by Colin Jennings
The first thing to mention about the Bush Hall gig is that they chose an excellent support group to prepare the way. Camera Obscura got the crowd swinging with their combination of pop rifts, and sad girl singing. Comparisons with Belle and Sebastian are inevitable, and probably unwelcome, but there is a certain similarity. Having said that, this is an excellent group in their own right. The live performance was tight, with good vocals and nice musical flourishes and variation (the hand clap, castanets, sleigh bells and trumpet all used to good effect). With a number of songs from the album 'Underachievers Please Try Harder' being played as well as a few new songs, the near future looks good for fans, and hopefully we'll hear some more from them soon. For more info check:
www.mergerecords.com
www.camera-obscura.net
The Trash Can Sinatras are part of a fairly large tradition of intelligent Scottish pop bands who mix melody with musical and lyrical intricacy on a solid rock of excellent live performances. The Kilmarnock based group have never enjoyed much in the way of commercial success, and it is doubtful to change now, but the same questions will be repeated. How can a band so adept at both recordings and on stage continue to avoid general recognition? Perhaps, the question isn't really relevant any more. They are clearly a band who love their music, love performing and do so at a level that is comfortable to them and their fans.
The Trash Can Sinatras have become something of a cult band. For example, last night March 12th, 2004, they played to a full house in London's Bush Hall. Tickets were available at the door, but all were eventually sold to what was a largely Scottish contingent. Despite this, their gig in the legendary L.A. Troubadour is already sold out. The small but loyal, even fanatical following they have gathered over the years shows no sign of waning, despite the bands low public profile which is as low as any, on any music scene. The fans weren't deterred. I spoke to one fan from Spain, another from Japan, and another from the US. These guys were ardent followers who had traveled some distance from their UK bases to see the gig; a mark of the loyalty this band can engender.
Bush Hall's gig had a pretty subdued start. Despite this, as you would expect, there were some beautiful guitar flourishes coupled with the sweet tones and lyrics of Reader. A near perfect performance from drums through to Hammond soon had the atmosphere rising slightly. A few classics were peppered throughout the set, letting the new material blend smoothly. As an overall experience, the Trash Can Sinatras are a good band to see live. Their musical ability, song writing and singers are excellent. One to watch? Who knows? Maybe their turn for the top has gone, but a certain amount of increased notoriety may be round the corner. No one deserves it more.
Originally appeared in blazinvibes.com. |
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by Andy Inglis
Eight years ago the TCS were snatched away from us (by the taxman and demise of their label), leaving a hole in our hearts.
Eight years later I'm among the quietest audience i've ever experienced and that's because despite the appearance of a new album "Weightlifting", we can't say for sure when we'll see them again.
We don't know wether to embrace or embalm them.
Between song shouts for old classics are largely sidestepped save one; "As fly to tarantula/ as jugular to Dracula/ to me in my Ford spectacular/You'll be drawn" sings Francis during "Safecracker", and we've fallen in love all over again.
Originally appeared in The Fly.
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