18/9/2007 Vamps 'N' Gypsies @ Bar Monsta

Subject	Vamps ’N’ Gypsies @ Bar Monsta
PostedDate	9/18/2007
	Vamps 'N' Gypsies are on fairly early at Bar Monsta tonight, but I manage to get there in time for once. It works out quite well really as there is another band I want to see at the Purple Turtle later... Unfortunately, the bar stocks at this venue appear have taken another turn for the worse recently - first the bottles of Newcastle Brown were replaced by smaller cans. It doesn't taste as nice out of a can either.  Now even those have vanished and the only thing in a decent sized bottle is Magners - rather weak as cider goes so not good value for money. After I have one bottle of that, even the Magners runs out. I give up drinking after that....  There seems to be a bit of an epidemic of facial hair at the moment, and Flash Danny has sucumbed - he is now sporting some face fungus that gives him a bit of a pirate air. It suits him actually. The bar situation might be pretty poor at Bar Monsta tonight, but the normally rather muddy sounding PA sounds sharp and clear - I've never heard Vamps 'N' Gypsies sound so good!  They open their set with 'Big In America' and it sounds great - like a real classic. The band turn in an excellent performance as usual. Nikki apologises for not jumping and dancing around as much as normal tonight as her new high heeled boots are making her rather unsteady - nothing to do with the alcohol then dear?  I've got to say - her new boots look great though! Shame I didn't get any pictures of them. Guitarist Stu has been lashing out on new gear too - a new amp rather than footwear, which might be part of the reason for the clearer sound tonight? All in all, it's great fun as usual. I always really enjoy this band's sets, as not only do they provide a good show while obviously really enjoying themselves, but unlike most bands on this scene - the music is more than good enough to stand on it's own. After being thoroughly entertained by Vamps 'N' Gypsies it's time to head off down the road to the Purple Turtle to see another excellent band - and enjoy a few decent beers, which sadly I wasn't able to do at Bar Monsta tonight...

PS: This venue was repainted in evil smelling green paint and renamed 'Camden Rock' - now a bloody horrible venue.