Codify @ The Vine
By Cathy SimpsonWe are apparently in the midst of a near record-breaking heat wave right now, and sat in The Vine it really feels like it. The heat in this dirty little Headrow pub is uncomfortable to say the least, which makes it difficult to venture in to view the bands on tonight. It seems the tropical temperature has got to the heads of the organisers of tonight's shindig as they have apparently put the bands on in utterly the wrong order. The best act of the evening are openers The Black Helicopters who are done and dusted before the primitive hour of 9pm.
Despite the excessive warmth and regardless of a stage the size of a mattress, the band rock with the zeal of an over-heated Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, and come the end of the set the guitarist even manages a Greenwood-esque heavy, yet capable assault of his Gibson on bended knee. They are received warmly by a small, but enthusiastic crowd and are the best thing on offer tonight.
They are followed by Laura Audio. The band look and sound like a sixth form effort, and fail to inspire anything more spirited than a head nod. They are clearly keen however, and cheerfully plug their CD on sale tonight. I'm sure their very recent school reports would say they're eager and enthusiastic, but must try harder if they're to keep up with the big kids.
The final act of the evening, Codify, are a competent, close act touted as 'emotive instrumentalist indie from Wakefield' (actually, the flyer says 'Wakey' but I'm far too old to be using that kind of trendy jive talk.). They are good, but their lack of any vocals can at times become tedious especially compared to the energy and rock charisma of The Black Helicopters earlier. All in all they seem a bit uninspiring. The night has been well supported and those in the know rightly turned up early to get the most out of their £3.
