The Schla La Las

SCHLA!!!

It's cold on the streets of North Essex tonight but those brave enough to venture out to The Bassment know they are in store for a treat with the visit of the ever feisty Schla La Las and the venue is packed to near capacity.

Local support act Girls That Scratch, who are all guys by the way, are playing just their third gig, and in places you can tell as the odd chord goes astray, but their endeavor to keep plugging away makes them kind of endearing. With songs such as 'Crutchless' & 'Dirty Disco', (which has more than a slight leaning to The Killers), there is enough potential here to want to see them again.

LA!!!

Barely twenty minutes later, the Schlas take to the stage. In matching red satin, Oriental-style dresses, it has to be said they certainly look festive, but in an odd fashion (probably a case of "you had to be there" but you can see said outfits here). They line up and break in to a choir style Christmas carol, much to the bemusement of many of the crowd, before exploding in a raucous rendition of 'Schlas' Theme'. Although obviously confused, the crowd can't seem to take their eyes from the stage. Whether this is because of the ever witty Delia behind the drum kit, the vocally gifted Piney and her sultry tones, or whether no-one knew what was going to happen next, is anybody's guess.

Despite being blighted by mid-set sound trouble, the band battle on bravely, bantering with the crowd between songs and doing what they do best... having fun! Finishing the set with insanely catchy 'Are You Ready?' the girls semi-troop off stage to calls of an encore, to which they lovingly oblige giving us one full song and a shortened rendition of their band theme.

LA!!!

Beyond the hair, the outfits and their looks, there is undoubted musical talent. Combine this with their irresistible charm and you can't help but love them.

SCHLA LA LA!!!