Monster Killed By Laser @ Packhorse
By Cathy SimpsonAt gigs in pubs I usually turn up too late to see the first act, sadly today was not one of those days. I pray to god there weren't 505 reject projects before Project 506 was 'perfected', this is just, well, embarrassing.
Project 506 are three men approaching 30 (although from which direction is questionable) who have a collection of songs which all sound the same. Comprising of vocals, bass, synthesisers and drum machine Project 506 look like they've just come from their office jobs in IT.
The less said about this lot the better, they left me wanting half an hour of my life back, and the singer's quip about 'Fast and Furious' being about the bass player in bed left me positively nauseous. Seriously, either cut the 'humour' or hand out puke bags with every ticket.
Fully restoring my faith in music next are Mz Sojourn, an all-girl Leeds 3-piece who play with intelligence, wit, fury and control.
Willowy, flame-haired singer and guitarist Dee knocks you out with the power of her vocals, which move seamlessly between angst, passion and seduction. The set has a rawness to it, the songs aren't yet polished but this gives a feeling of spontaneity and impulsiveness. The songs show both strength and vulnerability, seriousness and humour - the audience are bewitched.
Mz Sojourn are a talented bunch (Dee has won Leeds musician of the year) and unquestionably have many strings to their musical bow, this is made clear halfway through the set when things change from a distinctly PJ Harvey-esque electric vibe to a collection of beautiful, almost theatrical acoustic tracks with bassist Chloe taking on vocals.
I could go on at length about the merits of this band but I think the best thing I can say is go and see them yourself, bring your feminine side and prepare to be impressed.
Last on the bill is Monster Killed By Laser. There is a promising start with what can only be described as punk jazz - think walking bass line with overdrive guitar - odd, but interesting and nice. But there's a problem... the song goes on for ages! Like, really a long time - and can I just clarify at this point that Monster Killed By Laser play instrumental heavy metal.
As the song heads towards the 10-minute mark this is musical wanking at its heaviest; lads, the only ones who are getting anything out of this are you! Ok, there's a demographic in the audience who are really digging this, but eventually even their enthusiasm is on the wane. I'll be honest, whatever is the appeal of this band it is totally lost on me - but hey, I can live with that.
