4/8/2011 Patchwork Grace @ The Dublin Castle

Subject	Patchwork Grace @ The Dublin Castle
DateCreated	8/29/2011 3:27:00 PM
PostedDate	8/29/2011 6:51:00 PM
	Four nights out in a row, and four different venues. Tonight I'm back in Camden, and in spite of some of my recent comments - there are actually still some decent venues there, and the Dublin Castle is one of them. It doesn't cost much to get in (free to get into the front bar) and the bar prices are pretty reasonable compared to all todays corporate rip-off venues. And you can get a decent pint of real ale or some fearsome Westons cider as well as a selection of beverages for the less discerning punter.  Patchwork Grace are the reason I'm here tonight. Not here to see the band but obviously enjoying their performance all the same are a random very drunk dancing couple at least thirty years older than the usual clientelle of this venue! I'm sure they have no idea who the band are, and seem largely oblivious to everyone else in the room as they gyrate around the floor - but things like this always add to the atmosphere and the band are obviously pleased as well as amused to see people dancing to their music. It's all good.  After being only rarely seen in the capital for the last couple of years, Patchwork Grace are now making the trip down from Nottingham on a more regular basis. As a band they are now a tighter musical unit than ever with the new lineup - the snag being that they no longer play songs from their excellent debut album 'Milk Teeth'. However, the revamped lineup looks good (as did the old one) and sounds even better. Although I miss some of the old songs, the new ones stand up well. There is definitely less of a Queen Adreena influence to the band these days and a slightly more generic indie sound. This is one of those bands in the minority these days where you walk out feeling you have really seen a performance, rather just some people playing some songs - they make you remember them. Patchwork Grace are definitely a unique band and well worth keeping an eye open for next time they are back in London - which will be pretty soon. Meantime, I could use a night in as I've been out at gigs 6 out of the last 7 nights...