There's a tramp passionately dancing about in the middle of the room, only pausing between songs to shout various abuse about websites and the like at the stage whilst a few stragglers look on in bemusement. Welcome to Joseph's Well on this fine Tuesday night, and whilst DIAWARA may be sending our smelly friend into musical heaven, it's a shame a few more haven't been tempted in from the bustling bar to witness a strong performance of some solid rock songs.
Whilst "French Song" and "1984" bustle along with plenty of vibe and energy (the former featuring a wonderful guitar harmonics melody) driven along by one of the best young drummers I've seen locally, there's more depth and layers in "Snowfall" and "Listen A Little", which provide some essential diversity throughout the set. However, while frontman James Stringer brings energy and presence aplenty, the bassist and guitarist flanking him seem a little stiff and look like they'd rather be elsewhere half the time. Just when the guitarist looks like he may get into a riff or a certain section, he seems to hold back. This, coupled with the odd weak vocal line, are the only faults I can pick out in an otherwise very tight, powerful set.
From the youthful exuberance of Diawara to more old hands at the music game, BUSHBABY. Having been around a while and played all over the country, pop/rock/punk/metal trio BUSHBABY saunter on to the stage and give a solid performance which is very polished, but not incredibly exciting.
Of course, not very band needs to jump around to make their music speak and their mini-anthem "Skinny" sounds absolutely massive. The rest of the set is very solid, with some perfect, Feeder-esque harmonies lifting chorus after chorus into the stratosphere and a sound that is very powerful and crisp driving deep into your chest. But the band seem just a little flat with the sound pouring out of the PA belying the three virtually stationary figures on stage (OK, so the bassist gets into it more as the set progresses.) Great songs, though and I'd love to see these guys play to a packed house with more atmosphere!
Finally, we have FULC. A Kerrang! feature, along with various slabs of other great press have built quite a reputation for this band (along with their recent EP "The Fallen", featuring ex-MUSE producer Mark Thomas, at the desk) and I for one, bought this on the back of it all, along with many recommendations from friends. I've a healthy admiration for all the work they have done this year - the amount of gigs played recently is breathtaking for a band at this level - and I REALLY wanted this to be a local band that I loved; one that I get into on the ground floor as a fan before they became too big to see at any old "local" gig.
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OK, so I thought I didn't "get" the EP and persevered to see them live. Unfortunately, this too was a huge disappontment for me as was their performance tonight. Now, before reading the following you should know that when asked to do this review I was in two minds whether to or not. Going to review someone you don't musically like means you're going to upset someone somehow, but below is an honest account and I hope the FULC crew can find some good (or failing that, use!) within what I say.
Although leaving after a few songs (bad practice, I know!), what I heard was the same as on the EP and what they peddled live a month or so back. Basically grunge, but with no bite or power. It's a fairly good start as the familiar guitar line to "Nest" rings out with a rather sublime melody over the top. But the song doesn't explode like you want it to, falling into mediocrity with passionless vocals doing nothing to lift it above the dirge.
Admittedly, second song "Evolution" has a wonderful musical passage in the middle, beautifully executed interwoven guitar lines dreamily float and cleverly collide around the restrained rhythm section, ahowing a healthy grasp of dynamics. It's just a shame that the rest of the song previously had been such a chore to listen to, with the shouted, rhythmic, "metal-esque" (nu, of course) vocals, layering with the strained "sung" ones, not really finding a home in the lifeless musical scape of the chorus.
A couple more songs before I leave can do nothing to endear me to this band: they just grate a little more against my better judgment. The best thing for myself about this band is the professional manner with which they tackle everything, from the banner/ sign they use live, through to their website and how all the press is handled. It may just be small things, but it got my attention, and is bound to attract the industry.
Aside from my views, I do hope the great press attention continues for FULC and they do as you wish all local bands to do and get a break, even if it's just or the fact they have a loyal fanbase: visible by the fact that the attendance increased dramatically for their set. Just personally, I think tonight they wer outplayed by their younger (and older) counterparts.
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