The Datsuns @ Cockpit
By Dan Pullinger
The Cribs take the stage to Somewhere In My Heart by sensitive Eighties tunesmiths Aztec Camera, but this soon turns out to be a red herring from a band who clearly want to be identified with a more en vogue music trend. The Cribs are definite Strokes-wannabes, from the top of their now-requisite big fashion hair to the very tips of their retro trainers.
Musically, the three-piece adopt the garage sound of their heroes but, despite several strong numbers, most notably the melodic Baby Don't Sweat and Death To The Dead Boys, The Cribs are clearly in need of a little more time in the practice room. While the fractured nature of their tracks allows for the odd random note from the guitarists, there are one or two too many for comfort. However, the drummer deserves great credit for an excellent, pacy performance throughout, including several stints in which he plays while standing on top of his kit with no noticeable deterioration in quality.
Antipodean men of the moment The Datsuns, meanwhile, don't hide behind an image of cool - they are an AC/DC tribute band and proud of it. Despite the media hype, The Datsuns are nothing new; they produce a frenetic, loud and proud rock 'n' roll performance, but at times their posturing and pouting verges on the Spinal Tap.
Recent single In Love is undoubtedly a catchy, radio-friendly number, while Lady offers an example of the tight guitar playing absent from the support act's set, but too much of the same fare leaves many in the audience feeling distinctly underwhelmed. Lead singer Dolf's banter and guitarist Phil's acrobatic leaps from atop his amp offer a momentary distraction from the axe-wielding histrionics, but ultimately the joke wears a little bit thin.
