19/3/2008 Mr Derry @ the Purple Turtle

Subject	Mr Derry @ the Purple Turtle
PostedDate	3/19/2008
	It’s a slightly different vibe compared to most nights I go to the Purple Turtle - less ’rock’ and more ’indie’ this time. Interestingly, there are a lot more people here on this Wednesday night than last Friday to see Jack Viper. More by luck than judgement (story of my life!) I arrive just in time to see Mr Derry. I was very impressed when I discovered this oddly named band from Birmingham at this venue last year - I was dubious when a very ’indie’ looking band appeared on the stage, but was converted the minute they started playing - they really rocked! Their singers voice reminds me strongly of Jen from Young Heart Attack - which is no bad thing.  However, although they are good tonight - they certainly don’t seem as good as last time. I think they have changed bass players since I last saw them, maybe that’s the reason? They still sound good and play well, but it’s not until the end of their set that they really seem to get going - last song ’Hey Stella’ is a real stormer though! The place starts to empty slightly before the next band take to the stage - which is unfortunate for them as they have travelled all the way from Sheffield for this gig. I think they are called Magdelaine Cays (according to the venue’s bulletin for this show). Their lead guitarist is wearing a black leather jacket when they are setting up and he has a 335 style guitar which is a good sign. Unfortunately he has lost the jacket and neither looks nor sounds so rock ’n’ roll when the band start playing. I’m unconvinced when the band begin their set, but they win me over with some decent tunes and the singer’s banter. The lead guitarist actually turns out to be rather good too and adds a lot to each song.. The final band is more straighforward indie fodder and very unremarkable. They play OK and have a reasonable sound, but lack any decent songs. They do have a very good frontman though (although with shit dress sense) - he’s like an indie Bon Scott! It’s not enough to keep people from drifting away though. Unfortunately, they make the beginners mistake of not announcing who they are - although I don’t think that many people really cared... According to the venue’s MySpace bulletin they were probably either Mock Heroic, Angst, or King Ramirez - nobody from the venue seemed to think it was worth bothering posting a list of the bands anywhere. Still, even though I missed the first couple of bands it’s good value for only £6.