La Femme Feste - Under the Influence at The Adelphi Saturday 29th May 04 By Neil Jacklin

Photograph Gallery   Sweet Assassin Gallery   Super Massive Object Gallery   We Start Fires Gallery   The Favours Gallery

Having spied the poster for Dean Shakespeare's latest offering in my local boutique, I decided on a whim to check out what was being hailed as a major local event in female-led rock. Getting into the Adelphi at about 9 o'clock, I was a little disappointed to be actually able to get a decent seat, but there was enough of a buzz around to create an air of anticipation. First up was Sweet Assassin [sic], who I later found out from lead singer Jodie that this was only the second time they'd played.

The guitar was searing with enough twiddly hooks to suitably impress, but the basslines were struggling to come through in the mix. The songs, with time, will surely develop as the band clearly believe in what they are doing, and with further performances I can only hope that her voice will get stronger and the boys in the engine room will get tighter.

Next was Super Massive Object, who brilliantly came on stage to a sample of music which they seamlessly and effortlessly played into, before kicking off with the biggest and brashest sound of the evening. The two guitars combined flawlessly to forge chunky chords, and lead singer Sharron held me in complete awe as she energized the room with her frenetic vocals and speed metal riffs.

Drummer and bassist were scarily tight, and whilst I must resist the urge to compare the band to heavier moments of Skunk Ananse I felt truly privileged to be eaten up and spat out by these obvious professionals from the north east. The next band We Start Fires also hail from the north east, and as soon as I saw the keys and samplers being set up I knew something different was in the offing.

With 3 females leading the front line and a male drummer donning a Babes in Toyland t-shirt, I must confess some preconceptions did begin to form in my mind. But with well-thought harmonies and whirring synth noises brightening the atmosphere, I was reminded of the greater moments of Kenickie, albeit with heavier guitars. All in all the knowing smiles between band members let everyone know that this band really enjoy what they do.

Last of all was The Favours, and it's easy to see why they have such a following. Sara held the venue and all those assembled in the palm of her hand with a voice that captures the coolness of the scene so well. The speed guitars and pumping basslines only added further fuel to the fire that had been lit earlier that evening.

Walking away I found that I had been involved in the sound so much I would never forget it, and the greatest compliment I can give is that The Favours sound like virtually nothing else out there. Well done once again Dean for championing all aspects of unsigned music.

Check the thisisull.com Gallery

Photograph Gallery   Sweet Assassin Gallery   Super Massive Object Gallery   We Start Fires Gallery   The Favours Gallery

Photographs courtsey and Copyright © Mo thisisull.com

Music Reviews - Blue Lamp Wednesday 19th May By Michelle Dee
	I went to this gig with a writer friend of mine. I was on a promise. Well, he said he'd buy me drinks all night. On arrival your friends and mine, CrackTown were sound checking so we moseyed along to the bar, as you do. He bought the drinks; me a pint, him a coffee. Hmmm ..He's not drinking I thought, Read more...

Music Reviews - Headup and Pitiful Reign at The Ringside - Wednesday 19th May By Dick Spring
	Goddamn! Has Wednesday come round again? Where do the days go? At least I have The Ringside to give me a good midweek blast of quality music and environment. I feel I must say that having been to many of the other pubs that have recently been trying their hand at masquerading as venues Read more...

Music Reviews - Infobia at The Ringside - Wednesday 12th May 2004 By Dick Spring
	Wednesday night has come flying round again, and I find myself sashaying along to check out what's on this week at Ringside. Down to play tonight is a Hull band Infobia and what's this? An audience? Not that I would have expected any less from an oft overlooked band but one that has quietly been building it's own following since I Read more...

Music Reviews - Thursday 26th May The Bonnitts at the Sesh Linnet and Lark By special guest Reviewer Lee
	The Linnet and Lark on Princes Ave always seems to come into those back in the day conversations amongst my friends and its great to see that its made a major comeback as an original music venue in the city. This evening, The Sesh, masterminded by DJ and Promoter Mark, plays host to The Bonnitts who are currently Read more...