Thursday 2nd March - HULLucinations Launch at Silhouette - Dirty Dreamers, 10,000 Things, Your Vegas and The Johnsons (2/5) By Michelle Dee Gallery by Darren Rogers

(1/5), (2/5), (3/5), (4/5), (5/5).

Photograph Gallery   The Johnsons Gallery 1,   Gallery 2,   Your Vegas Gallery 1,   Dirty Dreamers Gallery 1,   Gallery 2,   Gallery 3,   10,000 Things Gallery 1,   Gallery 2,   Gallery 3,   People Gallery 2.

Where's Mike follows showing the bands fun punkier influences, it could be a reference to good friend and fellow vocalist Mike from the Bonnitts or not. Highly-strung guitar sound accompanied by steady drums serve as the precursor to the shout out loud chorus; and a chance to hear John Paul joining Matt and Danny on vocals. Next comes one of the most popular songs in the set. Gina has become a firm favourite down at the Sesh by way of DJ Mak. Last year the band tried slowing it down, speeding it up but it never seemed to quite hang together.

It still has the easy free flowing rhythm the catchy interchangeable choruses and the pointed fun elements. But now has a sliding dirty guitar line from Danny that thrills and really gets you. Just one night or Cat's tits has more textures, there are sections that the band seem happy to leave unfilled, but played at a roaring pace by all on stage. I had heard tell of a Jimi Hendrix-style over the head guitar solo from JP but he must save that one for when the band are headlining. Good plan; never give it to them all at once.

A mishap is covered well and reveals a totally different shape to Carnivore. The guitar line has totally changed become far more reckless and wild. There are subtle tweaks and new dimensions to the verse sections that encourage a more menacing tone, along with a faster tempo. It is natural, almost inevitable I think, for songs to grow and evolve but to take your baby allow others to play around with it and make it anew, that must take a certain amount of courage.

The belief, energy levels and unity within the band is strong, and this shows in the performance. The devotees at the front clearly enjoy this new look Johnsons sound.

And now to my idée fixe. What were all you lot doing, clinging to that damn barrier, like your lives depended on it? There is no excuse to not come on the dance floor; Christ, even the young lady in a wheelchair manages to get nearer the stage than half of you lot. Danny was right; shame on you for not coming nearer. How do you think it makes the other bands feel when you only move your arses for the headliners? Think about that one next time you herd like sheep at the back of the room.

Sweet n Sour Saturday night residents at Silhouette had erected panels to avoid people being able to line the edges of the club watching from afar. Hullucinations took them down to promote a less decisive feel; whether this was the right move I'm not sure. Tonight though, I think whilst The Johnsons were on stage the paucity of people at the front was related to the paucity of panels.

Misfortunate Love ends the rock n roll set as Matt calls out to everybody to support future Hullucinations nights. Again a faster furious song flies of the stage; gone are the simplistic guitars and basic percussion. Now we have a far more complex vehicle that shows off the individual and collective talent on stage. Danny and Matty work well with Mr. Laney developing the spaces for JP's sexy riffs. While Matt parades and poses; eyes rolling, delivering each line with confidence and style. Shouts for an encore echoed round the wall as The Johnsons exited stage left. Always leave them wanting more.

Continued..... Next Page (3/5).

Photographs courtesy and Copyright ©  Darren Rogers 2006

Photograph Gallery   The Johnsons Gallery 1,   Gallery 2,   Your Vegas Gallery 1,   Dirty Dreamers Gallery 1,   Gallery 2,   Gallery 3,   10,000 Things Gallery 1,   Gallery 2,   Gallery 3,   People Gallery 2.

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