Tuesday, 15 July 2014

26/9/2009 Stereo Juggernaut, Cavilry, Sons Of Albion & Fallen Angel @ The Gaff

SubjectStereo Juggernaut, Cavilry, Sons Of Albion & Fallen Angel @ The Gaff
PostedDate9/26/2009

It's back to a good venue tonight, and a top value for money one as well. Now Monsta Ents are starting to promote a few shows as The Gaff there are even more bands I like playing at Holloway Road's coolest venue. 

Sons Of Albion are on first tonight. This newish band seem to already have a modest following - I guess having Robert Plant's son as their singer doesn't do them any harm. They are good musicians and play well, but it all seems rather generic 80's rock to me.


Next band are Stereo Juggernaut. This is the first night of their month's residency at The Gaff.

This is another newish band who already have a bit of a following - probably helped by the previous bands of some members - frontman Ben used to play guitar for One Flew Over until they split not too long ago, and some of you will recognise bassist Tish from her previous band Honeykill.

Stereo Juggernaut are a bit more 'alt' and arty than most bands I go and see as they make more use of samples and keyboards, but they are rather good. Unfortunately, they are hampered by a poor sound mix tonight - I can hardly hear Ben's guitar, and the vocals aren't too clear either. The band were denied the luxury of a soundcheck as a certain other band on the bill who's singer has a famous dad took over an hour for their soundcheck - a bit over the top for what is essentially a pub gig... In spite of the rubbish sound, one Stereo Juggernaut song in particular 'Fade Away' makes quite an impression and I'm sure could do very well if only it could get heard on the radio.

Third band tonight is Fallen Angel. I wonder how many other bands have been called that? They have quite a decent singer who appears to want to be Jon Bon Jovi, but apart from that they have 'pub band' written all over them.

They play well, but that isn't enough if you want to go further than playing your local...

Final band tonight are Camden regulars Cavilry - now featuring ex-Kill Cartel drummer Simon Edwards. This is a band who rise above mere 'pub band' status and have a distinct sound of their own - while wearing their influences (Wildhearts, Therapy, QOTSA) on their sleeves.

The songs are heavy and riff laden, with a punk edge tinged with metal, and some decent tunes thrown into the mix. Certainly worth checking out if you get the chance, as are Stereo Juggernaut.
PS: This venue is now closed.

No comments:

Post a Comment