Swindon Music

Another day, another touring band with their own sound engineer.

Touring engineers often come with an idea of what they want it to sound like, and often try to work beyond the means of the in-house PA system. Twisted Wheels engineer was one such engineer, but oddly he wasn't too bothered he couldn't do one thing or another he just got on with it.

Apparently at the Vic / 12 Bar, we can't compress over sub outputs, I hadn't previously ever felt the need to do this. He was though - a total legend. Having just come back from the states where he was touring with los campesinos as their engineer, he had an almost nostalgic look at our 20 channel desk, and almost sounded like he was complaining with LC typically using 40 channels (Note: I have seen LC! a few times before, and would be hard pushed to account for 40 channels...)

Anyway, despite loading in at 5.30, is still took 2 hours to set up and sound check Twisted Wheel, a band I would of thought have been more accustomed to playing stadium shows, and working with tight schedules. Maybe they let their hair down at their own gigs?

Their sound check was rather straight forward, except the PA was pushed to keep up with the very loud drums, and hence the monitor amps all clipped. Luckily the amps have build in protectors, which saved us from any embarrassment.

So rather sadly it fell to me to again do two sound checks in 30 mins, and again it was down to the two same bands, The Alfonz and Napoleon in Rags - this time switching places on the bill - gotta love the rap-pour those two bands have!

Napoleon In Rags got us started in fine fashion, though they admitted after it wasn't their best set - it was the most frustrated I have hear them play, as lead singer couldn't hear himself, probably due to no drum kit share with headliners, and having to CRAM 2 drum kits on-stage - and himself being placed right in front of it!

The Alfonz went on second this time, and faired a little better, though they too weren't happy about the kit share situation. I think they could hear them selves more, due to only one guitar, and there for better positioned either side of the drummer. The Alfonz also quipped well with the crowd who were baying for The Wheel.

I'd like to think both bands made new fans, but largely the crowd were northern beer swigging reprobates, insisting on all sorts of s**t to be DJ'ed between sets - I could of done with a certain Mr Dust - let this be a lesson Darren - I don't want to work without you!

The Wheel stepped up to the plate, to some crazy scenes from the audience - leaving me thinking "are the band really that big?" I realise they have had some good profile gigs, but THIS? Really?

Anyway, they played for what seemed like an age, after all they only have one album, and its pretty straight forward punky indie. It was good, it was tight and it probably outstayed its welcome. When a good solid 10 / 11 track hour and a bit set would of done, maybe 15 tracks due to their length, they played nearly 2 hours, our midweek curfew of 11pm, was over run by 25 minutes. Crazy.

But fun was had by all in the venue, and the pack up was fun. The band were fun and humble, and worked hard with their kit, not leaving it to roadies and stuff. Their actual roadies were proper veterans - all talking about working various rock clubs in Ibiza in the summer, or doing the Stereophonics tour, and that new Manics one, and who is getting who's merch deals and stuff. It was brilliant to listen to to get a better understanding of the industry, and its no wonder the 12 Bar has such a good reputation

I can only assume the Ocean Colour Scene gig came off because of previous nights like this. Swindon is lucky yo have the promoters who take these ricks, and the venue to do it!