of the platform a bit more, up there with Ravi.

And Ravi, looking like some cross between the young ‘Michael Corleone’ in The Godfather and the ‘Young Winston’ acted by Simon Ward (i.e. big eyes - no sleep,) played softly reliable rhythm guitar with Warren Pegley supporting on sensible bass. Jamie Heath completes the sound of the squad, on drums. But this outfit feels like it is Ravi’s baby. There were quite a few - if not Succotash moments then as near as damn it Succotash moments- in there. And, by fronting the band, Rav seemed to be imprinting the corporate sound of the others somehow.

The set was a good 45 minutes worth of entertainment and pleasure for the Staines crowd. There was a full album’s worth of material in there and at least two decent singles within the magic box of tricks presented to the audience. No shocks. No pain. No misfortunes. It was a good solid, workaday indie rock performance. By a band from the ‘burbs to the folk of the ‘burbs. If not instantly memorable, anthemic or immediate, there were at least one or two tunes in the show for each and every person to take home and put upon their mantelpiece. A capable and complete rock set.

Oh yeah, and the boys chose to wear matching tartan wool-look mountain shirts and short linen ties. The visual effect, certainly from way across the pub, was that the local B&Q had closed early for the evening and so all the trainee managers had popped in ‘for a quick one’ after a long hard day grafting on the shop floor. And soon, after a few orange and mango J20’s, they would be ready to scoot on home in their Astras, back to “Moormeads”, back to their lay-dees… back to Ash-lee, Kay-lee & Hay-lee, and to their nippers Jayne, Wayne, and Charmayne. It was a great look. Subtle, tongue-in-cheek Middlesex humour.

Give them their due- the boys have tried.  They got up and they did it. And, do you know what… I think they’re gonna make it!

Are we excited yet?

© Neil_Mach
Feb 2009

Link:

www.myspace.com/5footsomething

A New Band Rises at Staines

Five Foot Something
Feb 19 2009
Hobgoblin
Staines

Of all the chances?  The Goddess of music works in strange and mysterious ways- Tis True, Tis True…our favourite STAINES local guitar/vox hero Ravi K (Succotash etc. etc) bumped into his new neighbour - Robert Hart- they had never met before. Robert was carrying his guitar and amp to his car.

Their conversation went along similar lines to this; Ravi “Do you play guitar?” Robert “Does the pope wear a silly hat and a bear defecate in the woods?” Ravi “Me too re: the hat (and guitar)- though I don’t poo under the trees”. And thus, Five Foot Something were born.

Robert hauled in friend Warren who is a mean bassist and later Jamie heard what was going on and wanted ‘in’ too….This is their inauguration - so we want a big turn out at The Hob (but they have been rehearsing like crazy) the sound is kinda mixed up but there are funky vibes, punky roots and elements of just about every musical style that washes over these local boys. But, be sure of this, the music will make you stand up and go crazy - this is no ‘covers band’ it is an original STAINES sound…

Robert Hart (Lead guitar, backing vox and ambience), Jamie Heath (drums), Ravi Kasinathan (Lead vox and rhythm guitar) and Warren Pegley (Bass)

Link:

www.myspace.com/5footsomething

If you manage to miss ‘em in  STAINES this week (PLEASE DON’T) then you could catch ‘em at:

Mar 28 2009      8:00P The Red Lion, Egham
————————————————

Five Foot Somehing will be supported by LOS + CHERRY BRAKEWELLS (more of that below)

2.

Sensational Trio with a 60’s & 70’s sound - Staines

The Cherry Brakewells
Feb 19 2009
Hobgoblin
Staines

You could say The Cherry Brakewells were born in the wrong place at the wrong time.

A year passed since the band split and the girls began missing each others’ company, all sharing a sense of unfinished business to take care of. After many long distance calls they got together in London to re-form the band changing the name to Cherry Brakewells along the way. A chance meeting with a producer led to a recording contract with the girls going into the studios to cut their debut album “First Bite”.

www.myspace.com/cherrybrakewells 

Also at:

Feb 20 2009      Belushi’s (Camden)     London
Mar 03 2009      South of the Border     London

3.

Classic Indie & Rock Covers - Windsor

Grouper
Feb 20 2009
Old Ticket Hall
Windsor

GROUPER are a professional and dynamic 4 piece contemporary and classic indie rock and pop band.Featuring an incredible line up of international touring musicians of the highest quality, the band playguitar based hits from Travis to U2, Blur to Snow Patrol, Coldplay to The Killers, The Beatlesto The Stones and many more legendary artists and groups.
 
GROUPER have fast become the first choice for those seeking fresh and entertaining music for their wedding reception, corporate event or party. The band have a wealth of experience, having entertained clients worldwide at a wide range of wedding venues and high profile corporate events for the last seven years.
 
GROUPER have worked for a number of high profile clients including Pearson Education, NSPCC, The British Army,Citigroup, OXO Tower Restaurant, Warwick University and have played at most of the major London hotels
as well as stately homes and castles across the UK. They have performed at Disneyland Paris, at a large privateparty in Portugal, a multi-national corporate event in Dubai and at the end of 2007 performed at Wembley Arena
for the historic NFL American football match.

THE OLD TICKET HALL, WINDSOR, SL4
Cost: £3
LIVE BAND + DJ PLAYING 80’s & 90’s HITS - BAR OPEN TILL 2AM

Link:

http://www.grouperband.co.uk/ 

4.

Stunning Jazz & Latin Singer - Live in Ascot

The Strange Deal
Feb 21 2009
Old Ticket Hall
Windsor

www.myspace.com/thestrangedeal

5.

Exciting Local Alt Rock Band- in Staines

Demure
Feb 22 2009
Hobgoblin
Staines

“…Demure songs have a charm and a hummable charisma that speaks of anguish, truth, unity and vulnerability. These bitter-sweet melodies are given lush and sonically-ambitious backdrops by the crew and especially by Philip Price whose tones and strings are very memorable and are the sign and seal of a genuinely unique product…. Very reminiscent of Pearl Jam with grungy guitar, contrasting song dynamics, a pulsating and luminous lead meandering through the tune and anguished lyrical and vocal content leading to dramatic conclusions…. The band plays Alt Rock in the conventional sense but with overtures towards noise rock, especially in the way the percussion and the bass are given the freedom to spread out their wings and have dissonant aural adventures of their own, but framed within the main architecture each song. This reminded me of ‘Sonic Youth’ or ‘Butthole Surfers’…”

© Neil_Mach 2009

… check the ADPONTES-STAINES live review here>>>

Link:

http://www.myspace.com/demureuk

-Visit AdPontes-Staines Regularly for Staines Arts-

Rock Out at Staines

Overthrow
Feb 12 2009
Hobgoblin
Staines
With: MR KAMIKAZE + THE NEW ASSASSINS

Overthrow are a 4 piece band from Guildford in the UK. They have been playing together for about two and a half years. Throughout the last year they have been gigging across the country, and also recording a new six track EP “So Much Power, So Little Time” which is OUT NOW!!

Lots of energy and motivation is guaranteed… so come and see ‘em!

————————————————

The Malloys will be supported by MR KAMIKAZE + THE NEW ASSASSINS

See the ADPONTES Review of the NEW ASSASSINS here…one of STAINES favourite bands!

2.

Classic Rock & Heavy Metal - Staines

Raw Glory
Feb 15 2009
Dog & Partridge
Staines

Raw Glory is Ronnie Garrity (bass), Paul Manzi (vocals), Mick Underwood
(drums), Cosmo (guitar)…

Cosmo toured extensively in the UK and US with The Heavy Metal Kids, and then Curtis Knight & the Squires (a former member of Jimi Hendrix’ pre-Experience band). He has also worked with Frankie Miller, Andy Fraser (Free), Lionel Morton (The Four Pennies), David Jack (East Of Eden), Phil Lynott (Thin Lizzy), Brian Connolly (Sweet) and the legendary Jordanaires (Elvis’ backing group) - the list is endless!

www.myspace.com/rawgloryrock 

3.

Rock, Soul & Country  - Shepperton

Micky Kemp
Band
Feb 14 2009
Barley Mow
Shepperton

Micky Kemp writes the songs, plays rythmn geetar and sings, 

His devastating good looks and charm have made him a big hit with the over 70’s and under 5’s, it seems to have failed miserably on all points between. 

He is ably assisted by One of the UK’S great guitarists, Ex Ian Hunter etc etc Darrell Bath. Darrell sings a bit too and plays lead guitar, a master of understated playing and tone perfection, Dazza loves playing guitar, drinking and british sitcoms, he can be found most evenings watching George and Mildred.

Link:

www.myspace.com/mickykempband  4.

Stunning Jazz & Latin Singer - Live in Ascot

Trudy Kerr
Feb 15 2009
Jagz
Ascot

www.myspace.com/trudykerr 

5.

Awesome Classic Rock Covers Band - in Windsor

Netherworld
Feb 13 2009
Old Ticket
Hall
Windsor

Fronted by the amazingly talented Jason Stretch on vocals and guitar, backed by the brilliant bass playing and vocals of Paul Smith and the dynamic drumming of Ian Roberts, NETHERWORLD ROCKS. Covering the best classic rock songs known to this planet, you will not fail to be impressed by the superbly tight musicianship of these three heavyweight players … Previous gigging and recording credits include; Steve Harris(Iron Maiden) Hal Lindes(Dire Straits) Neil Murray (Whitesnake/Black Sabath/Queen)… check the ADPONTES-STAINES live review here.

THE OLD TICKET HALL, WINDSOR, SL4
Cost: £3
+ DJ PLAYING 80’s & 90’s HITS - BAR OPEN TILL 2AM

Link:

http://www.myspace.com/netherworldrock

Other local dates for NETHERWORLD fans:

Mar 1 2009      5:00P The Dog & Partridge     Staines
Mar 7 2009      8:00P  Hounslow Staff Social Club    

-Visit AdPontes-Staines Regularly for Staines Arts-

Frayed Knot
        
“There’ll be no more –aaaaaahhhhh!“

Frayed Knot is one of the first of the Staines superbands to go public (expect some more in the coming months.) I am not really suggesting that these knotty boys are the new ‘Velvet Revolver’ or anything like that (to be honest) all I am saying is that this band is a superband as defined: It is an ensemble of competent musicians playing together as part of a separate yet meaningful project. Most musicians tend to do this kind of thing all the time anyway…it helps to oil the works and it also harmonises concepts and musical approaches…but the ‘side projects’ either gradually fade away or they become ‘main projects’ before too long. It will be interesting to see how the boys from Frayed Knot develop this initiative.

The problem with the local ‘covers band’ scene is that loyal live music punters end up hearing the same-old lame-old songs played in the much the same way each week… week-in-week-out. This is because, as a ‘covers artist’, you are ‘expected’ to
achieve a faithful representation of the original article. It is almost as if you are obligated to create a genuine ‘photocopy’ of the song - and it must be portrayed exactly as it is fondly remembered. And there are only ‘so-many’ songs that are straight forward enough to cover and also easy enough to recognise. This approach to covering songs reminds me of the 80’s TV Show “Copy Cats” (starring comedians like our very own Staines hometown hero Bobby Davro) who would, supposedly, do amazing impersonations of our fave celebs each week. So,inevitably, you ended up getting a pile of Eastenders and Dallas impressions and the highpoint of the show was Andrew O’Connor doing a ‘hiarious’ Rik Mayall or Hilary O’Neil doing a marvellous Sybil Fawlty… in the end you were crying out for one of the stars to ‘do’ something ‘new’.

But if, as a covers musician, you dare to tamper with a sacred song- for example you might be tempted to add a bit of a fringe to the bottom of “Whole Lotta Love” or a tiny bit of lace to the collar of “Be-Bop-A-Lula” or you might even wish to embroider the pockets of “Baggy Trousers”  with a couple of extra chords - then the audience will look at you in that special way that the vicar does when you let out an almighty fart in church. You will know, deep deep down, that you have committed a terrible sin in the eyes of the Lord and of the congregation, and you will realise- soon enough- that you deserve to be dunked, like a witch, into a vat of boiling urine as penance for such a terrible and unspeakable outrage.

Each week Simon Cowell implores contestants on the “America’s Got The X-factor Pop Idol” show to ‘interpret the song’ or to re-imagine’ the song and he often tells the performers to ‘be themselves’. But this sensible advice doesn’t seem to go down too well in the whole pub ‘covers’ band industry.  (Incidentally, this ‘industry’ is starting to become a big money affair with quite a few very accomplished and worthy musicians earning tidy sums of money in various tribute bands up and down the country.)

So it was a great treat to watch a band who were not scared to try some new covers, put a bit of a twist onto some familiar tunes and to add their own flavour and seasoning to some of the more traditional songs. So we enjoyed some ‘Snow Patrol’, ‘Oasis’, ‘Killers’, ‘The Fratellis’ and ‘The Automatic’ but we also had some grand old  ‘Eddie Cochran’ and a thick slice of ‘Black Sabbath’.

John Hulme is the larger-than-lifesize Andrew Strong type lead singer. He is a very powerful man with a huge set of battle-cruiser lungs and he could crush and squeeze every last drop of juice from the songs in the Frayed Knot song-book. I especially liked his rasping, teasing, wheezing approach to AC/DC’s ‘Back in Black’ which was superbly accompanied by Mark Hamilton on lead guitar and Lee Ridley on rhythm.

It is my long-held tradition - whenever I see a band attempting to cover an AC/DC number- to loudly demand that the lead guitarist gets up onto the back of the lead singer for a ‘walkabout’ into the crowd. On this occasion though, I reluctantly decided against the notion- mainly because the Health & Safety Executive would put me on their Most Wanted list… John is approx 6’13 and Mark looks to be well over 5’10, but the ceiling at the tiny Jolly Farmer public house provides only about 7 foot clearance!

The boys went on to cover  “Morning Glory” (Oasis) with a fine performance by John and some nifty percussion by drummer David Bateman and also went on to give a delightful cover of “Every Rose Has Its Thorns”. Without a doubt my favourite tune was a remarkable rendition of the Red Hot Chili Peppers staple “Give It Away” with an enormous chunky base by Garry Pierrepont and finely cut slices of lead guitar from Mark…and the very tricky vocals were spot on. To be fair, the boys are not as good-looking or as energetic as Anthony and Flea - but I am sure that they must be very gifted in other departments (nudge-nudge wink-wink).

This band tends to concentrate on the catchy anthemic confectionery of recent years so, when you see ‘em (and I very much recommend that you do) you can expect some sing-along modern-day hymns. The indie tunes that they cover do not come across as stale or unnecessarily slick or formulaic. There is definitely an authentic and sincere heart beating away deep inside the creature that is Frayed Knot. Yes, their music is pop-infused and can, at times, be a bit sugary and feel-goody (in a  cotton-candy party-time kinda way) but this approach is just right for the Staines pub scene. So the boys play the songs that make the crowd yelp with joy, but served up with a sabre-sharp ice-cool quality that would make lesser bands look on enviously.

One of the ‘finale’ songs of Frayed Knot was the Gilmour tune “Comfortably Numb” originally by either ‘Pink Floyd’ or ‘The Scissor Sisters’ depending on your point of view. In the best traditions of a typical pub on a Saturday night in Blighty, the exact pedigree of this song managed to cause a kerfuffle in the crowd with a few strong words and rude gestures slung about and things looked pretty ugly for a few moments when half the crowd started to bellow “It is a f*** floyd song” to be shouted down by the other half who screamed “No, everyone knows its by the f*** Scissors Sisters” (sic)

So we got to the end of the last set (via a whole pile of indie hits and even a rendition of the “Theme Tune from Horrid Henry” ) to the happily bouncing chug-a-chugging piping-hot version of the two-tone ska hit “Night Boat to Cairo” (I am sure that Foulplay also finish on that one) and the boys took their well-earned bow and a heartfelt ovation from a slightly over-excited crowd. A fine tribute to a great sounding tribute band. 

Keep the covers coming boys, by all means, but please be sure to keep a little of yourselves in each of the interpretations. 
Good work.

© Neil_Mach
Jan 2009
 

Naughty but Nice Punk Rock at Staines

The Malloys
Feb 05 2009
Hobgoblin
Staines

The group was formed by Paul “Belch” Belcher (lead vocals), Matthew “Mush” Dalrymple (guitar) and Matthew “Bnudd” Early (drums), who were soon joined by Nick Feltham (bass).The Malloys went through a line-up change when Dalrymple fell ill, and was replaced on guitar by Chris “Savvy” Restrick. When Dalrymple got better, he re-joined the band as rhythm guitarist, but quit several month later for personal reasons.

The band initially gained prominence performing on the London live music circuit. With much label interest, they declined any offers and decided to form they own independent record label Chestnut Road Records and released their debut EP Countries Crisis… The following year, the band recorded No One Likes Us with replacement guitarist Restrick now as full time member, and a year on from there the Naughty Naughty EP was released.

The fourth studio EP by the band will be recorded in late 2008/early 2009, and although an official release date has not been confirmed, it is rumoured to be out in February/March 2009.

————————————————

The Malloys will be supported by TrueBeat

TrueBeat are refreshing new ska band from West London breaking onto the scene as ska makes a real comeback. Their sound is lively and energetic with a wide range of influences - so put on your skankin shoes as this is real get on the dance floor SKA! They have recently recorded their first EP which has had a fantastic reception and they are definitely a band to keep a close eye on.

Links:

www.myspace.com/themalloysonline

www.myspace.com/truebeatuk

2.

Local 2-piece Musical Do-Gooders - Staines

Succotash
Feb 06 2009
Riverside Club
Staines

Mix together some mellow lyrics and solid acoustic guitar with a dash or two of meaningful elemental percussion and what have you got?  Staines favourite musical cocktail -Succotash!

When not working on their other major projects (Staines favourite bands Foulplay and Five Foot Something) these two charmers play as a wholesome twosome…witness the smooth sounds this week at Staines Riverside Club…
Links:

Staines Riverside Club Laleham Road Staines £3 entry

www.myspace.com/succotashuk

3.

Master of Music  - Ascot

Frank Griffith
Nonet
Feb 08 2009
Jagz
Ascot

Frank was originally from Oregon & lived in New York from 1980-95. Bachelor of Fine Arts from City College of New York & Master of Music from Manhattan School of Music. Now living in London. As a composer & arranger has worked with Jon Hendricks, Lionel Hampton, Ron Carter & the Brooklyn Philharmonic Orchestra. In the UK has written for NYJO, Tony Coe/Norma Winstone & Mark Nightingale. Has played with Jon Hendricks, Ron Carter, Jack McDuff, Mel Torme.

His nonet was established many years ago and has played many festivals. The musicians include Bob Martin, alto, Mick Foster, baritone, Henry Lowther, trumpet, trumpet, Martin Gladdish, trombone, Tim Lapthorn, piano, Paul Morgan, bass,and Paul Clavis, drums.

Upcoming shows

Sunday, 8th February
Show will start at 1pm
Ticket cost: £6.00
Special - entrance and roast lunch £12…

4.

80’s & 90’s  Hits - Live Band - Live in Windsor

Velvet Hearts
Feb 06
Old Ticket Hall
Windsor

THE OLD TICKET HALL, WINDSOR, SL4
Cost: £3
LIVE BAND + DJ PLAYING 80’s & 90’s HITS - BAR OPEN TILL

5.

AC/DC to ZZ Top Classic Rock - in Egham


Blue Fuses
Feb 07 2009
Crown
Egham

BLUE FUSES have been gigging with their current line up since the end of 1994. Originally a blues band, these STAINES favourites now cover pretty much everything from AC/DC to Frank Zappa, via Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin and Deep Purple. In other words, CLASSIC ROCK!

The band delivers a tight, highly entertaining performance, every time. This is not a band that hides in the corner apologising for its existence! They play for the sheer enjoyment of entertaining an audience… check the ADPONTES-STAINES live review here.

The Crown
High St, EGHAM, TW20 9DP

Link:

http://www.bluefuses.co.uk

-Visit AdPontes-Staines Regularly for Staines Arts-

!Daft!

Daft are a local professional bunch of masculine male musicians with a squeaky-clean lady friendly image and a clean-cut next-door-neighbour following of young good-looking entrepreneurs and their gorgeous girlfriends.  If you like modern alt-rock music perfectly pitched for an affluent audience and sumptuously rehearsed and presented then !daft! is for you. Covers include work by Killers, Green Day, Queen, Guns N Roses, Manics, Fratellis, Michael Jackson, Oasis.

One of my favourites, when I saw the band LIVE at OLD TICKET HALL WINDSOR, was “Monster” by The Automatic. If you are thinking of modern, honey-sweet, anthemic alt-rock Indie sounds then you have got the right idea. But the boys can also belt out some whoppers and the soundcheck was Free’s “Wishing Well” with a really grinding and even menacing attitude…nice and sleazy.

The band also performs some Darkness and Queen tracks which go down a treat with the punters. The carefully groomed and manicured performance of the high-larking vocalist Graeme Nash ( a smiling sunshine timeshare salesman-type yuppie boy of brylcream boyband and sqeaky clean credentials) helped to make these tracks a sing-song success. The support from Gary & Phil on guitars and Nick on bass is about as smooth as half a jar of peanut butter spread upon Kylie’s inner thigh and about as polished as a recently greased up snowboard.

The result from all this hard graft is a solid workaday performance as reliable as well-oiled machinery in a Swiss clock factory and as enjoyable as a bouncy castle party wearing nothing but clotted cream and your jim-jams. Lots of fun and plenty of keypoint moments to look back upon. An exciting and energetic vibe.

!Daft! totally out-perform your expectations and are simply a class act.

I saw the band at the OLD TICKET HALL WINDSOR…this venue is now the only authentic and truly exclusive LIVE MUSIC venue in
the Windsor area. The acoustics are a problem (the room is actually the old William Tite ticket office c 1849) but the
space is truly historic and buzzes with a friendly energy and effervescent excitement. The public space is a high horseshoe
shaped room with large rear doors leading out onto the station platform and a bar that is placed smack inside the ticket office. The stage is built up and sits in front of the huge windows overlooking the enormous bar area. Lots of terrific looking visitors and excellent drinks and service make this an ideal base for any music loving locals to come and spend some quality time with like-minded live music enthusiasts.

The best thing about The Old Ticket Hall is that it is just a few stops down the line from STAINES to Windsor & Eton Riverside station so will cost only about a fiver from Staines…a big savings on minicab fares…. so it makes your spendin money go a lot further.

© Neil_Mach
Jan 2009
Links: Windsor Eton Riverside Station, Windsor, Berks SL4 1QG

http://www.myspace.com/theoldtickethall

http://www.thamesweb.co.uk/windsor/windsorhistory/railways/railway.html

Feb 2009 DATES FOR YOUR DIARY at Windsor Old Ticket Hall

Feb 5 2009      9:00P    OPEN MIC NIGHT
Feb 6 2009     9:00P    VELVET HEARTS
Feb 7 2009     9:00P    SECRET SQUIRRELS formally known as THE RIOTS
Feb 8 2009     8:00P    SUPER SUNDAYS PRESENTS ‘BIRDS OF A FEATHER’
Feb 12 2009     9:00P    OPEN MIC NIGHT
Feb 13 2009     9:00P    NETHERWORLD
Feb 14 2009     8:00P    EMBERS     WINDSOR
Feb 15 2009     8:00P    SUPER SUNDAYS PRESENTS ‘BIRDS OF A FEATHER’
Feb 19 2009     9:00P    OPEN MIC NIGHT
Feb 20 2009     9:00P    GROUPER