Tuesday 28 August 2007

Apollo at Cyprus Avenue, 22nd August 2007

A quick note on Apollo

at

Cyprus Avenue

Part of 3-band line-up:

Tidal Suns

Apollo

Innuendo

Wednesday 22nd, 9pm

Before we start, I must preface this with two notes. Firstly, I turned up late and left early and, secondly, this was because I was there to see one band and this was because the drummer is a buddy of mine. Suffice to say, if I did not think they were any good, I wouldn’t be writing this at all. So, now, we all know where we stand!

This was Apollo’s debut. Apollo. It’s always so difficult to name a band. Unless you’re going with the So&so and the Somethings, nearly every name is going to sound a bit ‘huh?’ until you’re well known and well loved. So, Apollo it is then.

Names aside, I liked them. Well, we already established that, didn’t we? The lead singer took at least two songs to get over his nerves, which is understandable for a debut performance. Heck, even seasoned performers routinely throw up before going on-stage. The two guitarists were like Mutt & Jeff, Beavis & Butthead (very entertaining) while the drummer appeared calm as sky blue sea, but that is the point of drummers, isn’t it?

Sound-wise, they’re pretty tight although I would have liked to hear the occasional bit of backing voice a bit better – perhaps that was the balance on the desk, perhaps the boys need to sing up, perhaps that’s exactly as they want it – just my preference. Also, sound-wise, they’re doing something a bit new for these here parts – a very American sound, reminded me of that band Live from a few years back – had a single, I alone – anyone?

My personal favourite is the lead – he has this little hand-dance which got more and more pronounced the more relaxed he became. I’ve never seen it before – wandering into the realm of the hypnotic.

What can I say? They have promise. They are so far steering clear of the routine & hum-drum. And their rendition of Whole lot of Rosie rocked.

By the by, is it Cyprus Avenue or Cypress Avenue? Different signs, different spellings.

Monday 27 August 2007

Rebecca Collins - At Sea (E.P.)

When I last (and first) saw Rebecca Collins, she was playing support at a mid-week city-centre gig. Just her and her guitar. I confess, I though she could take Nashville. Still do. However, that was before I hear her E.P., At Sea.

Now I can see her playing anywhere.

At Sea is a beautifully presented work, from the graphics and design-work to the production on the tracks and, definitely not least, the music itself. Containing just four tracks, this is something for the collection. (I know, I know, by definition an E.P. will generally not contain more than four but when it ends, you want more.)

It helps that the production, to this reviewer’s ear, is good. It helps that Ms Collins herself was involved directly in the production so that nothing is lost in the translation. It helps that she appears to work with some of the best musicians in the country – certainly, cellists like Kate Ellis aren’t exactly ten’a’penny! But all of this is just icing when you listen to the songs themselves.

Let’s not beat about the bush here. Ms Collins can write. She is a poet. She is a songwright. And she can arrange music. The lyrics are beautiful, the harmonies intelligent. This all sounds rather bland in the reading so I urge you to get your hands on the cd and make up your own mind. This is more moody than mood music with the common denominator running through the four different tracks being her affinity with the minor 7th. This last tendency lends an ethereal air to the sound which works best on the very evocative Stella Maris.

Ms Collins is following in the tradition of singer/songwriters like Fiona Apple & Suzanne Vega. Her songs have a poignancy & strength – so very feminine, so very good.

At Sea
  • Can’t be tough
  • Marseille, Marseille
  • I bit a tear
  • Stella Maris
www.rebeccacollins.net