Speed Beaver Music

This much talent for 6 quid? Bargain!
As nights out went it was almost an even bigger bargain, with The Loyalties also due to play. Unfortunately transport problems led to an eleventh hour cancellation, leaving us with three great bands, Scaramanga Six, Shush and Eureka Machines (from Leeds, London & Leeds respectively). I was looking forward to seeing Scaramanga Six as I’d heard good things about them, and they didn’t disappoint. I was moved enough to pick up a copy of their recently released album ‘Songs of Prey’. and it’s on repeat play as I write.

Next up were Shush – I will admit to a bias here, they are a great band and getting stronger all the time, with catchy songs and stage presence by the bucketload. Vocalist Milena has a sweet voice that packs a real punch. They put in a typically energetic performance, leaving the crowd shouting for more.

Headliners Eureka Machines were recently described by Classic Rock as “a glorious cacophony of power pop noise”. They have the songs, they have the harmonies, they have the suits, they have the audience in the palms of their hands. I’ve seen this band a number of times and they always deliver.
Honestly, when there’s talent like this available to see on your doorstep for just a few quid, why stay in and watch TV?

These bands deserve to be seen! And for once I’m not just talking about the venue lighting…
Find out more:

www.myspace.com/shushsound
www.thescaramangasix.co.uk
www.eurekamachines.com

Last time I saw Gareth Icke and his band I promised I’d take some promo pictures of them at their next London gig. So on Thursday night I packed my gear plus my light stand and umbrella and headed off to the Barfly.
When I got there I gathered the band together upstairs in the backstage area and set up my stuff.
Doing promo shots at a venue before or after a band goes on stage is never ideal, but I think I did OK in the 10 – 15 minutes we spend on different poses and line-ups.

Later on I took some pictures when the band played their headline slot. The light was the worst I had EVER seen at the Barfly and I was close to getting my flash out. I ended up converting a lot of pictures to black and white due to the washed out purple stage light.

More pictures of Gareth Icke and his band
Gareth Icke Myspace

What a brilliant night! Run Don’t Walk played a blinding set, impressing the crowed with their sweet harmonies, passionate power pop songs and their rocking riffs.

The venue lights on the other hand…Well sadly, some things never change! One day I will get nice lights for this band!

More Run Don’t Walk pictures
Run Don’t Walk Myspace

The night kicked off with a bang, as Southampton based Shiny Toys stormed the venue, and warmed us all up for what was looking to be a good night of music. Swiftly followed by female fronted Patchwork Grace, who wowed the crowd with their trashy energy and magnificent talent. Both support bands had really impressed me, and definately made it to my “bands to listen to asap” list, a very exclusive club I might add. So by now, the whole place was ready and waiting for the rock god, Acey Slade. I was particularly excited to see what he had come up with after his Murderdolls and Trashlight Vision days. The excitement was even more intense after a good dose of burlesque dancing from the beautiful girls upstairs! Boy was I in for a shock when the man himself took the stage. Where was his presence? Where was the passion? I have to say, I was a bit disappointed. The set was bland, and he really seemed to show no shame in revisiting Billy Idol’s “White Wedding” for the millionth time in his carreer. I really hope he picks himself up, I feel he has much more to offer the world of music than just processed garbage. Come on, Acey, pick up the pace!
Check Acey’s music out here Acey Slade Myspace
Check out Patchwork Grace Patchwork Grace Myspace

This was the second time I’d caught these guys, the first being at the Barfly. What a lovely breath of fresh air they were. It’s refreshing to see a band who jump around and put on a show and have a following who do the same. More pics from the set here. Check out their Myspace here.