It looks like the summer has finally arrived, & along with the sun came another trip to Barfly on 2nd August (which still doesn't smell quite right since the smoking ban!), this time the line-up were The Sugars, supported by Victims of Convenience and Afterview. Unfortunately, it was really rather empty, especially after the popularity of Silversun Pickups. Which is a terrible shame as we had an excellent night!
Starting the evening off were Worcester quarter Afterview. Not bad as far as support bands go, & for once some influences wider than emo! There's a 80s rock quality to some of their melodies that I thoroughly enjoyed, and they were also (especially bass player Russell) comfortable performing. Their vocals were slightly disappointing in voice and content, although, as shown on this morning's 6Music, there are plenty of 'non-singer lead singers' around. Check out their myspace (what else?!) for info on their new EP & upcoming shows.
Next support band, who were rather less entertaining, local Cardiff band Victims of Convenience. Their sound is very much the current experimental indie/electronic sound displayed so well by Goldfrapp. Again, the singers were not very strong, but this time it did detract from the performance as their songs didn't seem to have the structure or stage presence to carry it off. Some of their sound was akin to the Chalets, but with nowhere near the same level of talent! They also have a myspace page.
By the time the Sugars took to the stage, there were, thankfully, more people, not nearly enough for me! Very enthused by an excellent show. The Sugars sound is very much garage band but with key blues & rock'n'roll influences, especially in their dress code and instruments! There were even (as it looked to a non-guitarist like me) customised cables for their antique-style guitars.
Although I believe this was their 2nd visit to Cardiff, the Sugars are very much a new band, so no album as yet (but this has gone straight on my ones to watch list). There are a few tracks on their myspace (there is a REAL WEBSITE but its still being developed here). Copies of their single Monsters flew out of the doors afterwards in the hands of many converts (but who could say no to a slice of sugar spun red vinyl?), especially with an excellent atmosphere reminiscent of January's Hedrons gig. Of the set played (which included Monsters and its B-side Serenade), it was the more mellow tracks that really showcased the band's retro influences. Simply sumptuous.
To change tack totally, back on 20th July, M and I donned our glad rags to experience an evening in the company of a certain Ludwig Van. The Beethoven Prom (part of the Welsh Proms season) wasn't as full as expected, but a thoroughly enjoyable evening, especially for our 1st outing to a classical concert. The works performed by the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic with pianist Noriko Ogawa, were the Fidelio overture, Piano Concerto No 1 and 5th Symphony, with an extra delight as Ms Ogawa performed an encore of Debussy's Clair De Lune. Only downside, I would have liked to see more youngsters in the audience, but otherwise excellent and will be looking out for next year's programme.
Starting the evening off were Worcester quarter Afterview. Not bad as far as support bands go, & for once some influences wider than emo! There's a 80s rock quality to some of their melodies that I thoroughly enjoyed, and they were also (especially bass player Russell) comfortable performing. Their vocals were slightly disappointing in voice and content, although, as shown on this morning's 6Music, there are plenty of 'non-singer lead singers' around. Check out their myspace (what else?!) for info on their new EP & upcoming shows.
Next support band, who were rather less entertaining, local Cardiff band Victims of Convenience. Their sound is very much the current experimental indie/electronic sound displayed so well by Goldfrapp. Again, the singers were not very strong, but this time it did detract from the performance as their songs didn't seem to have the structure or stage presence to carry it off. Some of their sound was akin to the Chalets, but with nowhere near the same level of talent! They also have a myspace page.
By the time the Sugars took to the stage, there were, thankfully, more people, not nearly enough for me! Very enthused by an excellent show. The Sugars sound is very much garage band but with key blues & rock'n'roll influences, especially in their dress code and instruments! There were even (as it looked to a non-guitarist like me) customised cables for their antique-style guitars.
Although I believe this was their 2nd visit to Cardiff, the Sugars are very much a new band, so no album as yet (but this has gone straight on my ones to watch list). There are a few tracks on their myspace (there is a REAL WEBSITE but its still being developed here). Copies of their single Monsters flew out of the doors afterwards in the hands of many converts (but who could say no to a slice of sugar spun red vinyl?), especially with an excellent atmosphere reminiscent of January's Hedrons gig. Of the set played (which included Monsters and its B-side Serenade), it was the more mellow tracks that really showcased the band's retro influences. Simply sumptuous.
To change tack totally, back on 20th July, M and I donned our glad rags to experience an evening in the company of a certain Ludwig Van. The Beethoven Prom (part of the Welsh Proms season) wasn't as full as expected, but a thoroughly enjoyable evening, especially for our 1st outing to a classical concert. The works performed by the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic with pianist Noriko Ogawa, were the Fidelio overture, Piano Concerto No 1 and 5th Symphony, with an extra delight as Ms Ogawa performed an encore of Debussy's Clair De Lune. Only downside, I would have liked to see more youngsters in the audience, but otherwise excellent and will be looking out for next year's programme.
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