Best Original Band Contest at The Springhead Pub (Aston Rd, Willerby) 30 June 2004 continued By Elsie Creek

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cowfisH were the outside chance: the thirty-seventh band of thirty-six (as we were frequently reminded by Lynn, the organiser). We were fortunate indeed that there was a dropout, or we would have missed this eccentric six-piece. After all that, they got a higher mark than any other in the fortnightly semi-finals, in which four judges each had a maximum of sixty points to give to each of three bands per round, equally weighted towards originality, musicality and stage presence.

This was something of a surprise to the organisers, as it suddenly made them serious contenders for the title of Best Original Band 2004.

Apparently bowing to some sort of pressure to conform, cowfisH sounded much heavier than usual - although this may have also been due to the full line-up being present, which is indeed a rare occurrence. The band is split in half with three background musicians on bass, drums and keyboard, who hide in the shadows, and three in the foreground on vocals.

Two of the latter play guitar, while the stunning female singer gyrates most attractively. Their sound is unusual, and they compared favourably with the heavier and less melodic rock bands. I wasn't sure how they'd do in the final, however, as they are not famed for their impact.

They looked fantastic as ever, with the lead female in a mini-skirt, fishnets and a basque with pink ribbons and the rest of the band in various other mismatched outfits. The drummer is particularly unexpected: he looks like a typical mosher with dreads, piercings and a black cap on back-to-front, yet his playing is restrained, even subdued. The singers have amazing voices, and the music is vocal-led with beautiful harmonising and poetic lyrics. With so many musicians, a very full sound is produced and the keyboard was almost entirely drowned out.

cowfisH seem too cultured and civilised for the Hull music scene, so it was good to see them holding their own in BOB. Their fans are less prone to public displays of passion and devotion, but the crowd reaction was positive. The lead male got a rapport going with the audience, using suspiciously thespian commentary and eye-rolling. Weird and wonderful and, apart from one song which sounded like it should have been on the Grease soundtrack, very, very original.

Shindigg were on last, and by this time the fans were worked up into almost animalistic excitement. The chanting was reminiscent of a football match, although the bloodshed was thankfully absent. The audience reaction was quite incredible, and it is fortunate that the boys didn't disappoint or there could have been a massacre. They were unusually reserved for such an outgoing band: everyone kept their clothes on, and even the dancing was restrained.

They kept it tight, with some nice transitions between songs. Their characteristically bizarre tempo changes were accomplished without an eyelid batted. Shindigg's music relies heavily on its rhythm section, with vocals taking something of a back seat, which is maybe how they can be catchy despite the timings. Sometimes it is the melodies which take precedence, and the lead guitarist plays quite beautifully. There is some nice use of pauses, and chances for each of the instruments to come to the fore.

In terms of originality, the strange time signatures used have to have earned them a fair few points. They make the difficult music appear easy to play, in fact quite natural. I'll freely confess to being biased in my appreciation of Shindigg, but they have so much going for them on different levels that it's difficult not to like them, whatever your perspective. They combine originality with musicality and popularity, and that's no mean feat. However, this competition showed that they are not as far ahead of the game as people thought, and I was pleasantly surprised to find my loyalties torn.

There were five judges in the final, each awarding up to twenty points in three categories. With a maximum possible score of 300 points, results were as follows: 1st with 253 points Shindigg who win £1000 2nd with 235 points cowfisH who win £500 3rd with 222 points Sonic Purveyors who win £300 4th with 187 points The Bonnitts who win £200

The decision over the top three was controversial, and the case could have been argued for any of them. The Bonnitts were gutted, but no-one expected them to do very well. The Sonic Purveyors, on the other hand, seemed awfully bitter - it's fair enough when a lot of people said they should have won, but I was disappointed to hear them on Raw Talent claiming that even Queen would have lost to a Hull band. That sort of thing leaves a bad taste in the mouth, and is not to be encouraged.

Congratulations are due to Shindigg and cowfisH, and the lack of rivalry between the two bands is truly beautiful. They have probably spent their prize money on buying each other presents; such is their affection for one another. They are officially famous now, so they'll have to develop egos sometime soon, but until then they will give you the time of day and a glass of champagne just for liking their music. It's a good advert for the music coming out of our beloved 'Ull, and kinda sweet. Bless. Links www.shindigg.co.uk www.thesonicpurveyors.co.uk www.springheadpub.co.uk

Photographs courtsey and Copyright © Elsie Creek thisisull.com

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