COOL REKZ/GINGCKO CLOUD/OBI DENIM
Soundhouse 5th December 2025
A rare visit to a gig at the Soundhouse tonight... but before i look at the music, a few words about the venue...
I think there are two things we can agree on.. .audience numbers everywhere are not as great as they might be... and tonight, friday... was damn cold and very wet
So... tonights gig was advertised as "doors open 7.30"... the venue changed it to 8.15 without telling anyone or up putting out a notice to that effect... they didnt have the courtesy, or sense, or basic decency to check if anyone was outside queuing to get in out of the cold and rain... there were.. in the process they effectively turned away paying customers and totally pissed off people who were already inside.
The reasons offered for the delay were "we are still soundchecking"... so why was this not done in time to meet the opening time, or at least close to it... and in fact the soundchecking had finished considerably before they finally opened up.. .
Once inside, i have never been into a venue so unwelcoming and lacking in spirit, with lethargic and disinterested seeming staff...
Finally they removed my drink, only half drunk, without checking because i wasn't standing guard over it, had no idea what to do when i challenged him about it and finally offered to replace it, but only after i had (sadly) sworn at him.. i cant imagine i will ever go there again...
So... onto the music...
First up was Obi Denim... i saw him and reviewed him a couple of weeks ago and came away with the same feelings I did then... Obi does what he does incredibly well... but for me i find the electronic backing track somewhat impersonal and the whole thing a tad boring... a talented artist doing his thing incredibly well, but sadly just not to my taste...
After this... Gingko Cloud who i also saw only a couple of weeks ago, and they confirmed their qualities... i really like this band.. . they play with great spirit and energy, put on a great show and are musically excellent... powerful drums, pounding bass and some lovely growly dirty sounding guitar topped off by a larger than life singer with a great rock voice... They appear to have a ball playing... and that communicates
Top of the bill were Cool Rekz, a band i hadnt seen for a while. They themselves would say they are not looking to play the Albert Hall and are by no means perfect but they play because they love it...and give it 100% every time.
This was the first time i'd seen them with the second guitarist, and his inclusion is a good move... it beefs up the sound beautifully and they do rock... sure there were a few mistakes and moments of confusion, but overall this was a thoroughly enjoyable rock performance by a band who always give it their best... and do really entertain... some of the vocals didn't come over as clearly as they could, but no worries... another fine set.
Huge credit to all of the acts for giving it their all despite the disappointing turn-out...
All in all, what should have been a thoroughly enjoyable evening somewhat devalued for me by the venue...
keep music live... keep music real... support your local venues...
No comments:
Post a Comment