Wednesday 5th April 06 - Heat 10, Best Original Band at The Springhead (1/2) By Anita Blakeston

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

Heat Ten - The one with Violets and Right Handed Trousers ...

Intriguing band names was the order of the night. I have met the 59 Violets many times and always wanted to know where the name came from. I don't know Franks Right Hand Trouser but in their case I dare not ask ... something to do with trying to get dressed when drunk? Tonik have been on the scene for many years and the name speaks for itself. The heat gave us an interesting selection of rocky indie music with a bit of funk thrown in from which the judges placed all the bands very closely.

First on stage (after a little persuasion and kafuffle over the drum kits in sound check - not their fault they waited patiently for the mist to clear) went Franks Right Hand Trouser. They consider themselves to be 'prog rock' masters and with the strong baselines from Darren on bass they opened with a fine instrumental giving Tom and Tom on guitars and vocals a chance to warm up their voices. Along with Andy doing an ace job on his (own) drum kit I reckon there were at least 5 toms on stage (aagh, sorry).

When the Toms joined in the singing was good with harmonies blending in with the rocking songs. Not sure about the Dead Dog song - didn't really get me up and dancing, respect for the deep meaningful lyrics! Overall a good band who is fairly new to the Hull scene - Hornsea is a world away....

Second band on was 59 Violets from Barton across the same Dirty Water they sing about. They entered the competition, then pulled out, then squeezed back in. Sadly for them on the night Chris's boss wouldn't let him out to play after all (I don't mean his wife) and they were lucky to have Lee on guitar to replace him. For a sound engineer he did play well. Must practice my fractured 9th chord more. As a band they play exceptionally well with varied styles of songs and I have to say are one of my favourite bands.

To back up the band is Bill Amos on bass who should really be in Emmerdale with a name like that and Andy (bag of sand) on drums and BVs. Andy is a superb drummer (and a good singer) but the first time we met he left a trail of sand across the dance floor from out of his kick drum. He said his drum moved without being filled with sand.... A great, passionate performance from Duncan (to give him his Sunday name) on vocals makes the band a pleasure to listen to. Where is my free CD boys?

Continued...Next Page (2/2)

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