4/5/2010 Dead Monroe @ Islington Academy 2

Subject	Dead Monroe @ Islington Academy 2
PostedDate	5/4/2010
	An interesting night in Islington. I'm at the Academy 2 to see Dead Monroe play at a Plugged In Live Showcase. As usual at these sort of events, there is virtually no one there apart from the bands and their friends and family. The promoters always big things up by implying to the bands that there will be loads of record company and music business people there to see them. In fact, what this means is that they have invited some 'industry' people - but usually none of them actually turn up... After a couple of less than professional looking bands earlier, Dead Monroe turn in their usual polished performance of catchy pop/rock songs and make the previous couple of bands look (and sound) like no hopers. They are definitely in a different class. The sound is quite good - noticeably better than at the band's recent Barfly show. It was worth the trip down just to see Dead Monroe, and after the bands I saw earlier I'm thinking of heading home as it's looking like a night of second rate indie bands.... However, the next band are a refreshing surprise! They are called three girls and two guys called Lecarla and are hard rocking, lively, and entertaining. They play well, have a good contemporary metal/emo sound and throw themselves wholeheartedly into their performance. There is much headbanging, and they have a singer who actually sings - unusual for most young bands playing this type of music. Definitley worth seeing. By the time the final act of the night comes on there aren't many people left in the venue. The band are called The Flotels. I think the singer is terrific - lively and with good stage presence. Unfortunately, I can't stand her band and leave after a couple of songs. A fair night's entertainment for £6 though.