23/7/2008 JOANovARC, Wolfmen & Trash Monroe @ 333

Subject	JOANovARC, Wolfmen & Trash Monroe @ 333
PostedDate	7/23/2008
	333 in Old Street is a bit of a shoddy venue, but it's a good bill so here I am again. JOANovARC get things off to a rocking start, although the sound mix is pretty poor - apparently the venue got a student to do it tonight and it's pretty obvious he doesn't have much idea what he's doing.  At least the lighting isn't a poor as last time I was at this venue - it's not yet dark outside when JOANovARC start their set which doesn't seem quite right. The girls have added some new songs recently to keep the set fresh, although their performance is always so good that I still haven't had enough of the older songs. Recent adition to the band Luita continues so look more and more relaxed and at home with each gig. The 'main' band on the bill tonight isn't the final band to play, but they impress me much less than the bands on before and after them. The Wolfmen feature two ex-members of Adam & The Ants - hence the bigger turnout. They are certainly good enough musicians, but the songs are unremarkable and there just seems to be something missing - and not just their former pop star bandmate.  And on to the last (but certainly not least) band on the bill. This is the third time I've seen Trash Monroe, and tonight in spite of the lack of a stage and the bad sound they turn in definitely the best show I've seen from them so far. Although they combine elements of glam and goth in their image, unlike many bands they manage to do it in a way that isn't corny, cheesy or cliched. This band put plenty of effort into providing a good show, and they also play well enough to make it sound good. This all makes for an entertaining spectacle as well as being backed by a quality soundtrack. We leave feeling well entertained by two bands who have played with fire and passion - even if neither of them were the main 'draw' on the bill.