Reviews and Recommendations: punk

Buen Chico were doing their home-town off-album single launch for 'Tell Em!'

There's some good bands on tonight, but by the time The Chicos take to the stage there's a real buzz going around the Vine. On record there's a charming scruffiness about their songs but what's really apparent here is... [more]

Event Date: 25-07-08
Event Venue: The Vine - Halifax

Buen Chico were doing their home-town off-album single launch for 'Tell Em!'

There's some good bands on tonight, but by the time The Chicos take to the stage there's a real buzz going around the Vine. On record there's a charming scruffiness about their songs but what's really apparent here is that behind it there's actually a very slick, accomplished rock band. Songs are unleashed in a barrage of tuneful noise that inspire a Pavlovian response of demented grins and bad dancing from a partisan crowd. I'm tempted to come out with the obvious remark that they 'make it look easy', with their succession of catchy tune after catchy tune, but they really do. I'd also like to think that their song-writing process is a long and arduous one, if only because I'm insanely jealous, but somehow I doubt it. 'This Party', 'Choosing my religion', 'Happy as Larry' -  Fantastic hooks, all.

Then they come up with 'Tell Em!' which, having taken advantage of the free download, sounds like a rallying cry against apathy all wrapped up in a two and a half minute nugget of irresistible bubblegum pop, coming in somewhere between Buddy Holly and Pavement, complete with slacker guitar solo and playground chants. How the heck do they manage that! The crowd like it too!

Then they round it all off with the driving and dramatic 'Great Pleasures' which turn the fans into whirling dervishes, whooping for more and chants of "la, la, la" which is one of their earlier crowd pleasers. Morgan begins with the "there's somethin' wrong" opening line and bluesy riff and it's the Brudenell 2006 all over again! Then that's it - leave 'em wanting more - which they certainly do . . . . [less]

I can't remember the exact date but I can remember the gig at the Vic in Derby.
This was the best value for money gig ever. Ed is a fantastic entertainer, the music was great but was made even better by the stories that came out inbetween songs. My sides were... [more]

I can't remember the exact date but I can remember the gig at the Vic in Derby.
This was the best value for money gig ever. Ed is a fantastic entertainer, the music was great but was made even better by the stories that came out inbetween songs. My sides were aching at some points in the night. If you get the chance, go and hear classics like "Little Plastic Moustache" as well as the hits.
Need I say more than Ed is on my Ents watch list. [less]

It was absolutely amazing Olli is an amazing showman, the atmosphere was absolutely electric. Best concert ever :D so worth all the bruises after :P... [more]

Event Date: November 19, 2009
Event Venue: Pyramid Centre

It was absolutely amazing Olli is an amazing showman, the atmosphere was absolutely electric. Best concert ever :D so worth all the bruises after :P [less]

what a night the specials concert at the brighton centre then the aftershow party at the engine room this man has so much energy big respect. No many artists 1/2 is age an ability would do a 1 1/2 hour live set then turn up at a club afterwardsn to... [more]

Event Date: November 19, 2009
Event Venue: brighton centre and engine room brighton

what a night the specials concert at the brighton centre then the aftershow party at the engine room this man has so much energy big respect. No many artists 1/2 is age an ability would do a 1 1/2 hour live set then turn up at a club afterwardsn to meet and danjce with fans to old ska. NEVILLE YOU ARE A LEGEND .

DARREN [less]