20/4/2009 Imperial Vipers @ the i-Bar

Subject	Imperial Vipers @ the i-Bar
PostedDate	4/20/2009
	This is a good night at the iBar (formerly Real Music Club) in Whetstone. There are supposed to be four bands playing - good value for only a fiver on the door, but Critical Path have dropped out at short notice. Ruthless Truth go on first and are quite good.   Next we have Imperial Vipers who turn in a pretty fine set tonight.   They are largely showcasing songs from their new album 'Broken' - some of which have already lodged themselves in my head even though I've only heard them live.   The sound out front is pretty good and the band seem lively and well up for it. The sound quality at this venue is noticably better than at most of Camden and the West End's best known clubs - why can't they get it right after all thse years when a new venue like this can open up with a better stage and sound system that puts them to shame? The Vipers thrive in these conditions and seem to be really enjoying playing on a decent sized stage with plenty of monitors. There is quite a good turnout for an unknown North London venue on a Monday night as well and the band seem to win plenty of people over. It makes a nice change to see a band of this quality locally without having to get the train to Camden or further.... Last band tonight is Alita's Curse. Like the first band they are also quite good, and feature the same Slash influenced lead guitarist. I can't remember why I didn't get any pictures of them - maybe I was engaged in conversation. Just check the link if you want to find out more. As regular readers (thank you both) will know - no blog of mine is complete without a moan about the venue's bar - so here it is: This real ale pump was specially installed last year - and I've still yet to see it working! It wouldn't be so bad if they had bottles of Newcastle Brown or similar behind the bar to cater for us non-lager lovers...

PS: This venue (the former Bull & Butcher) is now closed.