Visa @ Royal Park Cellars
By BellaThe evening kicks off with MOJO PIN, a young band who I have not heard before. I was suitably impressed for a first hearing (normally I prefer to hear bands at least once before I review them); although the vocals were a little soft in parts and definition to the words would be an asset, especially when announcing songs. They started out with an almost "Rhythm and Blues" sound to their rock guitar set. Elements of this were present in several songs, with the twangs, riffs and lots of melodic rhythms spaced thoughtfully. I particularly enjoyed the softer number "Beautiful truth" where the singer laid his guitar over his knees to produce a sound effect that added extra depth and dimension to what could have been the obligatory ballad. It wasn't, I would like to see them do more in this style. Their front man, a tall, thin trendy looking young man, had ample stage presence, moving around the stage and bouncing up and down. I felt they could make more of this if the guitarists joined in a bit, making more eye contact with their audience. I would love to see these guys in a few months, when they have developed the bands stage presence, and worked on the vocal definition.
Manchester's OCEANSIZE perform for us next. I have seen them once before and wasn't too impressed. I wondered if perhaps I had built myself up to expect great things and was therefore disappointed because they were only good. This was my opportunity to find out. The intro has a gentle rolling melody, reminiscent of waves on the seashore, building and gaining momentum, which to my disappointment built into a resounding cacophony of noise. I felt as though they had developed a great build up but just taken it a few steps too far. They have taken the sound effects from electronica influences and mixed it with the heavy guitar noises of a rock/punk/grunge to create their own style. The resulting music was great when they got the mix right, but I feel in places they are trying too hard. There are parts of songs that appear to descend into meaningless riots of sound, also that the same patterns of effects turn up in several songs. Although the songs themselves are different, they appear to be playing the same patterns of underlying bass, fast rhythm with the same tinkling effect incorporated over the top. They have obviously hit on a formula that works for them but a small change of format and song structure would help re establish their individuality, whilst maintaining their overall band sound and style. At the end of the set, I am still undecided if I like them or not, there are bits I love and bits I really can't stand, so the jury is still out on Oceansize.
Aaahhh VISA.... A band I am familiar with, having already got their CD "Wow Signal" and anxiously awaited the Visa produced charity CD, Junction 47 (on sale on the door for £4, also available from Joseph's Well and Jumbo Records. Comprised of a double CD, 18 Leeds bands with all moneys going to St Gemma's and Wheatfields Hospices) Visa opened with "If Angels Had Teeth", a fast paced rock/pop song with a catchy chorus. Most of Visa's songs are done along the same lines, i.e. fast, catchy sing alongs and relatively short. Whilst this might be a criticism, it is also one of the things I love about them. They have superb stage presence and the enjoyment of what they are doing really shows. Its great to watch a band who are having so much fun and producing songs of a quality that makes them very memorable. We were also treated to one of my personal favourites tonight "Ultraviolet". A soft, simple, melody filled start, ripping into an explosive chorus, the perfect blend of fast, slow, simple and smooth. Visa are definitely a band to see if you haven't already or buy the Junction 47 CD and sample them and some of the other great Leeds bands.
