I am not sure
Caroline was totally comfortable in her PVC outfit, but she looked
great (and from the number of views shared on my Flickr Page that seems to be a shared view)
and more importantly she sounded even better. So glad I did not miss
this act because of the travel as it was one which I really wanted
to see.
I saw Samuel at his
first ever performance at the Beehive in Bow, although if
you did not know this you would not have thought this was the case
given the stage presence and performance with which he performed.
I am glad to say he did not disappoint, and he mixed stage craft
with great music production and sound he performed a number of
tracks including once again his homage to Quentin Tarrentino Cocaine
Cowboy.
Hemmingway
I had previously seen at the Ipswich Free Festival on a glorious
summer's day in the park and were the main act I wanted to see at
the festival. So, the setting was somewhat different, but I have
to say the sound production was much better. As ever it was
another engaging set by CeCe and a superlative performance by
David on guitars.
Photos
[L-R]: Battery Operated Orchestra, Androids In The Mist,
Hands of Industry
I was surprised to see Battery
Operated Orchestra (BOO) on so early, but as ever they gave
a great performance of tracks from their new album Snare as
well as from Radiation. BOO are one of those acts that
captivate me in many ways. Chris is absolutely fascinating to watch
creating music from his table of gadgets, whilst Brigitte puts so
much drama and passion into her performance. Yes, I did buy the new
album at the gig.
This was the
first ever live performance by Androids
in the Mist and hence the first time I have heard any of
their music. It sounded very dynamic and well put together, but
being rather guitar orientated was not my thing, although it did
seem to be for many others in the audience. Hands
of Industry: I am still left wondering how well you can
see the keyboards when wearing sunglasses in a dark room, but
despite this self-inflicted handicap, they did look cool and
sounded very good. Definitely worth a watch.
Photos
[L-R]: Hiltipop, Armada Named Sound, The Rude Awakening
Next up
were Hiltipop a very
energetic synth duo from Sweden. Showing influences from New
Order, Depeche Mode and others in
that genre, I really enjoyed there set and hope to see them
again. One track sounded uncannily like Slipping Again
by Naked Lunch - which, if you
know me, has to be a good thing.
OK, so Armada Named Sound were a fun act,
consisting of Yeva (vocals) Eli (bass) and Spiros (keys and
vocals). They were a real mixed group to look at. Yeva (dressed in
what looked like a sparkly boxer's outfit - complete with black
robe), Spiros looking very cool in stripy trousers, and Eli
looking very smart in a Hussars jacket and carrying a very swanky
bass. That said, the group really seemed to jell and integrate
with each other with a real sense of support, fun and enjoyment
and the music was good to boot. Will try to see these guys again.
By the way, loved the blue lipstick Yeva.
The
Rude Awakening featuring Bridget
Gray - so I thought it unusual to have a Synth
City event without Johnny Normal. Well, I was not let down as
instead we were given a performance of one of Kurt Sinclair's
other alter egos. As ever, there was a very professional
performance by Johnny/Kurt, ably supported by brilliant vocals
from Bridget Gray. I have to say they both look great in their
white suits and black eye makeup.
Photos
[L-R]: Shiny Darkness, Marlow
When
it comes to Shiny Darkness,
it's all about synth pop. They gave a great performance
and I really enjoyed their set. It was impressive seeing
both vocalists Sebastien Deruwez (composer, lead
vocals, keyboards) and Katerina
Pantazi (vocals, keyboards, bass) perform to a
very high standard. Rounding out the band live tonight are
Olivier Jacques (keyboards, backing
vocals, visuals) and Gianluca
Graziano (guitar). Theirs was a terrific set
and they're lovely people to boot.
I have to admit to being a bit of a Robert Marlow
fan boy, having seen in him the 1980's and buying his singles
back in the day. I also went to see him perform at BAS a
few years back. So, this was a new line up with Robert on
vocals and Gary Durant on synths and backing vocals. It was a
great set that included Face of Dorian Gray, You've
Got No Heart and Claudette (a personal favourite)
as well as a brilliant cover of Depeche
Mode's New Life.
So,
overall a brilliant day. Unfortunately it overrun a bit (as
these events sometimes do) despite Kurt's excellent
organisation, but it did mean that a large part of the
audience had to leave to get home before Marlow had
started/finished his set which was a shame for all involved.
Also
got to mention the brilliant DJ sets by Rob
Harvey between the acts.
8/10
Review +
Photos: Mark Smith