Bodixa @ Joseph's Well
By Jake Phillips
Those of us braving the wind and rain on Sunday night were treated to a quality evening of unplugged entertainment as the Well played host to another Naked Bar Guitar evening.
The problem with Naked Bar as a regular event is that, with no vetting of acts, it often falls foul of the 'local man playing Dylan covers' syndrome (and believe me, I've seen that too often at nights like this, and it ain't pretty).
As it was, two of the acts played covers, albeit cleverly chosen and in no way clichéd. The compere also chose to play covers; the first, which from the sound of it *had* to be a Nirvana tune, suited his growly voice, but his later murder of They Might Be Giants' 'Birdhouse In Your Soul' would have been better avoided.
Opening act Amelia And Me comprised of two young ladies, one singing, the other providing gorgeous fingerpicked guitar and backing vocals. Opener 'Something Something' set the pace - pretty tunes, skilful musicianship and clear-as-crystal vocals - and the rest of the set continued along similar lines. Highlights included 'Flip Flop', complete with varying tempos and intricate inter-weaving vocal parts, and the closing 'Glass Maker', a poignant and atmospheric ode to lost love. In amongst the powerful originals are a couple of covers of songs by low-key indie acts, Low and The Walkabouts. Everything flowed beautifully.
As the crowd numbers grew, Mel Newing took to the stage. A solo singer/songwriter, Mel bravely battled against a very bad sound mix (had the soundman gone to the bar?) - for the most part, her vocals could hardly be heard, which is a shame as her take on the traditional folk/acoustic soundscape provided interesting songs and structures.
All of the support acts tonight were new to me, and the Royal Park Orchestra were no exception. A 7-piece band, comprising 2 guitars, bass, percussion, clarinet and violin, provided superb arrangements over which a confident male vocalist sang heartfelt ballads. Occasionally backed up by two very able backing vocalists to create a wonderful 3-way harmony, the overall effect was quite breathtaking.
Star*Bodixa are, the compere notes, one of only a few bands he knows who've actually been signed from the local scene. And while they obviously have quality musicianship in abundance, there was nothing about their set that shouted 'we're world class'. Not to say it wasn't an enjoyable collection of songs, their originals aided and abetted by a rather nice Del Amitri cover, featuring tight-knit harmonies and amazing guitar work. Having never heard them play before, I don't know how they usually come across (I was told they often sound a little heavier when plugged-in). I think if I attend one or two more gigs of theirs, the more subtle songs may make more of an impression. I can see what the buzz is about.
A very enjoyable evening over all, with some new names to keep an eye on, and one bigger name that may one day find its niche.
