For reasons unknown the basement has started to undergo a revamp, removing the flat ceiling and revealing something a little more churchlike hidden underneath. Such a small room but with now a very high roof. The sound however was pitted. Words were easily lost and with the style of music being played, this wasn't much use. However it was easy to see what The Jaguars had in mind had the world not got it in for them, a splash of The Glitterati and a dash of Funeral for a Friend make for a sound that's very satisfying.
From the moment Crucified Barbara hotfooted onto the stage, the atmosphere altered and given that people had now started to dry off and were one step closer to seeing their headliners it was understandable that the mood was changing. Just a little fact, the percentage of male to female in the crowd was possibly around 60 men to 40 women. Now add four extremely hot rock chicks with instruments, I'm sure you can see where I'm going. Because all eyes were focused, The Barbs got the start they needed and where most girl bands get a hard time before even getting the opportunity to prove themselves it was more a case of trying hard to find something to criticise.
Trying hard not to picture Vixen although the vocals of Mia Coldheart certainly possessed tone and seemingly some training, she was easily able to turn on and off the charm adding equal amounts of grit ala Suzi Quattro. Incredible musicians also, 'Losing the game contained some ferocious riffs which would have Slayer holding onto their balls.
Although returning to Nottingham to perform on the smaller stage they fit comfortably in and delve into a constant barrage of old and new songs, '<'>Dysfunctional Professional' immediately taking a firm grip on the room, choruses chanted like prayer and first song off their self titled new album, 'Fuck Off And Die' is already as much of an anthem as the latter.
Uncomplicated and realistic lyrics alongside infectiously rocking melodies that never tire. Lead guitarist Dregen flails himself and his guitar endlessly like an agitated wasp, dedicated to his performance and always looking as rock and roll as possible, while vocalist Nicke Borg remains flawless, giving a watertight performance.
'Star War' sees the biggest reaction from the audience until Borg hands over vocal control to Dregen for one of their new tracks 'Zoe is a weirdo' and like the big brother allowing his sibling time with a new toy, Dregen's passion is shown on his face and by the end of the song he is clearly over whelmed but its great having the contrast between the two voices and seems to give them and us quite a buzz.
After defiant chants for an encore, the band return almost shyly for a final two songs, leaving the magnificent anthem 'Minus Celsius' until last and it is undoubtedly the moment everyone has been waiting for and this becomes that moment for everyone when you can really feel the music has taken hold and its almost emotional as they exit for the final time. At this point it seems doubtful that The Backyard Babies will ever fail to impress.
article by: Sharron Grainger
published: 09/09/2008 15:31
FUTURE GIGS
sorry, we currently have no gigs listed for this act.