Under the Influence at the Adelphi - 24th April 04 Blue Sand, ..divided by time and The Vultures By Michelle Dee Check the thisisull.com Photograph Gallery

Saturday night at the Adelphi and the crowd was buzzing. The Vultures kicked the night off in style. Their first song was for the Johnno's. I don't know which Johnno's they were referring to but it didn't matter. With a catchy Led Zep sounding riff they launched into their 20 song set.

Shortly after they started, Alex (drums) had some mishap with the drum kit. Totally unphased by this hitch, Chris and John, smiling and making light of the situation, kept the crowd entertained with a couple of impromptu numbers; real troupers (and John has a great smile).

The Vultures play original songs. Sorry tales about Hull and a nod to social issues. Their influences are Joe Strummer, Ray Davies and John Squire. These influences can clearly be heard in their short, sweet bursts of bluesy punk magic. The vocalist Chris has a cool, nonchalance about him. He looked like he had a bucket load of fun up there. The Adelphi wasn't packed to the rafters early on in the evening. The Vultures would have had a more enthusiastic response from the crowd had there been more people in the room.

This was only their fourth gig so they may not have attracted as big a following as other bands seem to do. A feast of frantic, frenetic, fun from the rolling drums on End is Nigh to the Pistol-esque tempo changes on The C**ts of the NF. These guys deserve to go far and with their relaxed, fun-filled attitudes, they can't fail.

After a short break, ..divided by time took to the stage. They were obviously a favourite with the crowd. Girls were standing on seats and amid whistles and cheers they started playing. Their first two tracks didn't do much for me. The third was better. World is a Playground is sung by the bassist who has a noticeably more powerful voice than Tom. Indeed, this one had a shade of Joy Division hiding in there somewhere.

As the crowd grew in number, the excitement and noise level increased. A group to my right were deafening with their shouts of appreciation - They don't sound like anyone else, they have a totally original sound. It goes! said Lisa.

However, to my left, Sinead was less than enthusiastic. Just no bite to them, she stated. Unfortunately I have to agree with Sinead's comment. Apart from Dan Robinson who showed genuine talent, the rest of the group didn't seem to gel together. Perhaps with a regular line up and some more gigs under their belts (this was their third gig) they may be united in time.

One more short break and Blue Sand took command of the cramped stage. They are a four piece from Withernsea, smashing their way in to the local music scene. Kicking off with Don't know When with top guitaring, Blue Sand have a complete sound. All of the group are brimming with talent. Some of the crowd were pogoing during Changed Names and Slaves, the title track of their EP (Read the review).

Gary came off the stage and into the crowd during Kenny Other. He is so charismatic and I dare you to take your eyes off him! Breaking into You and Heaven I was mesmerised by the sheer brilliance before me. This band rock - city style. They played live versions of their new CD Single, featuring the tracks Spectre and End of the World, recorded only 4 days before. Let it Rain sounds just as good as it does on the EP where Blue Sand are accompanied by a string section.

It was written during difficult times for the band. I am informed That Let it Rain is loosely based around the idea; If bad things are going to happen, let them happen. Bleed Myself was just so good with shoes flying in the crowd and people roaring out the chorus. Blue Sand have had several different line ups over the eight years they have been going but with the current line up they have a winner.

Gary played his first gig when he was nine years old. It's very clear he was born to perform. This was the best live band I have heard since Riley a few months ago. Move over Keane and Snow Patrol. Blue Sand are hot on your heels and definitely kings of my castle! Everything I have heard from them is bloody great. There simply is no dud track - not one. Many thanks to Dean Shakespeare for working so hard to bring these bands to the Adelphi. Thumbs up, Dean, long may we live Under the Influence!

Band Links Blue Sand www.blue-sand.co.uk

Check the thisisull.com Photograph Gallery Photographs courtsey and Copyright © Mo thisisull.com

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