Marla @ Open
EP launch from a band to watch.
Happy Coloured Marbles grow in confidence every time I see them. This was an assured set of spunky, punky alt.rock with shades of the classic power trios of the past. The vocals remain a little uncertain but they're coming on. (8/10)
Pete Murdoch is clearly very talented and I feel I should like Birds of Hell but I just don't get what he is doing. Kudos for doing something inventive and different but it is not for me. (6/10)
The Big Alabama are a blues-tinged heavy rock duo. Black Keys is an obvious comparison, with elements of early Sabs or Led Zep. Songs like Suitcase Murphy aren't pleasant enough but formulaic. A bit more individuality would improve things considerably. (5/10)
Tonight is Marla's EP launch and they play to a suitably partisan audience. With dubby bass and a guitar like an angry mosquito, this is influence by post-punk but fronted by what I can only describe as a classic rock voice. The stage presence isn’t great but the songs and playing are strong enough to make them stand out as a band for the future. (8/10)
