Electric Six /Grand National

Grand National have something special about them. A certain cocky swagger which shows great belief in their material, and shows that they already believe they are going to conquer the world. This attitude could easily have turned the notoriously fickle Newcastle crowd against them, had the music not been up to scratch, but in that respect, they certainly have nothing to worry about.



Forthcoming single, 'Animal Sounds' goes down well, and on the basis of the material on show, their debut album 'A Drink and a Quick Decision' should be well received. For fans of early years U2, with a bit of Oasis thrown in for good measure, Grand National are not a band who could be called ground breaking, but what they do, they do very well indeed. Safe enough to please the masses, with just enough edge to be alternative, Grand National could certainly be going places this year.

Decked in a regal purple cape, Dick Valentine leads out his band to a 70s disco soundtrack, before launching into 'It's Showtime', the opening track from Electric Six's fourth studio album. It is an upbeat number which immediately gets the crowd dancing. One of the benefits of low ticket sales is that there is room to move, and this gives the show a definite club feel, much to its benefit. The atmosphere is maintained by the follow up, 'Dance Commander', from their criminally underrated second album. Halfway through, Valentine visibly hits his stride, and for the rest of the show, he holds his audience rapt.



The set is, understandably, heavy on material from the new album, with the disco-punk stomp of 'Down At McDonnelzz' standing out in a strong set. The Electric Six sound has certainly become edgier over the years, and this edge has also found its way into the older, usually more laid back material. This is most apparent in 'Synthesizer', which has morphed from a laid back piece, into an electro-pop monster. The new sound certainly suits the band, who seem to revel in the freedom it gives them.

They may have four albums out, but their breakthrough hits are still the ones everyone goes wild for. The instantly recognisable introduction to 'Danger! High Voltage' is greeted with roars of approval, and doesn't disappoint. Unlike some bands who appear to resent churning out early work to please the masses, Electric Six seem to relish it, and the band attack both this, and 'Gay Bar' with venom, giving both an added punk-esque tinge. It is this determination to entertain which sets the band apart from many others.



A band like Electric Six are never going to be ones to pull in the huge crowds. Their reputation as a novelty act means that people will always assume that is all they have in their arsenal, but strip away the pomp, bravado and cabaret, and you find a superb blues based outfit who know how to entertain, and give their crowd a damn good night out.

FUTURE GIGS