Tag Archives: The Great Escape

Live Review – Charlie Boyer & The Voyeurs @ The Courtyard

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Two of the most authentic examples of the garage rock oeuvre appeared at this year’s Great Escape. Charlie Boyer & The Voyeurs fresh from recording their debut album with Edwyn Collins, and their Californian counterparts, White Fence whose recent collaboration with Ty Seagall (Hair) is a favourite of FEAST’S.  

Charlie Boyer and The Voyeurs are playing in The Courtyard, literally. It’s the space that belongs to music distribution company Republic of Music and is the perfect ‘garage’ setting for them. They look and sound like 60’s greats, The Young Rascals. Their set is fast, loose and raucous and pleasantly a bit more random than the album. There is an edge to them which makes their impact powerful and immediate. I like the fact they just batter the songs out one after another keeping the momentum going, never stopping for langurous and tedious tuning of guitars between every song. Great album, even better live band.

Live Review – Blue Hawaii @ The Old Ship Paganini Ballroom

IMG_1024 Love this proper old ballroom, more suited to Bach recitals but used today by Hype Machine to promote Blue Hawaii amongst others. Best show so far after Young Fathers. Blue Hawaii combine emotional lyrical content,looping vocals and deep Detroit style techno with a European dance aesthetic. Like combining Deepchord with Grimes. Really groovy.
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Live Review – Thumpers @ Komedia Downstairs, The Great Escape

IMG_1024 Sometimes its best to just walk in on a band with no preconceived ideas about what they look or sound like. And so we happened upon Thumpers. Funny how a band can lift your spirits whilst another band can leave you despondent. We approached Komedia with dampened spirits but Thumpers picked us right back up with their tight vibrant groove mixed with catchy five-part harmonies. A brilliant drummer almost navigated each songs path, invigorating and infectious. Great. Komedia Downstairs is a great venue and the best at TGE.