Shindigg By Elsie Creek

Photograph Gallery   Gallery 1   Gallery 2

Shindigg are the most original band you are likely to come across in Hull. With their incomparable style and funky time signatures, they are truly unique. Though I have been accused of sycophantically using superfluous superlatives in my time, in this case the praise is unarguably deserved.

It is a predicament when, having awarded the highest possible accolades to a band, I come across someone even better. I cannot stress strongly enough how great Shindigg are.

That they are still suffering tiny audiences does no justice to their incredible performances. It is further proof of the ludicrous apathy in the city-village of Hull. I can guarantee that when this band becomes known nationally there will be many people who kick themselves for having failed to attend one of the gigs frequently advertised about town. They have stamina; that is for certain. They keep plugging away at the same old venues and trying to conquer places further afield, but there are not many Hull pubs which will allow originals to be played.

The name of Shindigg is only just becoming prominent - although to their credit they have managed to acquire a decent crowd of attractive groupies along the way.

The songs are catchy, as well as technically brilliant; they use bizarre variations on standard formats to great effect. The most immediately notable thing about the music was, for me, the weird time signatures - five-, six- and even eleven-time are used, yet they succeed in keeping it tight and making it sound natural.

Perhaps more laudable yet, though Shindigg is the moniker of Dave, Dave, Mike and Karl when they do their electric (rock) set, it is also the banner under which they form different bands made up of the same people.

The versatility of the local four-piece is renowned, as they effortlessly swap instruments and styles. Their drummer, Karl, is equally happy playing guitar and singing (under the name HoboH); the bassist, Mike, accompanies on guitar. The main secondary incarnation of Shindigg, as their acoustic counterpart The Flatmates, is less popular, though good in its own way. They do a lot of covers, though many are distorted, almost beyond recognition. Mick Tomlinson, father of singer-songwriter-guitarist Dave, often joins them on the harmonica.

In the hope of giving something approaching a balanced perspective here, the lyrics of their originals are somewhat lacking in depth - but that is less a criticism than an observation. Shindigg can provide something to suit most musical tastes, and their talent far surpasses that of most groups on the local scene. Their ability to adapt to all sorts of circumstances, both musical and venue-based, shows their true colours. They are artists through and through, and before long they will hopefully find the success they seek.

As with all the finest live bands, Shindigg have certain quirks which are best experienced in the flesh. Frontman Dave is likely to start stripping in the heat of a packed venue (and his body ain't half bad), while lead guitarist Dave is shy and easily embarrassed - so don't watch him too intently unless you are feeling particularly cruel. Mike, the infamous bassist, performs in bare feet so as to facilitate his highly energetic dancing.

There is also their much-loved mascot, the faithful Brindle; she is Karl's dog, and she can invariably be found at their gigs being petted by hordes of adoring fans. In case of inter-cultural emergency it may be handy to know that another of Karl's talents is that he speaks fluent Italian. Live music in Hull has never sounded (and looked) so good. Shindigg: off-the-wall and brilliant, you really should make the effort to go see them.

Coming up this month: Thursday June 17th - evening Oddfellows Arms (Beverley) One of the fringe events at the Beverley Folk Festival. Sunday June 20th - 1-5pm The Adelphi (De Grey St) Five bands, mainly local, including DumpValve and Mad Crowd Disease.

Saturday June 26th - daytime Queen's Gardens The Flatmates go al fresco. Saturday June 26th - 9pm start The Railway Hotel (Thwaite St, Cottingham) Shindigg support The Landau's.

Wednesday June 30th - doors open 7.45 The Springhead Pub (Aston Rd, Willerby) Best Original Band competition final - the four groups that made it through the heats battle for the title. Shindigg are hotly tipped to win!

Check the thisisull.com Gallery Photograph Gallery   Gallery 1   Gallery 2 Photographs courtsey and Copyright © Mo thisisull.com

Music Reviews - The Stop Out Festival, Queens Gardens - Sat 5th June By Lee Kelly and Joe Marshall- Reignmaker
	We found out some time ago that we would be playing Queens Gardens in the Stop Out Festival and from the outset were very very excited about it. It would be the biggest crowd we have had the privilege to play to and get a chance to play along side some of the biggest names in Hull like Turismo Read more...

Music Reviews - Disarm at The Ringside - Wednesday 22nd May By Dick Spring.
	Reading the Day-Glo listing flyer with the line up for June, it seems as though there is some seriously good shit happening here, but there was an enforced change to tonights bill, in the form of Disarm from Mexborough in South Yorkshire. Describing themselves as Post Hardcore, for which I generally read Screamo, a genre that is Read more...

Music Reviews - La Femme Feste - Under the Influence at The Adelphi Saturday 29th May 04 By Neil Jacklin
	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 Read more...

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...