The Sesh 3 Compilation (1/3) By Michelle Dee

(1/3), (2/3), (3/3).

I'm not going to review this collection compiled by DJ Mak -host of the Sesh night at Linnet and Lark in Hull- track by individual track. Reasons being, for the most part I have talked previously on the bands that appear on here previously on this site. I listen to these bands most Tuesdays, and Sundays either live or through the demos played by Mak. I also listen to them throughout the week; either at home, work or seeing them playing live at the many venues in the city. Rather I'd like to discuss the compilation as a whole and pick out just some of the highlights.

This collection of unsigned bands and solo artists is as exciting, as it is diverse. The twenty-three tracks by twenty-one different artists/bands highlight and echo what many are beginning to realise and that is the incredible depth of talent within the city.

Not only the talent but also the special bonds and relationship the bands have with each other. Talking to Loz Landau the other week he explained that when his band played out of town the very idea of taking a support band from the same city is unheard of, and would be seen as foolhardy by the bands in those towns.

There is a family ideology between our bands and a feeling that seems to run through them all that working together, helping, supporting, advising and sharing will mean that everyone can shares the successes. Apparently in other cities this is not the case and the rivalry between bands is fierce.

Before we all start having a mass love in with group hugs and back slapping, let's just make a few observations. This compilation has a few glaring omissions. First being a lack of representation from Shindigg, Mr. Mojo, CrackTown The Vultures, Andy Sneaks, She Likes Parties (in fact there appears to be a distinct lack of female talent represented on here). Withernsea's finest Blue Sand don't appear on the track list neither do Park and Ride although this may be due to them both being signed to dormant label Influential Recordings. All this would suggest that if enough copies of this selection could be sold then there is more than enough for a Sesh 4 compilation. First highpoint for me comes early on; in fact it's the second track Soldier by The Bonnitts. This track is perfect guitar pop, the sing along tune with hit written all over it. The startling video to the song with Mike towering over Hessle foreshore is fun, thought provoking and inspirational. The next special moment comes with the next track on Sesh 3 from new band The Holy Orders fronted by Matt Thompson of the Edible 5ft Smiths and a host of other multi-dimensional musical creations. Matt has, for the last few months, been showcasing some of the material from The Holy Orders on a Sunday night at Sunday Sesh. Usually on towards the latter end of the night, if you haven't seen or heard him I urge you to do so. Put down your pint come to the front and witness his awesome displays of musicality and emotion. The track Hey you has a reflective feel and a searching line in a year is such a long time what have you done since then.... Lyrically it stands body and soul above many other putrid pop offerings that roam up and down the charts looking for a home. It has a touch of the trademark high-pitched stuff from Matt, which is evident in some of his other numbers and reminds me a sojourn to see The Holy Orders is a definite must and soon. Continued .... 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