2nd Gen

We arrive at venue to see that Caretaker have already taken to stage. Bugger! Dunno how many songs they’ve play so far, but we to catch the last um… 4 songs. Haven’t had the money to buy their self titled mini album for Fierce Panda yet, so * ‘Safe As Houses’* is the only song I recognise. They’ve not really moved on since their badmusic’s days. Harry wails like a demented Thom Yorke whilst the others make a wall of sound that Ligament or Mogwai would be proud of, all very samey. They’re nice enough songs, but the band aren’t as special as I once thought. Highlight of the set: Seb falling onto his amp. Ouch!

Next up are Billy Mahonie, or John Kennedy as they’re known for tonight. The crowd surges forward to get as close to the stage as possible as they know they’re in for a treat. Yes this um… post rock band are actually a rock band. You wouldn’t really know by looking at them offstage, but Billy Mahonie are one of the greatest live acts in Britain. Hywell who’s surrounded in cigarette smoke has violent convulsions whilst playing his bass, Gav jumps around like a loony (or a man full of illegal substances) and his guitar leads and sometimes body entangles with Hywell’s, Howard has 8 arms and uses all of them to full affect in the LOUD parts of their songs, and Kevin, well Kevin is your average i’msofuckingcool bassist. Oh and the music, well its fuckin grand! Like post rock bands, their songs have a distinctive structure, they’re gentle and soothing for a while, then they melodically build up, and then with without warning, they climax and the guitar trio have wankfests. Though there’s something different here, not too sure exactly what it is, but I know it exists. It could be the sheer volume, well that definitely leaves an impression on both your ear drums! If you see of a man called Billy Mahonie playing at a venue near you, make sure you get your arse along to that gig and see if you can put your finger on that ‘something’.

After much pissing about with strange electrical equipment, 2nd Gen take to stage, he makes an menacing electronic racket for a couple of minutes, the drum ‘n’ bass kicks in, the audience all decide they’re thirsty and retreat to the bar downstairs. We join them.