PrettyInScarlett

Finally did it..... M and I made it back to Sheffield! Just returned from a long weekends reminiscing. Whilst there we made the (obligatory, of course) visit to Sheffield University's Fuzz Club (Thursdays at Fusion & Foundry, Union building). Fuzz lived up to type, that it was almost deserted until over half way through the bands. That used to annoy me a bit, but last week - can't say I was. The bands on offer were Wolf & Cub supported by I Am Bandini. First up, I Am Bandini. They were ok, but in a distinctly average way. Listenable too but nothing to rave about, really. Although, the singer's humourous quips did keep us entertained somewhat, especially his references to drinking ' Jägermull' - described as a double shot of Jägermeister with Red Bull. The new snakebite? Anyway, I Am Bandini can be found at their myspace . Following on to Wolf & Cub. I had tried out their myspace (they also have a website ) previously and thought they might be ok, but ...

Notes on a very random purchase. Earlier today I acquired Venetian Snares 'Rossz Csillag Alatt Sz ü letett ' purely on the basis of the language and artwork. Its certainly something different - and most definitely not pop. After a bit of searching: Venetial Snares is, according to Wikipedia, the performing name of Aaron Funk, who seems to specialise in experimental tracks in odd time signatures. Article here . The sleeve notes for this album (whose title is Hungarian for 'Born under a bad star') poses the question: what if, for just a day, we could both be pigeons? Interessant. Apparently this concept (a day in the life of a Hungarian pigeon) is non-typical of Venetian Snares sound, but one could ask, does Mr Funk do 'typical'? On first listening, the sound of this CD mixes classical/traditional Hungarian sounds and breakbeats. but aside from that? Definitely a 'listen for yourself' artist; try the website , fan site or myspace .

Finally... I wrote some reviews for things to do in Cardiff for flashy new website 1Off (link also on the right) a while back and it went live this week. There are listings for off the beaten track places, shops, eats, clubs etc. The site also covers cultural stimuli in 5 other UK cities, Birmingham, Manchester, Glasgow, London & Newcastle. As an aside, Limehouse Lizzy's gig has now been rescheduled for Friday 2nd March at the Point.

2007 started with a bang yesterday (21st Jan), first gig of the year. M and I took ourselves off to Barfly to see The Hedrons. There were 2 support bands last night. First up the Stopmotion Men, with whom we were quite impressed. I can't say that any of their songs were particularly memorable, but they were very enthusiastic, quite heavy for a 3-piece (guitar, keyboard & drums), and had a sense of humour. Kudos to the keyboard player, much appreciated (although that may partly be to my current re-learning of the piano). Check out their myspace . Next up, were The Peakz (although the posters around Barfly indicate that the 5150s should have been on), who are an unsigned Welsh band. Their songs were quite similar apart from 1 50-second spurt. They seemed fairly well rehearsed, but had a fairly common problem of mumbling into the mikes. Nothing memorable from where we were, but not awful either. They also have a myspace . The Hedrons came onstage to an unfortunately thinned-out c...

New Year hellos! I'll start with a round up of 2006. Easily the best show of the year was the Rolling Stones. Stupendous. Other than that, its pretty hard to choose, but as far as gigs go, I have very good memories (in no particular order) of The Subways, The Sunshine Underground, Goldfrapp, The Zutons, Goo Goo Dolls, Mistys Big Adventure and our previous outing to see Limehouse Lizzy. Worthy of further attention: Howling Bells, Indigo Moss, The Grates and Kate Goes, to name a few. Hoping for a better Cardiff Calling this year; apart from the excellent Mistys, The Pipettes and The Chalets, it was a bit of a disappointment. The same for the last Inner City Pirates gig - I was tempted to put one of their early 2006 shows in the favourites list, but their recent shambolic state precludes that. Don't bother list -definitely iLIKETRAiNS! 2007, then. Currently the gig list is looking a bit empty! I do have Journey to look forward too - oh yes they are playing Cardiff in March! The ma...

Very very annoying. Apparently Pink Grease have cancelled their February date (see previous post) and as yet no info on the Long Blondes . With not even Limehouse Lizzy to commiserate - tomorrow's show also postponed. The New Years fireworks had better be good then!

A little quiet on the gig front currently, although we will be having New Year a day early, Limehouse Lizzy are back at the Point on 30th, yay. Have finally managed to go & see Pans Labyrinth, which is an interesting fantasy film - but definitely one for adults. More music-related, after a quick rifle through my local Save The Children shop, I stumbled upon Pink Grease's album (? its a promo) This Is For Real. Pink Grease are an indie- punky Sheffield band I saw a few times at uni. I really like this CD, which is fortunate as Pink Grease are actually playing Cardiff early next year. Be at Clwb Ifor Bach on Mon 26th February (2007). Staying on the Steel City, fellow Sheffielders The Long Blondes are in Cardiff the day before, at the Point ! I intend to do a round up of the year shortly, in the meantime happy festivities... check out the picture for a taste of Knusperhaüschen (gingerbread house).