Friday 29th July 2005

RetroGradeInversion
plus special guests
The New Like Whateva
&
Neon Lights

Tonight an array of mixed teenagers fill the now bright blue café (courtesy of the fundraiser earlier this year, and donations from Surrey police, Small Grants fund and B&Q … thank you  all), some of the heavier breed, some of an older age, and some who just seem to be here for the sake.

Never-the-less some word has obviously spread because there is not a bad turnout for such a low-key gig as tonight, all three bands local and fresh to hit the place.

First up are local load of rubbish NEON LIGHTS.

I will stretch to honestly say that as a band they showed a decent spirit to the music they played and lasted the whole set…. Just a shame it was the same old malarkey mixed up with a hint of wanabee funk and a terrible Alkaline trio cover.

The guys obviously think this is ambient picnic, and certainly dent our reputation of giving quality bands gigs.

I think some boys have some serious thinking to do, for tonight’s performance is really a quite un-pleasing experience, I especially pity those staff members that had to clean up the drummers sick…. You know what they say boys “write your music before you go out trying to be a rock star”.

Amateur music from amateur drinkers. Enough said really.

(-**)

Next up we are woken up from the dread of the last act by some familiar faces. Loud, foul mouthed and full of energy, it must be THE NEW LIKE WHATEVA.

Now I'm very confused because at the beginning of the gig they are called The new like whateva, but by the end are named LIFT.

I'm going to stick with the first, but regardless of the name, the music produced is that of an array of styles, ranging from classic rock styles to modern pop-punk, the guys are sounding ok tonight.

With mildly ego-centric but amusing banter from the bands strings, its certainly nice to see some young people that don’t completely blow. Although sounding nice the sound does not much vary from our last encounter, maybe one to think about boys.

Never the less nothing much bad can be said, except maybe by repeating the language on stage (tut tut boys).

(***)

Then finally are Local Mouth full Retro Grade Inversion.

The guys (and girl) have a solid, unique funk sound mixed with hints of synth, and it really works, just a shame no one tonight can be bothered to stick around, the place left rather empty after the depart of the new like whateva.

With beautifully crafted vocals and hip shaking guitar, the guys play an awesome set, those departed clearly missing out on the band of the night!

Maybe it was the long name (a mouth full for even your average braniac), maybe I’m the only one that still thinks funk and synth’s are cool, but people certainly aren’t biting tonight, which is a great shame because the band truly are worth a hear.

Well there we are, seems tonights more about ego than music, but never the less only one disappointing band of the night, lets see a quick array of better openers.

Much Love

Dan Carter