5/2/2008 Vamps 'N' Gypsies @ Bar Monsta

Subject	Vamps ’N’ Gypsies @ Bar Monsta
PostedDate	2/5/2008
	It's quite a good turnout for Vamps 'N' Gypsies CD launch show at Bar Monsta. I don't arrive in time to see the first band The Deadlight Spiral, but am informed that probably wasn't a bad thing. They are followed by Pistol Kixx - very generic sleaze/punk/rock 'n' roll and all their songs sounded the same. Narkan take to the stage next and are actually quite entertaining. They don't seem to take things at all seriously, but that makes a nice change from certain bands on the scene who take themselves far too seriously - big fish in a small pond. Half of Narkan don't even look like they should be in a rock band, but they play well and the AC/DC influenced sound they make is rather good.  Vamps 'N' Gypsies very much do look like a rock band, and sound like one too. Their stage presence and the quality of their songs lifts them above most the other bands on the scene - they actually have catchy tunes that get stuck in your head. They play well, are very entertaining - and you can see they are having a lot of fun on stage. Unfortunately, there are some technical problems for the band to contend with tonight - the previous band also had problems due to a faulty mic lead. Although this problem was pointed out earlier, it still hasn't been sorted by the time Vamps 'N' Gypsies hit the stage and the sound problems spoil what should have been an important show for the band - much mic and cable swapping goes on in attempts to solve the problem, but there wasn't a spare mic cable in the house so things are never fully resolved and the show is more chaotic and punk rock than usual. "Oi - I don't like that note! Don't ever play it again..." The band don't allow these things to stop them having a good time though. Naturally the new 'Wine Stains & Smashed Glass' EP gets well plugged and I think the band play every song from it - and why not, as it's rather good and has some catchy tunes. 'Big In America' is the standout new song in my opinion and is the band's usual show opener at the moment, although they also play an impressive even newer song that isn't on their latest CD. Unfortunately, the whole evening is running late due to the band (who were also providing some of the equipment for the other bands) arriving late due to being stuck in traffic and their planned longer than usual headline set had to be cut short - but in spite of this and the technical problems (not the band's fault) this was an entertaining evening and Vamps 'N' Gypsies finished their set in high spirits!

PS: This once very cool little venue went rapidly downhill when in turned into the truly awful 'Camden Rock'.