Zombina and the Skeletones @ Bassment
By Adam CampI would like to start by saying that I wasn't going to do a review for this gig when I went, but in the Bassment they have these new drinks called 'Vodka Mudshakes'. Why would I like to start off by saying this you ask? Try them, they are ace. If people say you're a ponce for drinking them, tell them to fuck off. Slightly expensive at £2.60 a bottle, but very nice. Don't mix with Newky Brown though; just think multi colour mosaic on bathroom floor. Anyhoo, I was stood there watching the last band, with a banana vodka drink in one hand, Newky Brown in the other thinking, 'I have had such a good night tonight, I'm gonna put in a review for it'. So I am, and this is it. And you'll see why I hardly ever do them.
First up tonight were All its Worth. A four piece featuring 3 girls, and an old pal of mine Mr Peter Weeks. These kids have come a long way in the last year or so, and have vastly improved since I last saw them. They have compared themselves to the likes of Placebo and 3 Colours Red in the past, but I don't see anything of the latter. Placebo, I can say they are like. The singer (whose name I can't remember and I am very sorry, hmmm) has quite a distinguished voice. Like that of Mr Molko it's a voice that can carry a tune but has a slight nasal sneer. This is not meant to criticise, almost every note is hit, it sounds ok, but like that of the Placebo front man her voice has its individual features.
Their songs are tight enough, but there are not many chord changes and you sense that each song is structured the same way. There are some stop-start bits, some time changes, and the occasional picking or lead in the guitars, but there is still something lacking. No one seems to have any energy either. I would like to see the drummer punish the kit for having tinsel and glitter on it, and the singer to really feel what she is singing. If you're going to sing a song about heartache or depression, express it. Tell the audience you need a hug. The guitarist Mr Weeks throws and jumps himself about in one song, but is he doing it for show, is it routine or is he really expressing himself? These young uns may be on the verge of splitting up, which is a shame. They're doing alright, work is needed, but it's alright. More variety in their songs is needed, and some more passion in what they're doing. 3/5
The next band I haven't seen in a good two years or so. Eighty Six if I'm right used to be a three chord punk outfit, is that right? Who cares, tonight they are something much different. As a lot of bands at the moment Eighty Six have that Emo edge.
Hmmm, not my cup of tea usually but I like what I heard from them. This three piece gave me rock'n'roll crossed with At The Drive In and ...Trail of the Dead type stuff. Very energetic, very lively. Excellent structure in their songs and the guitar sounded mint. Pounding is a word I will use to describe some aspects of their songs as the drummer bish bash boshed his way around the kit, with the backing of the driving guitar and bass.
The singer guitarist was desperate at one time to get more people to stand to the front, but the only reason I couldn't oblige was well, I was on the strawberry flavoured drink at the time and was blowing bubbles into it with a straw. Plus he called the audience names, and he kept saying 'Shazam', which annoyed me a bit. But a very good band, seems like a nice set of blokes, will have to see them again. 4/5
Next up a strange looking group, with make up and skeleton costumes called Zombina and the Skeletons. When they came on stage and announced themselves it suddenly clicked, that's why they're wearing the costumes. For your information, I was on drink no. 8 at the time. This band are young and full of energy. Mixing it up in a cauldron is ska, punk, pop, and rock'n'roll; think if The Dead Pets had little brothers or sisters, this is them. Believe it or not they did BARBERSHOP! Oh yes, there was a song which was done like that of a Barbershop Quartet. No instruments used, just different rhythm and harmonies in their voices to do a barbershop bit. This band has everything there to make it in the big world of showbiz. I thought if they went on tour with the likes of Busted, Avril Lavigne or some other chart invader, they would be the perfect opener to liven up the kids with their mix of pop punk and barbershop delights. Again, I usually don't like this sort of stuff, but this lot are something different, and have imagination. Me and me little mate Stacey liked 'em so much we bought a CD. Would highly recommend seeing these if ya can. 5/5.
