Speed Beaver Music » bandsonstage

The Electric Boys, Camden Underworld

bandsonstage — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 17:14:09 +0000

The Electric Boys played at the Camden Underworld last week, as a warm-up to their stint supporting Thunder on three dates of their farewell tour. More recently seen in Ginger and the Sonic Circus and Hanoi Rocks, it’s great to see Conny Bloom occupying the position of frontman once again, making use of every inch of the Underworld’s stage. As usual, the lighting at the Underworld is challenging, with a strobe behind the drumkit, but it makes for some interesting shots. My biggest problem (as always with bands that I really enjoy) is trying to keep still enough to take pictures. This was a very welcome return by some of Sweden’s finest.

More Electric Boys on Flickr
Electric Boys MySpace

Galley Beggar, Loom Bar

bandsonstage — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 21:01:00 +0000

This was Galley Beggar’s debut gig in London. They are best described as acoustic folk rock,
listing their influences as Fairport Convention, Steeleye Span,
Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, Nick Drake, Jethro Tull, Fotheringay,
Circulus, Bert Jansch and Pentangle.

I’ll ‘fess up straight away and say that Galley Beggar don’t play a style of music that
I would normally go out of my way to see – I was there primarily because my brother is their
drummer, but I ended up being quite glad that I went!

The setting was an acoustic night at the Loom Bar.
The venue is suited to solo artists and duos,
but accommodating a seven-piece band was, shall we say, a bit of
a squeeze, and the PA was a touch on the weedy side.

However, space issues and less than stellar sound apart, they played a solid, strong and melodic set. The audience was
attentive and enthusiastic, the band were obviously having a good time, and if I hadn’t been told,
I’d never have guessed that it was the debut of this line-up. One to watch, if acoustic folk rock is your bag…

Scaramanga Six, Shush, Eureka Machines, Dublin Castle

bandsonstage — Sun, 31 May 2009 17:47:32 +0000

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