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Art
Brut, Rhesus & Sam & Me
100 Club, Oxford Street
15/02/05
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'Relief' is a series of gigs
and events organised to raise money for the Tsunami victims. One of the
movers and shakers behind this is top bloke Jim Rhesus. When he put on a
night featuring both his band and Art Brut how could I not go? Many more
thought the same as the 100 Club sold out during tonight's proceedings. An
excellent effort by everyone concerned. But were the acts up to scratch?
I walked into the 100
club to hear what can only be described as a bedwetters' version of Ralph
McTell . Sam and Me were a semi acoustic duo that made me want to slip in
a coma such was the mundane noises drifting from the stage. I know tonight
is in a good cause and all that but booking a couple of charity cases to
play does nobody any good. I am being overtly harsh and if they ever read
this then just remember I am a c*nt. They are probably top people and they
may go far but where was the spunk? (?)
Rhesus were up next and
they continue to improve, they can now count themselves as one of the best
live bands on the London circuit. New single 'Art Is Dead' is a tour de
force. I may not agree with the title (how can art be dead?) but that
matters not one jot. The band are now tighter than a vice closed by Geoff
Capes. The drummer Arran has started wearing eyeliner last seen by These
Animal Men in 1994. This is a good thing and adds to the debate on whether
he is gay or not. Jim is fantastic frontman but sometimes I wish he
wouldn't scream every lyric as I often can't hear anything he is trying to
say. John Lydon was punk but his diction was spot on. Does it really
matter though? A performance they should be proud of.
I should point out that
the master of ceremonies tonight was XFM DJ John Kennedy. He played a
really good, eclectic mix of stuff but he looks about 12. Not a bad thing
perhaps - I think he should be the next Harry Potter.
Art Brut were
headlining and they entered to a rousing reception. I once thought that
Art Brut would be like other novelty acts before them like 'The Sultans Of
Ping'. I reckoned they wouldn't last the distance and given a year 'Formed
A Band' would enjoy the same status as 'Where's Me Jumper?'. For my sins I
loved the Sultans but the media (I don't count) have a problem with
anything less than serious for a sustained period of time. Well, I've
changed my mind. Art Brut deserve to be taken seriously. Yes, the lyrics
are laced with humour and yes, they are fun to watch on stage BUT this
ignores the fact they are a fantastic band whose songs stand up to
constant listening. The 'joke' never runs thin. And in Eddie Argos they
have Britain's best frontman since Morrissey. He can't sing for toffee
(can he for marshmallows?) but that strangely makes his voice all the more
interesting. I love the way the drummer stands up, I love the fact they
have a good looking female in the band, I like the dark haired guitarists
punk hair. (Speaking of hair Eddie might need to get his cut as he is
starting to resemble a slightly more rotund version of Jim Bob from
Carter). Tonight the whole crowd was moshing and singing along to every
word. Art Brut have arrived and as such they have gained a massive cult
following. Lets hope that is isn't a flash in the pan. We need bands like
Art Brut.
Marc Ollington
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