Picture Books In Winter. What does the name conjure up? Twee folk? Explosions In The Sky-esque post rock? Neither of these apply. If this band were called Pictures, Books, In or Winter they’d probably be massive by now. They have a sexy female violin player which every band should have (except Keane, it might make them interesting) and less beard than I remember from Swn. If ever there’s going to be a funk-folk movement then these guys (and gal) will front it. Coming across like a Decemberists/Foals hybrid (yeah, I’m fully aware of how mental that sounds), the band dance, shake, and string instrument their way through a set that somehow sees them as a force to be taken very seriously whilst simultaneously looking like they’re having all the fun in the world. I liked them so much, the day after I booked them to play our little Diverse party in Le Pub on April 18th. Come and see them. It’s free.
Last time I saw Underground Railroad they sounded like Sonic Youth. They were supporting Adequate Seven at the time so this was quite odd. This time, they begin by sounding like Sonic Youth and end sounding like Secret Machines. Marion Andrau has a very Kim Gordon voice when she tries for it but when she drops the growl and starts singing, things get a whole lot more interesting. Maybe it’ the fact that all my favourite SY songs are sung by Thurston Moore but the best bits of the set were when drummer Raphael Mura took on the vocal duties. Things went a bit prog but in a good way. They’re a very good band but I think would get a whole load more appreciation supporting someone like …Trail Of Dead rather than punky bands with catchy choruses.
Only someone that has a thing for skinny blonde woman with home counties accents and pet ponies can fail to find something sexy about Fight Like Apes singer Maykay. Gothy make up, Bob Smith hair, a Run DMC t-shirt and athletics shorts. Class. They don’t have a guitarist and the bass player looks like Colin from Hundred Reasons. They sound like Johnny Foreigner blowing kisses at mclusky. They have woo woos and hand claps. Basically they’re a big enthusiastic bundle of party. With swearing and choruses.
Tonight they had the audience eating out of the palm of the hand, it wasn’t as busy as I would’ve expected considering their Bristol gig was sold out but those in attendance we there to have a good time. Maybe that’s just Cardiff for you, too cool for it’s own good. Lighten up, have some fun. Single Something Global kicked things off and had the crowd onside from the out set but it was the penultimate song, a cover of Lightsaber Cocksucking Blues that probably gets the best reaction of the night and gets an already excitable Barfly jumping up and getting down like a House Of Pain themed frat party.
Music should be fun and entertaining, I’m up for intense post rock as much as the next man but sometimes you just need to let your hair down. Or hairspray it bolt upright. Your choice.
