This Nokia-sponsored tour features three of the hottest bands on the rock scene; or at least that was what was claimed. Sound Explosion really could not deliver the goods on the night of 27 October. As one person observed, they sounded like they were taking the name of the venue literally and played as if they were in someone's garage.
They lacked songs and soon the audience got bored enough to hit the bar and chat over the din of this rather limp bunch of grungy rockers. The only fleeting highlight was the track 'In the City'. The rythmn section is impressive, but it takes more to convince that the band is more that teenagers suffering from Tourette's with guitars.
The Answer, who recently released an EP, is setting the world alight and about to release a new single, delivered a quality set of their Tesla-esque hard rock groove. As with the last time I saw them at their central London show-case gig, they delivered a tight set of damn good rock. It was a perfect example of how to do a rock show. Of course, the lads last on the bill must be laying down the challenge every night and the Answer have risen to the occasion. The Answer are a new rock power-house heading for glory.
The Tokyo Dragons, who I last saw blow Sheer Heart Attack off an East London stage, have taken their months of touring and become even better. Despite label problems and loads of hassle with their recently released CD, these guys produce a storming set that would challenge the best in the business.
None of the navel-gazing whingeing for this lot - just sheer, straight-ahead country rock, loud and proud. Think Lynyrd Skynrd with a dash of Free and you would be not far off. The Dragons demonstrate what the Black Crowes could have been had they stopped fighting and snorting, then stuck to music.
It is clear that both The Answer and TD are going to be huge sooner or later. So I would recommend that you go see these lads sooner rather than later. You will be kicking yourself when you have to see them in some huge venue.
Some say the climate is not ripe for this sort of band; the public prefering the whinge-fest of Coldplay and their ilk. Considering the packed crowd last night of mostly young punters, I think the time just might be perfect. Well done to Nokia for sponsoring such a bill and hosting free downloads of the band's output.
Rating: 5/5
ed/pub:NB
Article comments