unplugged reviews
20
May 2003
::Scarf
::Nine Dogs Deep ::Heihachi ::UHF
Romford Recorder – Friday 23 May 2003
Bands win acoustic acclaim.
Once again the Queen’s Theatre played host to four up-and-coming bands on Tuesday night who unplugged their guitars and put aside their amplifiers for another acoustic gig in the popular Unplugged season.
Three of the bands had appeared at previous Unplugged nights, but the guest band, Nine Dogs Deep, made a special trip down from North London to appear.
First up were UHF, a five-piece band from Brentwood and Hornchurch. They played a mixture of laid-back bluesy numbers and indie rock tunes, in the same vein as Travis and Stereophonics.
Next were the intruigingly-named Heihachi, from Romford. They performed an enchanting set of Radiohead-style mournful melodies and shimmery sounds reminiscent of the early Verve. The drummer was particularly impressive as, in one number, he alternated between drums and saxophone.
Heichachi were followed by guest band, Nine Dogs Deep. They played a highly original set which combined funk, rock, indie and acid jazz. They were in their element when they performed a funky Jamiroquai-style song with fantastic bass and wah wah guitar.
Last up were the headline band, Scarf, from Upminster, who rounded off the night with a mixture of indie-rock, soul and old fashioned rock ‘n’ roll. They proved to be very popular with the crowd who, by the end of the set, were stamping their feet and clapping their hands in time to the music.
Yet again it was another successful Unplugged gig, but one thing stood out in particular – the complete absence of any female musicians.
Due to the success of the season, two new summer dates have been announced on July 2 and August 26. So let’s hope Havering’s girl bands will give the lads a run for their money then!
4
February 2003
::Celeste
::Mulberry Green ::Flipside ::Contraban
Romford Recorder Review – Friday 7 February 2003 (for Unplugged 4 February 2003)
Havering’s young rock bands unplugged their guitars and left their amplifiers at home to perform an acoustic set at the Queen’s Theatre on Tuesday night. This was the first of several Unplugged nights in which local unsigned bands are given the chance to perform new work. The foyer of the theatre was sectioned off and turned into a Bedouin style stage with exotic plants and red drapes.
First up were Contraban, a four-piece indie-rock band reminiscent of British groups Mansun and the Stone Roses. They played a very confident set, bantering with the audience and vying for the attention of the group of female fans in the front row. Their set included an indie-rock cover version of Ms Jackson by Outkast and a very enthusiastic version of The Power of Love by Frankie Goes to Hollywood.
By contrast the next act, Flipside, played a very laid back set which included some of their own material as well as covers of songs by the Stereophonics and David Bowie. This three-piece band also seemed to have a loyal following in the crowd. They appeared to lack the confidence that Contraban had, but performed an impressive set nevertheless, with their indie-rock sound going down very well with the crowd.
Next up were another three-piece band, Mulberry Green, who had travelled down from Harlow for the night. They played all their own material, with a mixture of Jimmy Hendricks style guitar riffs and Stevie Winwood style vocals. They performed a very powerful set for just three men, two guitars and copious amounts of cigarettes! Mulberry Green seemed completely at ease playing an acoustic gig and easily captured the attention of the crowd with their confident, polished sound.
Last up were Celeste, a well-known local group from East London and Essex. Normally a five-piece band, they just had three members on the night. Their dramatic melodies and shimmery guitar sound bore more than a passing resemblance to Suede and Radiohead. Their set mainly consisted of their own material, but also included a stunning David Bowie cover. Celeste put in a very powerful performance which enchanted the audience and made a fitting end to a very laid back and enjoyable evening.
All the bands put on impressive performances, but there was a noticeable lack of female performers. This was the first of several Unplugged nights – here’s hoping that Havering’s girl bands will take to the stage in the future.
