Swindon Music

I decided to bring a few mates with me tonight, for company on the drive home - I keep hitting dears... don't ask. Anyhow, I thought they would appreciate the bands after listening to them in advance to prepare myself.

I can honestly say without a doubt this line up is the most excited I've been about watching / working, without it being one of my nights, the promoter seems to have 3 good bands which compliment each other well without over doing one specific style. Kudos.

I'm in early and set up prior to the band arriving. The drums have been supplied by Holmes Music, so a little thanks to them - and my entourage set them up. The promoter has bought a backdrop with him, it's very professional and expensive looking, the gaffer tape and string look which held it up probably didn't add to it

The naturals arrive first, driven by their parents from Bristol, and sound check - I take my time as it's a heavy delay sound, and they insist on being LOUD. They are very tight for kids only 19 years of age, and playing a style of music which I guess comes from living in a big city! This is proper noise rock, with a nod to My Bloody Valentine, Sonic Youth and Shoegaze style music. It's ace.

Camera Culture are next, and turns out the bassist goes to college with my best mate from Devizes pop punkers, MOK and is sporting a Mighty good tash and love rug / open white shirt combo. He looked rad. Musically has an eighties indie feel like Aztec Camera, Haircut 100 The Police, but bought up to date with a modern twist. Again, very pro especially the bassist.

Last to check is Boy Done Good - you'll already be familiar with these - by far the least complicated sound of the bands, and not half as loud - so in my opinion had the best sound of the 3 on the night, as they weren't over doing it - what happens at College / Uni that makes everyone want to be as loud as possible??

Boy Done good started off what seemed like a brief set, as it flew by, of indie pop songs - I liked it, they seemed to be having fun, but I can't help but feel they lacked bite. Their friends and fans enjoyed it, they bought all the girls, so can't be a bad thing!

Camera Culture were brilliantly original in their 80's sound and 3 piece harmonies. I know the 80's have been having a revival which seems to of lasted a decade in itself... but this wasn't like something I've been seen before - it was during their set that my friends popped in and I got a real buzz about the night at that point, funny how it's the audience that makes all the difference?

Last up The Naturals - I was told to make their guitars LOUD since I made them turn down so much in the check - I didn't want to go too uncomfortably loud, as well it sounds s**t to be frank. How ever, I let the guitars sit just above the vocals so we were drenched in reverb and delayed up guitars, epic soundscapes in a similar vein to the previously mentioned - which mixed with the occasional chunky rhythmic in the middle al la That Fucking Tank / You Slut! was an absolute treasure to behold. Everyone's attention in the crowd was held through out their 45 minute set, and they band would only benefit with a bit of between song banter, just something to break up the epic captivating loudness to then absolute silence, save a guitar amp hum...

A little introduction of a song, say how much your enjoying Swindon, a cheeky wink - anything!!! But they seem a band intent on delivering music rather than pillow talk and they did that with aplomb!

I enjoyed my obligatory Mr Cod Chicken Burger, which is a massive guilty pleasure - don't tell my Free Range Organic wife I indulged... I'm proper bad a*s me.

Only caught The Naturals, have to say they are going to become one of my favourite bands of the moment, I can feel it. Awesome stuff.

As it goes, I liked your review!

cheers my man. Top night all round, good work on the knob twiddling, the sound was awesome.

Really? You think?? I thought it was weaker for the latter two bands than for BDG, due to their insistence on being so loud, and you must consider I got them to turn down almost half what you heard!

It was so loud Linda came down and said told us off!!

sounded good from where I was, just to the left of the desk. It was all pretty punchy and there was good separation, nothing to worry about.

beware the wrath of Linda!