30th August 2004 - Anarchy in Jaz Bar By Kelly Bolder

It seems at the moment Hull's collection of successful young bands cannot help but impress. The line up tonight included 3 Hull bands and 2 other Northern stars. On a bank holiday Monday in Hull you could be forgiven for thinking that the places to be were Beverley Road and the Waterfront but you would be mistaken. It's here, in a little venue called Jaz Bar, in Hull's old town.

The promoters of this gig picked the cream of the crop with the line up primarily being The Morphines, The Favours, 2 out of town bands; The Old House and The Strollers and headlining, London based band Thee Unstrung. However, due to unforeseen circumstances Thee Unstrung were absent from this gig so special guests The Paddingtons were more than happy to fill the headliners spot.

The venue was packed out and the crowd were waiting in anticipation for a glimpse at what the current music scene had to offer. First up were Old House, a portion of Wakey Goodness that were first timers to performing in Hull. Dressed to impress and eager to let the crowd hear their sound, this modern rock/pop band gave the gig their all. Despite catchy tunes and lyrics influenced by The Jam, the crowd were slow to start. The band was perhaps not a good option to open the gig with as the crowd's enthusiasm did not seem whole hearted.

The set came to a close and there was an interval of music provided by the resident DJ's which promised and delivered something for everyone.

Second up were a new but popular Hull band The Morphines. Having previously seen these boys a few times my expectations were high and as always they delivered. With a strong punky sound this band reminded me of a modern day Sex Pistols. They have catchy lyrics and an unquestionable connection on stage with one another. The crowd were watching with an expression like the cat had got the cream. The Morphines have a raw sound that awoke the previously sombre audience.

Third band of the night The Strollers; a Derby based band who were also experiencing their first gig in Hull. This band ooze confidence with an eccentric lead singer similar to Morrissey, they appear to have been around for a lot longer that their 18 months. Unfortunately, despite trying to get the audience onside with a warm up acoustic song, their attempts failed.

Although they had a catchy sound they were a concoction of The Smiths and Razorlight, which didn't seem to gel. However, as the audience were eagerly awaiting The Favours who followed The Strollers, this may have kept a lid on their enthusiasm.

The Favours have a raunchy sound. It got the crowds toes tapping and their abrupt delivery was highly effective. The set was packed with classics such as Kill and flowed well. They are a mature and experienced band who are always a crowd magnet and were a natural choice for the night. Their music says much more for them than I can say and if you are yet to have pleasure of seeing them then I highly recommend you do.

Finally, it was time for the headliners of the night. Before this however, an interlude of music provided by the legendary Baggot and his new side project Grant Turismo SS performing a rendition of Chuck Berry's Johnny B Good. With a roar of laughter and approval the crowd were wired for last band; The Paddingtons.

This much admired and multi talented home-grown band can do no wrong. With an entourage of fans wherever they go, the set was guaranteed to be successful. Their songs have evolved over the past year and are exceptional. They opened with the infectious 2 chord song Some Old Girl which got the crowd pumping. This was followed with favourites such as Loser, and the upcoming single Twenty One. This is a young passionate band who, through their music say to critics, We're The Paddingtons, if you don't like it then fuck you. The gig seemed to end as quickly as it began.

This was a night of enjoyment not competition, the venue was the perfect setting and in an industry of cool you would think the event would be judged on who was worthy enough to be called the best band. The satisfying thing was that it wasn't. This was about a collection of bands getting their sound out there and making sure their audience enjoyed it.

Photographs courtsey and Copyright © thisisUll.com 2004

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