17/9/2008 - Part 1. Imperial Vipers @ Metro

Subject	Imperial Vipers @ Metro
PostedDate	9/17/2008
	Metro in Oxford Street isn't one of my favourite venues - a crap bar (although there are worse in the West End) and the dreaded toilet attendants.  When will venue managment realise that the rock crowd hate these creepy fuckers! People who would normally wash their hands can't get out of the toilet quick enough when these guys are in there.  Imperial Vipers are the headline band tonight. I seem to have developed something of an alergy to 'reptile' named bands over the past couple of years or so.  They all seem to be 'sleaze rock' bands who look and sound much the same - like the only album they have in their collection is 'Appetite For Destruction'. While these bands have obviously worked hard on their image and 'attitude' - they have neglected the minor detail of actually writing some good songs - which is the real reason 'Appetite...' is such a great album. I'm glad to say that Imperial Vipers stand apart from the the other 'reptile' band clones. Not only have they paid more attention to songwriting, but they also actually have something to say. Unlike the other cold blooded scale encrusted bands, this lot sound like they actually have a brain - and their not afraid to use it. It's Imperial Vipers single release party show, but for some reason (more party time after?) they have elected to go on first. This doesn't seem to be a bad move as the place is pretty full even this early. Refreshingly, this band stand out from the other 'reptile' bands as they have their own identity - instead of one ripped off from some 1980's band. As the Imperial Vipers set draws to a close, they introduce a 'special guest'. Anyone who is a Towers Of London fan will recognise who this is straight away - he just happened to be in the club as he was DJing earlier playing some classic Heartbreakers stuff. Any serious rock fan will have recognised the cover they tore into as well.  I'd already enjoyed the Imperial Vipers set, but having it end with The Rev joining the band to tear through the Stooges classic 'Search And Destroy' really was the icing on the cake!

PS: This venue no longer exists - it was demolished to make way for London's 'Crossrail' project.