Thursday 3rd February - Ernest with Park and Ride, Dirty Dreamers and Steve Reed at Thee Box, Asylum By Michelle Dee (1/3)

(1/3) (2/3) (3/3)

Photograph Gallery   Park & Ride Gallery ,    Dirty Dreamers Gallery ,    Steve Reed Gallery,    Ernest Gallery 1,    Ernest Gallery 2.

In, what has been a busy week, I had a date with The Asylum pencilled in. I arrived in good time, and queued with a few others, eventually we were all let in. Tonight's admission was £4 very reasonable for four acts. For those not in the know The Asylum is a large venue that will accommodate two to three hundred comfortably.

Though for reasons that remain a mystery to me the dance floor remains empty most of the time. Why pay to see a band then not show your appreciation of their efforts by having a bit of a dance. It encourages the band to play better, if they have an enthusiastic crowd, who actually look like they are enjoying proceedings. You know you dance to them in your living room so why not when you see them live. As I said it remains a mystery to me.

So surprisingly Park and Ride took to the stage first, that whole ticket selling malarkey smells a bit fishy too me. Surely you put on the acoustic stuff first then the middle of the road then the full on rock n roll. It's called building gradually to a climax. Now, I know that the orders have to be carefully worked out, to allow for left-handed drummers back line and amp changes etc. But all it requires is a little fore thought; without an audience the bands play to empty halls.

Oh yeah Park and Ride; they opened with Bad Guys a good choice that sets the scene for things to follow. With a high-spirited theatrical feel you soon realise that Park and Ride have left all pretensions at the door. Hey why don't we put on the show right here? Blackpool quickly follows with Jonathon paying lip service to the harmonica players of yesteryear.

The song Hope it Rains again lifts you and shows you that Park and Ride have substance behind all the frippery. Then Vortex carries on where Hope it Rains left off, with heavier sounding drums and an altogether edgier vocal. Park and Ride appear to be experimenting with a heavy Indy sound: I'm almost certain Jonathon started growling in to the mic like some thrash metal caterwauler. This moment stood out.

Before I continue it has to be said that the sound tonight was appalling, everyone I spoke to commented on this sad fact. At times the vocals were too soft and the guitars too loud this was the same for all the bands on the bill. That's nothing to do with the artists; I know they can get a good sound. Something needs to be done, because it's unfair to the musicians. Like looking into a car show room with dirty windows; you don't get an honest account of what is on offer.

It has been said that the P.A. is in the wrong place at Asylum, that the sound levels weren't right, but more to the point, none of the performers tonight could hear how they sounded on stage. As I look to my right I feel slightly intimidated; two burly security guys have appeared as if by magic- they remain there all night- do they not realise I am there to assess the venue as well as the bands.

Give me the Sign (hopefully the right title) has the making of an anthem and should be included on the next E.P. with giving the snares a good arse whipping. If you got a drum, bang it hard, that's what I say. The big screen behind the stage is used to good effect, giving all those to shy to get up close, the chance to see the players on stage in all their youthful glory. This works particularly well during the zoomed in camera shots.

The on screen graphic is reminiscent of the lettering used for Old Grey Whistle Test. Quite fitting when you consider all the small time acts featured on their bill, that then went on to bigger and better things. The thing that sets Park and Ride apart is their timing; its tighter than a you know what. With drum-breaks and satisfying top-notes that never fail to make you thrill. Some one said tonight Park and Ride rule; and they do in the hearts of loyal supporters. But is this going to get them a record deal? I don't know.

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Check the thisisUll.com Gallery Photographs courtsey and Copyright © Michelle Dee 2005

Photograph Gallery   Park & Ride Gallery ,    Dirty Dreamers Gallery ,    Steve Reed Gallery,    Ernest Gallery 1,    Ernest Gallery 2.

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