Post by markwj on Dec 6, 2007 12:13:32 GMT
Next to Nothing, Harlot Farm, Tramp With A Plan
Joop, Bangor
29/11/07
I was quite blown away that this venue had once been The Normandie as they must have stripped out every remnant of that pub where I’d seen the likes of Skinflick, Vaffan Coulo and Grot play back in the day. (I did also see some of my mates unscrewing and stealing a massive picture from the front room when they didn’t get paid for a gig there once, maybe that was the start of the refurbishment!) What was left must have just been the four walls, and what I couldn’t quite work out was how they’d managed to fit 2 and ½ floors (mezzanine rather than midgets) of club into that space. And why had they called it Joop?
Questions, questions, as was the one would this be any good? John from Kobe/Depth is trying to build up again after the Octagon live band efforts petered out, and I think this is an improved venue, better orientated for a live setting. Not sure the drummers needs a crash barrier to protect them from the crush of people that just is not there tonight, but you would hope that with regular scheduled evenings the folks will start turning out to check out some of the fine local bands on show, as well as a good mix of tunes before, during and after.
I’d seen Tramp With A Plan recently at Speakers Corner and this was another very solid show. They can’t be faulted much on what they do, in their epic grunge way, perhaps drawing influence from the likes of Soundgarden or Pearl Jam. The singer is just that and has good power and presence, and the drummer really gets some heavy tempo going at times but it’s a bit tame for my personal tastes, too acceptable.
Thought the disruption of losing a guitarist (that had been one of their strengths when I’d seen them last) might have affected Harlot Farm but far from it, they’d got a replacement and were still heavy as hell. A brutal bounce to their riffing, it fits a metal-core formula but there’s thought gone into mixing up the structures and timings to keep it fresh. The vocals are effortlessly extreme though I can’t recall a lyric! Still, quality metal to be proud of.
Finally, after a lot of faffing, Next to Nothing get under way to continue the metal theme. Theirs is a more traditional heavy thrash style, touching upon industrial, with some dark atmospheric undertones. A lot of that comes from guitar work from both players that is top notch, not excessive twiddling, rather skilful harmonies and solid riffing. The drummer produces some almighty thunder to power things along too, but I felt the bassist was a weaker element, not up to speed and more concerned with exhibitionism. But hey, he’s young and there’s time enough for that.
So, a good selection, and with 2 more nights before the end of the year, shifted to Friday next, I think Joop will continue the good tradition of live music on this spot
Joop, Bangor
29/11/07
I was quite blown away that this venue had once been The Normandie as they must have stripped out every remnant of that pub where I’d seen the likes of Skinflick, Vaffan Coulo and Grot play back in the day. (I did also see some of my mates unscrewing and stealing a massive picture from the front room when they didn’t get paid for a gig there once, maybe that was the start of the refurbishment!) What was left must have just been the four walls, and what I couldn’t quite work out was how they’d managed to fit 2 and ½ floors (mezzanine rather than midgets) of club into that space. And why had they called it Joop?
Questions, questions, as was the one would this be any good? John from Kobe/Depth is trying to build up again after the Octagon live band efforts petered out, and I think this is an improved venue, better orientated for a live setting. Not sure the drummers needs a crash barrier to protect them from the crush of people that just is not there tonight, but you would hope that with regular scheduled evenings the folks will start turning out to check out some of the fine local bands on show, as well as a good mix of tunes before, during and after.
I’d seen Tramp With A Plan recently at Speakers Corner and this was another very solid show. They can’t be faulted much on what they do, in their epic grunge way, perhaps drawing influence from the likes of Soundgarden or Pearl Jam. The singer is just that and has good power and presence, and the drummer really gets some heavy tempo going at times but it’s a bit tame for my personal tastes, too acceptable.
Thought the disruption of losing a guitarist (that had been one of their strengths when I’d seen them last) might have affected Harlot Farm but far from it, they’d got a replacement and were still heavy as hell. A brutal bounce to their riffing, it fits a metal-core formula but there’s thought gone into mixing up the structures and timings to keep it fresh. The vocals are effortlessly extreme though I can’t recall a lyric! Still, quality metal to be proud of.
Finally, after a lot of faffing, Next to Nothing get under way to continue the metal theme. Theirs is a more traditional heavy thrash style, touching upon industrial, with some dark atmospheric undertones. A lot of that comes from guitar work from both players that is top notch, not excessive twiddling, rather skilful harmonies and solid riffing. The drummer produces some almighty thunder to power things along too, but I felt the bassist was a weaker element, not up to speed and more concerned with exhibitionism. But hey, he’s young and there’s time enough for that.
So, a good selection, and with 2 more nights before the end of the year, shifted to Friday next, I think Joop will continue the good tradition of live music on this spot