**March 24th - PAMA INT. + Titan System!**

It felt strange seeing only two bands play at the Pitz this week but, this was by no means a bad thing! First up came the mighty Titan System who graced the Pitz with their presence about a month ago.

Playing old favourites such as “Don’t Carry That Burden” and “Dreader than Dread”, there were clearly previous fans in the audience. I’ve always wondered how it must feel to have your audience know the lyrics to your songs...... Hmm, maybe I'll ask that the next time I do an interview.

The thing with the Titan System is their energy. Although a man limited by his keyboard, the vocalist Aram, still manages to work the crowd. The fact that his hair is amazingly cool (by Boots Girl standards) also helps.

Having only just recovered from a broken finger – drummer Adey was back doing what he does best and by the looks of things, having a great time.

And that was exactly what the audience were experiencing as the floor vibrated with crowd members enjoying the show. Playing a 45 minute set is perhaps a daunting thought but the Titan System held the crowd for every single minute with a non-stop music massacre, alternating from the minimalistic reggae to those chunky riff moments that send the bass right through you.

A brilliant crowd warmer – the Titan System played yet again another great gig. In all honesty the atmosphere was more intense the last time they played, and as proof of this – BUY THEIR DVD of their performance playing live at the Pitz in February. (You know, I don’t think that promotion was shameless enough.)
CDs are a quid – the DVD is ONLY £2 – if you were there, see if you can spot yourself!
(Yeah, that oughtta do it)

And moving on Pama International – the genetic result of an orgy between certain members of Madness, The Specials and Pop Will Eat Itself.

Okay, many of us pretend that we’re not shallow and hold no preconceived ideas when it comes to ska-rock music and age. But let’s be honest. Many of us are liars. I have to say, for those Pitz-goers who were new to Pama International, perhaps one of the first thoughts they had when Pama came on stage can be summed up by the first quote I heard:

“Wow, he looks like my dad!”

If my dad could rock out half as well as this, I’d be dead proud. Actually, I lie, I’d probably die of shock – my father is a suit-and-tie Bach fan- but that’s besides the point.

Pama music radiates pure sunshine and underneath all those layers is the ever present lilting ska rhythm that many of us love. And the band clearly share this positive outlook. There was some dancing in the crowd, some dancing on the stage – if there was ever a kind of music to make you want to move your feet – this is it. And I’m talking willingly move your feet – none of this subliminal messaging a la Junior Senior. (*mutter*)
Here’s a thought. Pama International – sounds a bit like an airport really? Think of it this way - when they play, even a place like The Pitz can become a sunny beach in the Caribbean.

A smoky beach. ....In the dark. ....

What got me about their set was the fact that they managed to win over the audience through their music. Their charm is apparent. You can’t help but feel the positive vibes. To the untrained eye they may just be old folk in suits but judging from the appreciation they received at the end of the night, to the rest of us – they are old folk in suits who play darn good music.

In a sentence?

Pama International

– enough eternal sunshine to make even an Emo smile




www.pamainternational.co.uk

www.titansystem.net

TBG x