31/5/2009 Metalworks & Selfish @ The Monarch

Subject	Metalworks & Selfish @ The Monarch
PostedDate	5/31/2009
	A slightly different gig tonight - an original band and a cover band playing together - not something you see very often, particularly in Camden. I preferred The Monarch (or Moon Under Water as it was then) before when the bands played in the far more suitable area at the back of the pub which has more of a natural stage - the beer was better then too and the real ales seem to have disappeared now. It's gone downhill a bit these days, with the likes of Amy Whinehouse doing pretend DJ sets, etc. Selfish go on first and play half an hour or so of their own songs. They play well enough and the rhythm section are particularly tight, but it all seems a bit generic. According to their MySpace the band formed in 2008, but I believe they have actually been around on and off in one form or another for quite a few years. They've brought a fair amount of friends and family along and they are all well into it. The band certainly get a good reception. The well established hard rock covers band Metalworks go on later - it's their night really and they often have 'guest' bands on before them. They are well seasoned musicians and always play well - you can see some of them playing in other bands like Voodoo Six and Zodiac Mindwarp as well. If you were to name your favourite hard rock and metal classics it's a fair bet that Metalworks will play most of them - every night. The band have a large and loyal following, many of whom turn up nearly every week, but I don't go too often as it's virtually the same every time and it soon gets stale as far as I'm concerned. It's a good night out now and then though. Sorry about the crappy quality phone pics - I can't be arsed to cram a camera into my jeans as well as my phone if the weather is good enough to leave my jacket at home.