Friday 26th August, 2011

The Ivy Leaf Bar, Sheerness.

If there is anyone reading this under the impression that the Medway area is incapable of producing commendable talent, they need to think again.

So Shatterpoint are back, and hailing as a “booze soaked southern fest” they bought with them a line-up that was not going to disappoint.

It would be approximately 6:30pm when we stepped foot onto the grounds of The Ivy Leaf Bar, set back in the heart of the delightful town of Sheerness. It was apparent the night could only get better, as the place was near on deserted. Alas, the bands eventually arrived and a formidable crowd began to form.

The first act of the night, and the one to experience technical difficulties, were Indianna; a four that are set to cause a hype with their alternative funk, and heavy rock roots. With inevitable influences like the Red Hot Chili Peppers and RATM, they are bringing something seemingly fresh to the local scene. Despite the technical difficulties which resulted in the bass not coming through strong enough, Indianna were quick to fill the silence and jam a song, new to everyone’s ears. Once back on track, a breeze of youthful air was unleashed and an energetic vibe quickly filled the room. I later overheard the guys talking and in a fashion I heard “if you give it some, the crowd are drawn in”. This reigned true throughout the whole night; but Indianna had something going on, a kind of compelling energy notably fuelled through their bassist’s uncontrollable performance. Who else have you seen that can completely loosen the guitar strap whilst emitting slap bass?

Next to grace the stage with their presence was Broken Banjo. Already I knew it would be a better gig for them, as they actually had a crowd; a welcoming crowd at that. The blues/rock inspired 3-piece were able to feed off the energy of their new appreciative fans and really get into the mood of performing. Even when they jammed a tune from Pokémon, they got a response – in hindsight I think it could have been a bigger response than their eminent rendition of Muddy Waters’ “Hoochie Coochie Man”. It is plain to see that Broken Banjo have, what I like to call, a “catchy groove”. Something to really intrigue you; something that really refreshes your mind and makes you think, “Yes these are the guys to bring it all back”

Dirty Vibes also have this effect, they also note that “Jodie is watching”... and yes she most certainly is, and yes you make her life very difficult with your continuously good performances

To date, this was probably my favourite gig Dirty Vibes have played, and as blunt as that seems it is all I can say. This time around at The Ivy Leaf, Dirty Vibes got to play the “main stage”, which was a far better size for them as it meant they could have a better interaction with one another. There was room to breathe. It is safe to say that the future is clear for Dirty Vibes; they have the drive to push through and definitely have a good thing going. Upon culmination of their set, they performed a cover of Amy Winehouse’s “Black to Black”, which to much surprise conveniently fed into AC/DC’s “Black in Black”. As far as “mash-ups” go, this was most certainly an enjoyable one, with a particular relevance to the band as a whole. Dirty Vibes leave a lasting impression. Fact.

After some fresh air a deserved sit down, Then the Wave Came took to the stage. While a slightly interesting choice for a blues-esque rock night, they were well-received nonetheless. The energy and passion is still apparent, and you can’t deny that they are putting everything into their performance. Needless to say, while I’m still not convinced of my love for “cyber death groove-core”, Then the Wave Came are doing something right as they have a strong following and a defined sound. How can I argue with that?

Finally, the moment everyone had been waiting for; the return of Shatterpoint.

Having been away for a little while, and settling down with new bassist, Joe Green, it was time for the boys to turn it back up again. And this is exactly what they did; perhaps it was even their best performance to date?

Once again I’ll relay the same old speech about how they have a great energy, a good connection with one and other, a distinct sound and edge, and always have a responsive crowd. It’s almost as if they haven’t been gone. But on a serious note it is great to see good guys back doing what they do best; putting rock back into the community. So to speak. Shatterpoint did however play a cover, and I guess there is a first time for everything. After speaking with vocalist, Ed Stone, he told me he doesn’t like to play covers on a regular basis as he feels he is doing the artists he loves a “dis-service”, but he need not worry about that. While “Tush” (originally performed by ZZ Top) was note quite perfect, it certainly was not a disaster like he thought it would be.

It was the perfect end to the high energy set they gave late Friday night, but it was good to see the having fun with it, after all you can’t take everything too seriously can you?

Saturday 23rd July: An all day gig at The Ivy Leaf Bar

The Ivy Leaf Bar, Sheerness.

 

The Ivy Leaf Bar has played host to its fair share of music events over the years, and will continue to in the near future, thus Saturday was no exception; throughout the day, there were little over 20 bands playing across two stages. Many with a catalogue of songs destined to gain attention; which makes this considerably difficult to know where to begin...

New to the scene are a bluesy rock trio, known as Broken Banjo. Having only been founded in March of this year, they have a clear sound and their live performance landed them some new fans; myself included. Upon first glance I cannot say confidently I was expecting the voice we were greeted with. It is what I imagine, with time and much refinement, a culmination of Rory Gallagher and Eddie Vedder to sound like. A huge comparison to make I know, but despite the majority of the crowd being formed of bands waiting to play themselves, they had a great energy and I could see potential, and the outcome could be inevitable.

Ascend to Glory followed. Hailing from Medway with all the influences you would expect, they are focusing on “putting something new out there”, but are [fortunately] treating the “screaming” as a secondary aspect to the clean vocals. Fingers crossed this doesn’t change as it worked much better for their look and sound. The screaming aside, which put me off slightly, they had a good energy, and for a young band have a decent following which can only grow.

Left of the Right Side is your band if you want genuinely good guys who give off a catchy, toe-tapping vibe. While the vocals could have been “punchier” across the majority of the set-list, they put on another good performance, earning them new fans, both young and old. Though they take what they do seriously, it is clear to see they have fun doing what they do, and this reflects on the audience. Their pop-punk and progressive influences come alive every time they play, and while there is still room to grow, they have the determination to do so.

Being that it was still relatively early in the day, Near Ruin didn’t have the most responsive crowd, but neither did a number of acts before 7pm so it was through no fault of their own. But alas, it was a Saturday and the guys of this Kent-based “melodic-metalcore” ensemble wanted movement. And with their self-acclaimed “can-do-attitude”, movement is what they were determined to get. For reasons that surpass me Near Ruin played with two stand in drummers and a bassist with only two strings, but if we look past this we can enjoy their aim to deliver an active performance to their fans; though I am not always a fan of the symphonic and hardcore mix, it somewhat works in their favour.

Romeo is Dead are a welcome act Saturday afternoon. There was a notable lack of crowd for the direct stage area, but the energy was recognised and is teamed with enthusiasm, along with the “we will play anywhere, anytime” statement. Having travelled from Thanet, I would say this is true. The defining moment of their set for me, was when what I call “melodicore meets hip-hop” and Romeo is Dead covered Flo Rida’s “Low”. It was exceptionally brilliant; who’d have thought something like that could work? The original track is catchy and recognisable as it is, but has now been given an enduring edge. They are not to be missed. 

Alternative post hardcore/rock quartet I.R.I.S thrive on “performing live and getting in a sh*tty van and clocking up the miles”. To me, they were an indie group with an edge. The energy didn’t always appear to feed off of each other, but the energy is there! You could not deny them that. They had both a familiar and likeable sound, with hints of grunge and punk influences. I.R.I.S had a confidence to match the passion with the music. “Tuneful and heartfelt” are two words they use to describe their tracks, and I think this reigns true. I would happily see I.R.I.S play again, they had a vibe which worked.

“Did you see something you like?”

An understatement if there ever was one. It is 5:30pm on Saturday and Dirty Vibes speak for themselves; they are not for the faint-hearted, and put on another [dare I say it] thoroughly enjoyable performance. They are a sight to behold and I cannot find fault, however drummer Perry-Lee Angel seems expressionless at times, but he is the backbone to it all and I am being so meticulously picky just so that I have something to write. Now while the following statement is aimed for Thunder’s performance at High Voltage Festival via the Planet Rock blog, I feel it speaks for many in terms of Dirty Vibes, “There is no such thing as a ‘crowd favourite’ in this set. The whole set is a crowd favourite. The band are a crowd favourite”. It doesn’t even matter that Kt-Jo Webb forgot the words during “Ballroom Blitz”, or how I wasn’t surprised to find her stripped down to a corset when I returned from the toilet, she can have a sore throat and still be on top-form with the support and undeniable allure of the band as an entirety.

After letting the guys cool down for an hour or so, and enjoying some fresh air while learning about the recent on-goings of the world through the joy of several smart-phones, I ventured inside to catch the last 20minutes of After the Enclave’s set

After the Enclave are a hard-rock trio from Sittingbourne wo have changed bassist since the last time I saw them play at The Ivy. It was apparent that they were a popular band, though sometimes hard to tel whether this was through the music or general friendship to the band members; either way they played well and kept up the crowd, a crowd who did respond well. After the Enclave ended their set with a cover of Puddle of Mudd's "she hates me", and was a "mellow treat" before what is in store

Heavy riffs and incomprehensible lyrics.

While the stated genre pinned to Then the Wave Came is “cyber death groove-core” [and notably not my preferred taste, but for those whom like having their head f*cked] they had an unmistakeable energy and passion when they took to the stage. They put everything into their performance, so much so that the strain of the vocals was evident. Incidentally this was pushed aside, without even the notion of breaking into a sweat.

One of the few lyrics I found to be comprehendible was “you leave us no choice”. Thus reflective of the promise of dirty grooves and brutalisation I imagine?

Dethrone Exodus followed and like many bands throughout the day, there was nothing truly compelling. Yes I got some good photographs, and yes they had a good energy, they also had a rather good crowd who loved the performance, but I was uninterested. It is not a case that anything is necessarily lacking within the band, as they gave the crowd what they wanted; they just didn’t give me what I wanted. But what is one person’s opinion to a sizeable crowd of faithful fans?

It was apparent that fresh air was needed again.

Once I, and the majority of other folk at The Ivy, were satisfied with the intake of the desecrate air on offer in Sheerness, we ventured forth to watch Callous. One of many favourites to return to The Ivy; there is nothing I can say because the sweat from the excitable crowd says it all.

Speaking of crowd favourites and one that has recently supported Rival Sons, Tank Trap returned for another painstakingly good performance. With the “animal that knows no reason” Tank Trap are a four piece, bluesy grunge-rock band dripping with a cool edginess, and they always draw a crowd; many singing back the lyrics word for word. With the likes of Led Zeppelin, Wolfmother and RATM ranking in their influences, it is safe to say they can please anyone. We were also treated to a new song, with additional intro vocals, from guitarist Ben Atwood. And in a few simple words: they haven’t lost direction. They definitely know what works for them. 

                                                                                                                                      

Next up, Seven Year Kismet

It is clear to see that SYK have a strong following and they put on a good high energy, if somewhat vocal straining, performance; but the crowd, the vibe and the immediate enthusiasm did not match that of The Ivy Leaf’s “big weekend”. I know this because I did not have to fight my way out of the crowd, and there was no such cue to feel the need to leave. In fact, they, particularly vocalist Luke Sohn, provided me with many a spectacle of hair gestures to photograph.

A myriad of people made their way to the second stage for Wires Faulty. Those who didn't effectively missed out on one of the best performances to date, and a final farewell to bassist Chris Redman-Holland, who is moving on for personal reasons. Comments were made that it is like the “end of an era” but atleast “he went out with a bang”, the energy could be rendered stunning on all levels. Vocals were delivered back from the crowd word for word, which is not unusual for a Wires Faulty performance. They thrive on crowd participation and enjoyment, and I think it was a gig for Chris to remember. They always have an astounding energy; they have distinctive riffs and a determined attitude, so only time will tell if it is the end. Or atleast where a new bassist may take them.

To conclude, Fei Comodo were Saturday’s headlining act for the main stage.

Fei Comodo, like the majority of bands who played, falls under the “hardcore/metal/screamo” genre. However, they were the only ones confident, or audacious enough, to have a track playing while walking onto stage from the “dressing room” and have their own lighting arrangements. I will admit the lighting was an interesting choice and created a daze, which in turn created an atmosphere which added to the hype the band created amongst the audience. While the crowd went crazy, the turnout was not as I had expected; but the bands own jovial gag that the performance was “SHEER mad-NESS” reflects the energy and spirit Fei Comodo did convey.