15th August: Little Red Pillows @ Virgin Megastore

Like caged animals in their 4 metre enclosure, Little Red Pillows were playing in a very different environment, outside Virgin Megastores on Tuesday.

Playing in association with the local council and the Milton Keynes Scouts, the Pillows were raising money for one of their latest fundraising ventures - building a new shower block and shelters amongst the MK network. With all their CD’s sold at £2 that day, £1 from every copy went towards the Scouts Association.

I could hear clear RHCP influences amongst the riffs used though with their Hendrix style solos and Zuton-esque rhythms, the LRPs have managed to find themselves some good ground between classic rock, modern indie – with a bit of funk thrown in.

Guitarist Dave provided some really great, melodic solos giving the vocalist a well deserved break from his constantly energetic performance. (He wouldn’t stand still long enough for me to get a photo in!) They even brought in a guest vocalist from the crowd for their anthemic performance of “Funky Monkey”.

EZ’s energy is what makes him an ideal frontman and complete with that charismatic, LRP charm, he kept the crowd entertained. Speaking to some excitable girls during a moving rendition of “Open Eyes”, the general consensus was a positive one. Many of the fans had decided to turn up after seeing LRP at The Pitz in their Band Blitz heat last week.

For a young band playing such a low-profile gig, there was quite an acceptable turn out. Perhaps this was helped by the fact that it took place just outside “Treemo Central” but with no stage and none of the usual stage effects that the LRP have previously played with, they still managed to put on a great show.


http://myspace.com/littleredpillows


TBGx

22nd July - Six.Point.Five, Son Of A Gun, WOBD, Four Requiems

The young people of Milton Keynes came out in force on Saturday night for the “Schools Out For The Summer” concert at The Pitz.
Almost an hour before the doors opened, there were already crowds waiting outside. Tonight’s gig marked the return of headliners Six.Point.Five who hadn’t played The Pitz since February – a long wait for some of their younger fans who were unable to get to their gigs outside of Milton Keynes.

The first band up was Four Requiems Etched who have gigged with the well known MK band - Fell Silent. I hadn’t seen or heard FRE before but the music was pretty decent -the lead vocalist, when he chose to sing, actually had quite a nice voice!
A particular song that stood out in my mind was “Touch The Sky” in which they had most of the audience singing with them, even if this was the first time hearing it. I felt that for the first band on, Four Requiems didn’t do too badly – they provoked a mini mosh about 5 minutes in and there were quite a few fans singing along in the front row.


Weapons of Brass Destruction hail from Weymouth and are pure ska fun. This seven piece band, complete with trombone, had amazing stage presence. Much of the credit should go to the charismatic front man Rob who managed to hold it all together with some entertaining banter with the audience in between songs. (And also modelling one of the new Six.Point.Five t-shirts).
With acoustic moments amongst the frenzied set, the audience were kept entertained through out. I am actually loving “Ant VS The World” – check it out on their site. If you like the Adequate7, you’ll love these guys who play some highly charged music with catchy tunes and more than a splash of melody.


As a relatively young band from MK, Son Of A Gun have progressed amazingly quickly and after watching their performance this evening, it’s not hard to see why. With their soaring riffs and solid rock anthems, their pure rock sound brings a very welcome breath of fresh air.
Performing with a guest vocalist, there were some excellent dual harmonies and you know how much I love harmonies!
If I had to give a vocal match, I think that lead singer Jason has a slight Brandon Boyd (of Incubus) sound and, like Boyd, I think Jason seems to have won over the ladies as TBG overheard a crowd of girls squealing about his … other talents.

Returning to their hometown for yet another action-packed and lively performance, the Six.Point.Five set consisted mainly of more recent songs as well as a few new ones for the crowd that evening. However, there were some fantastic responses to the opener, the classic Boom-Digga-Digga.
By now, the heat onstage had reached unbearable temperatures and there was a brief pause for a water break. Being the caring lot that they are, they didn’t forget the audience – throwing water onto the crowd. Thanks lads..
Having had a huge storm a few hours before, I suppose tonight was relatively cool compared to previous nights – but still, there was considerably less crowdsurfing than former Six.Point.Five gigs.
However, like always, the time passed far too quickly and it was soon time for the last song – the encore chant having started before Six.Point.Five had even left the stage! On hearing that infamous intro of Hassle – the crowd went wild. I can’t think of a better song to have ended the night.

Personally, I’m amazed that all the bands managed to keep it together in the heat though, in a way, I’m also very grateful for this heat as it led to many a topless musician on stage..... I LOVE SUMMER GIGS.

TBG x

http://www.myspace.com/sixpointfive
http://www.myspace.com/sonofagun666
http://www.myspace.com/wobd
http://www.myspace.com/fourrequiemsetcheduk

17th June- Capdown, Krakajak, Boom in the Diamon Industry

We can see that from the repeat sell-out of their double-gig extravaganza, Capdown don’t play The Pitz often enough. Having had to wait 11months between the last two gigs, it was a great surprise to hear that they were returning for a June gig, much earlier than expected.

Playing a good mix of emo vs pop punk, Krakajak were great openers for the gig. They ably managed the hefty task of getting the crowd going at 8pm and led by their charismatic frontman, Rob, they played an energetic set to a highly receptive audience.
As much as their stage performance seemed unbeatable, TBG thinks that their music deserves a mention too. I think Krakajak have managed to find the balance between emo and pop without the risk of sounding “too emo!” as many bands have been accused of these days.

Boom In the Diamond Industry - Very Franz feel. This is a marching band – if there was any band that would make you want to move your feet – this is probably one of them. I danced. I got weird looks. I stopped.

Playing a wicked mix of old AND new, the Capdown lads started their set to tremendous applause. Hailing from MK themselves, Capdown are literally, at home playing on stage and their experience really shows through their performance. With strong support from the rest of the band, Jake provided powerful vocals throughout the show and together, they showed no signs of tiring. The crowd welcomed classics like Headstrong and Act Your Rage and my personal favourite song - Bitches and Nike Shoes- came towards the end of the set, with the crowd joining in.
Ending on Ska Wars – possibly one of our all-time favourites, the end of the set saw the crowd skanking, crowdsurfing, dancing, jumping – basically moving in any shape or form and having a great time. That’s the mark of a good band.

http://www.myspace.com/capdown
http://www.myspace.com/boominthediamondindustry
http://www.myspace.com/krakajakuk

TBG x

31st March *ADEQUATE 7, 3dBs Down, Presumed On Vacation*

The long awaited arrivals of the Welsh Renegades of Funk were finally upon us. Playing the Pitz this month last year, the Adequate7 returned to a play a more-than-adequate gig (Not-so-adequate Wit #1) with some great supports from P.O.V and 3dbs Down.

The first band up, Presumed On Vacation, played The Pitz to a great reception last time. Their catchy tunes and ska-infused riffs showed exactly why. Being one of the first female-fronted bands I’ve seen since Straight Curve, it wasn’t bad at all for a band that’s been together for barely a year now. Couldn’t really hear the vocals clearly enough, but I think that could have also been down to a bit of level adjustment.

As a group, the POV clan work well together with one of their songs completely dedicated to their bassist Kenny. I think they’ve yet to hit their prime but this gig is definitely one to add to their fast increasing experience of the live circuit which very few people their age can say they have.

3dBs DOWN are a group of four lads hailing from Kent. With not one, not two, but THREE vocalists – they play a frenzied selection of punk meets pure rock with a touch of ska and American influence for good measure. The harmonies are evident in their tunes and the 3dBs lads kept the crowd interested with some great switches between delicate melodic intervals and heavy riffs.

With three vocalists in the mix, the fact that they can ALL sing well makes for some amazing effects and the result is an explosive set that keeps you on your toes. Playing several songs from their latest release, “Can Of Worms” (available from www.ontheroadrecords.com) rumour has it that 3dBS DOWN are coming back to the Pitz in July with Captain Everything and SonicBoom6.... Watch this space.

And finally we came to the headliners. Okay, when trying to think of a suitable comparison for the Seven, all I have (and all you lot could come up with!) are the Magnificent Seven, the Seven Dwarves and the Seven days of the week. Give me something to work with here!

Let’s put it this way – if lead vocalist Jamie Smoooth was a day of the week – he’d be the Friday – his lyrics and vocals are so well thought out, like the last methodical hours of your day’s work, yet he has the energy and passion of a Friday night. Billy Death on bass is the Thursday – it doesn’t automatically stand out like a Friday or a Monday – but if it was gone, things sure wouldn’t be right.
In fact, all seven of the posse play their own crucial part in getting that definitive Ad7 sound.

Extended metaphors aside, the Adequate7 possess this amazing ability to keep the audience watching the stage. Playing old favourites such as “Gotta Stay Focused” and “Protest Beat” certainly helped spur audience participation and the atmosphere was - electric. Boring is never a word to be uttered about an Adequate7 show and you can tell that the Collective love performing just as much as we love watching them. And of course – they just HAD to play “Splitting Up” – the song that Zane Lowe himself declared his 'Hottest Record In The World'.
The time went by so quickly, before we knew it, we were down to the last song. “Hands up for this song?” All hands in the air. “Hands for that one?” All hands in the air “Hands up for no one cares?!” All hands again.

It seems that these lads can do no wrong and I for one am definitely looking forward to their second album, due for release later this year….

www.myspace.com/presumedonvacationmk
www.myspace.com/3dbsdown
www.myspace.com/adequateseven

TBG x

**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

Feb 4th - 2ft High, Titan System + SIX.POINT.FIVE

In their first headliner in months Six.Point.Five return to the Pitz. And what a return it was!
When TheBootsGirl got there, she was surprised to find no one inside the foyer. This led to serious flashbacks of a previous Pitz gig in which the audience consisted of about 30 people – but no, Six.Point.Five surely can shift more sales than that?

My question was answered when I spied a group of shrieking girls running to the loo (you know we leave in packs) exclaiming "Oh my god, have you SEEN how many people are in there?"


Question answered.
But who was attracting so many people inside so early? This I had to see…

Formed in 2004, 2ft High are self-described as "an MK-based ska/punk band (or any other genre you wanna shove us in)" – Having heard a great deal about this band I was not surprised to see a large fan base already there.
I have to say, TheBootsGirl was impressed. They managed to work the crowd – with the first slot, this a feat that many bands can't quite manage. Not only were they about 5 years younger than the bands that followed them, they proved that you don't need to be veterans of the gig scene to put on a damn good show. If anything, they looked a little scared and lost to start with, but (and they'll hate me for saying this), this cute factor just gave another dimension to their appeal. (Of course this will prove to be useful when acquiring groupies)

I sense big things for this band – personally I feel by winning over the crowd, they've already mastered the hard part.
Check out their newly designed website at 2fthigh.co.uk

The next band were phenomenal. Introducing The Titan System – first of all, I have to say - I LOVE HIS HAIR. Those of you who know the System will know exactly what I mean. My my, what can I say – the Titan System really blew me away. Having heard only about three of their songs before, their tunes were surprisingly easy to pick up and unbelieeevably catchy – I was singing, "Don't carry that burden, on ya shoulda" for the next few days. Since their last Pitz gig in August, they've played Madcap many times with their fan base ever growing. And it's evident why.
With heavy lilting melodies, the System have the ability to move the whole room with a feeling that only certain songs bring. Picture the one song that totally immerses you – and times that by ten.
Now that's the Titan appeal.

Collaborating with the only other band that share this ability to make their music so good, it's sexual – February 4th brought us a once, never seen before, collaboration between the Titans and the Six.Point.Five horn section. It's not often you see bands of this calibre jamming together – we need more, the look on Alto Sax, Rob's face as he played his sax solo shows it all. And the crowd loved it!
Conclusion? I LOVE THE TITAN SYSTEM.

Six.Point.Five – brilliantly introduced with the use of balls and blue lights. With the perfect fairground music in the background, it set the atmosphere from the start. Usually, Six.Point.Five gigs are full of some surprises but this was absolutely insane. The crowd loved it, as well as their new, and rather professional looking banner...

With the aid of a Campino covered Ivan and Freddy (of 2ft High)– Campinos on Ice was well received by fans of the older SPF material – though the number of sweets I stood on showed that not all of us are fans of Campinos… (let's be honest, they are pretty manky)
Now there has been a bit of debate over new Six.Point.Five material versus old Six.Point.Five material. Playing songs from both releases, as well as previously unheard and yet to be recorded material – i think it's safe to say that the lads managed to keep everyone happy.
I’ve seen “Boom Digga Digga” performed about a MILLION times (* may or may not be true) but I have to say, the atmosphere this evening was so intense, it made this particular performance one of best yet.
Six.Point.Five are now definite Pitz veterans and their experience shows. Take the ever common error of a “technical difficulty” - Max's guitar died half way. Ready for any situation , quote a Six.Point.Fiver- "Right everyone, we'll be playing you the next song if Max can TUNE HIS GUITAR FASTER"
Ewan, now a fully instated member of the band seemed to have his own separate fan club, though his girlfriend had no objections seeing that they consisted of mainly blokes.

Choosing Hassle as a finisher was a perfect choice seeing that it was made in the transition between “old” and “new” and it was in this moment that the crowd completely went for it. People being thrown in the air, circle pits being formed, 4 people going over the barrier at once – it was mayhem! But wherever you were, you were enjoying yourself. (Yes, I was on the floor, but it was GREAT.)

Great is exactly the word for it. Everytime Six.Point.Five play, they bring a great crowd and put on a great show.

This was definitely no exception.

TBG

December16th: CAPDOWN, Graveltrap, Desperate Cycle. DRUM n BASS DJ's

My my my, what a night. Following the LEGENDARY two-nighter they played in January, Capdown return to MK with Drum n Bass DJ's in tow. Okay, you know my layout by now – comment on the band, comment on the audience, comment on something crotch-related alongside a quirky quote or two. But just to stop my reviews becoming TOO predictable, let’s try something new today. 15 minutes of the first things that come into my head it is then! (Apparently the timed one’s are the best?)

Here’s IMO statement #1- The Capdown crowd brings the fitties. And the first quote that TheBootsGirl (Queen of Eavesdropping) heard?– “A notably fine audience for a notably fine band.”
And what a fine band they are too. Coming straight from the streets of MK, who’d have thought the UK’s “biggest underground band” would go on to support bands such as Less Than Jake and Hundred Reasons AROUND THE WORLD – and then come right back to The Pitz – twice in one year.
We should feel honoured.

You know, I wasn’t even sure that anything could top January’s performance but I was proved wrong. And of course part of that was down to the great bands that played with them. Supported by local lads Desperate Cycle as well as the infamous Graveltrap, this truly was an MK night.

It seems Desperate Cycle have always received mixed reviews. As strong standouts from this years Band Blitz, I still maintain that they put on a decent show. It was clear that there were many close fans in the audience this time round and as ever, the songs were entertaining in their own loud and proud way. It’s always harder playing the first set as usually the audience is busy getting “in the mood” by the bar or, if they’re me – just plain late. However, the lads in Desperate Cycle, usually used to playing the prized last set, probably wouldn’t have noticed much of a difference as this gig sold out within weeeeks. Still, everytime I see them , they just get better so I say kudos to them.
(Actually talking of tickets, TheBootsGirl heard someone paid £40 for their ticket)

*DRUM N BASS INT-T-TERMISSION*

Graveltrap- another of MK’s finest. Amongst the sound, the clear and catchy melody shines out and I know this is so clichéd but it is simply infectious. Mostly self-defined as punk, I think Graveltrap have a strong advantage in the fact that they can appeal to the heavier rock fans among you as well as branching a bit into Ska. I would carry on talking about their amazing and lively set but if I did I would be LYING. Not because it wasn’t because having seen them play before, I can honestly say they are one of the most energetic and rip-roaringly intense bands to play on the Pitz stage, but because I actually didn’t manage to see all of it. (I was backstage talking to some band by the name of Capdown… meh)

Another Drum n Bass interval. I have to say, for me, the drum n bass has always been a highlight. Usually, I’d think that many people at a Pitz gig wouldn’t be into that sort of music, and especially wouldn’t dance to it, or show any sign of positive physical enjoyment (damn emo’s). However, it’s when the music plays and there’s just a throng of people filling the room, all dancing to this one sound they all hear. Now that’s the kind of atmosphere that makes a gig a great one. It’s when everyone forgets about their “labels” that they just lose themselves in the music. And that’s what it’s all about.

TheBootsGirl diverging away from the topic at hand. PREDICTABLE.
BACK TO THE REVIEW. Time for the headliners. Playing old favourites like “MV4” and "Cousin Cleotis", Capdown even had the new listeners chanting their approval. And that’s the mark of a good band. I think it’s fair to say that it’s easy for many bands these days to bring their own supporting audience with them. It’s a lot harder to convert those you don’t know into fans but this performance was definitely a converter – like 100 Jehovah’s Witness knocking on your door. Favourite song of the night? “Bitches and Nike Shoes” – it went down well eliciting one of the biggest surges of crowd surfing all night. Got kicked in the head again but GOOD NEWS! TheBootsGirl suffered no horrific events with anyone’s crotch this time. Again, a word of recognition to the Pitz crew – I saw a guy being caught with his face centimetres from the edge of the stage.

All in all, a great night from the mighty Capdown who showed exactly the reason why they’re a band that someone will pay over 8 times the ticket price to see them.

5/5

Desperate Cycle- www.myspace.com/desperatecycle
Graveltrap- http://www.graveltrap.org.uk/
Capdown – www.capdown.net