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Reviews Archive

 

Midnight Mango
The Palace, Bridgwater
Thursday 08 March 2007

Capdown

By Ben Williams BBC
Photo Promo Release
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Click on the Picture above to read Helen's Hundred Reasons review

Midnight Mango
The Palace, Bridgwater
Thursday 25 January 2007

Neville Staple's Specials

ByJohn Higgins BBC
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Click on the Picture above to read Helen's Hundred Reasons review

Midnight Mango
The Palace, Bridgwater
Thursday 16 November 2006

The Beat

By Helen Otter BBC
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Midnight Mango
The Palace, Bridgwater
Wednesday 9 August 2006

The Damned

By Johnny Higgins BBC
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Midnight Mango Productions
The Palace
Bridgwater
Thu 8th June 2006

Hundred Reasons

By Helen Otter BBC
Photo Promo Release
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Midnight Mango Productions
The Bridgwater Palace
Bridgwater
Thu 20 April 2006

Hayseed Dixie

By Jon Higgins BBC
Photo Promo Release
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Midnight Mango Productions
The Bridgwater Palace
Bridgwater
Thu 30th March 2006

The Answer

By Dan Thomas BBC
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Midnight Mango Productions
The Bridgwater Arts Centre
Bridgwater
Thu 06th Oct 2005

Seth Lakeman

By Helen Otter BBC
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Midnight Mango Productions & Advance Promotions
The Palace Theatre
Bridgwater
Sat 10th Sep 2005

Super Furry Animals

By Helen Otter BBC
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Click on the Picture above to read Helen's SFA review

Midnight Mango Productions & Advance Promotions
The Palace Theatre
Bridgwater
Sat 10th Sep 2005

Super Furry Animals

By Toby Featherstone
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Midnight Mango Productions
The Palace Theatre
Bridgwater
Thu 20th Jan 2005

Howards Alias

By Pete Lewis
Photo Promo Release
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HOWARDS Alias pulled out all the stops last week to put on a first class show in front of an up for it following at the Palace in Bridgwater
I was really impressed, unlike many Howards Alias are a totally original act.
The old cliché, "All the songs sound the same" did not apply to this lot.
It was great to see them play an inventive set of tunes and not just noise filled speedy numbers like so many.
This was the first gig of of the New Year organised by Matt Bartlett's Midnight Mango
Despite a lively start, the band were unfazed by some people that were escorted out the back door early on.
This would of upset many performers but they showed their class by playing a mixture of tracks that lifted everyone up to a positive vibe.
I thought the trombone cum trumpet solos from Nick Horne on the funky numbers proved a real winner, a definite asset to their sound.
They played a tight set and did not shy from performing a huge range of stuff like dub based ska beats only to throw in a more frenetic fast paced thrashy blast with loads of chord changes to keep the Midnight Mango kids on their toes.
A big cheer from the crowd and cries for more at the end of the night made me think these guys should be going places.
Despite a shaky start Alias main-man, Matt Reynolds thanked Bridgwater for giving them a warm welcome after three years on the road.
Lets hope we see them again soon.
Support came from Rides The Bus and local act, Someday.

Pete Lewis 2005

Midnight Mango
The Bridgwater Arts centre
Bridgwater
Fri 10th Oct 2004

The Subways

By Pete Lewis
Photo Promo Release
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Hot property, the Subways rocked Bridgwater Arts Centre last Friday and thrilled the crowd with their own blend of lively punk rock tunes.
The three piece made up of Mary-Charolotte and brothers Billy and Josh Morgan went down a storm with everyone who packed round the stage ready for some Friday night fun.
As soon as they came on people started to jump about, their raw no messing sound can only be described as awsome for a band so young, and if they had any nerves you could not tell.
In true rock and rock style Mary-Charottle did not seem to bat an eye lid as song after song youngsters invaded the stage hurling themselves back out into the crowd.
The debut single, "One am" simply sounded stunning, as did Rock and "Roll Queen" and "Oh Yeah ".
After, what seemed like a short set everyone clapped and cheered for an encore but the house lights came on and that was it.
The band first shot to fame earlier in the year playing the Other Stage at Glastonbury and since June went on to play Reading Festival which found them amongst the White Stripes, The Libertines, Franz Ferdinand and Green Day to name but a few.
One Am was released last Monday, October 11, they have won many admires including John Peel and played live on Radio One.
Their combination of raw talent, energy onstage and ear for a cracking tune cannot leave them far behind the likes of bigger bands The Libertines and Razorlight.
It was also great to see a wealth of local talent in the form of Televise Anti-Fiction, Cog Five and Tiger Force do such a good job supporting, it proves how healthy the local music scene is.
Hats off to the Sedgemoor Contemparay Music Group and Brett Pracownik for pulling off such as magnificent scoop and lets hope we see them in Bridgwater again.

Pete Lewis 2004

Midnight Mango Productions
The Palace Theatre
Bridgwater
Thu 24th Jun 2004

Scissor Sisters

By Alyson Stoodley
Photos by Alyson
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NEW York ultra-cool quintet the Scissor Sisters cheered up a sell-out crowd at Bridgwater's Palace nightclub following England's ousting from Euro 2004. Bellowing "Hello Bridgwater" I suspect the delicious Ana Matronic won't be repeating that phrase again as I predict big things for these guys who filled the dance floor with their unique style of 70s and 80s funk-based rock 'n' roll. A real coup for Matt Bartlett's Midnight Mango Productions, the Scissor Sisters performed for more than an hour in a warm-up Glastonbury gig. Belting out their hit Laura the dance floor was crammed with Sister fans of all ages, some dressed the part in their 70s retro trilbies, others more rock-like and even a touch of the indie era. The Sisters did not disappoint, performing a lively set fronted by the tattooed femme fatale Ana Matronic and the ever energetic Jake Shears - who cut a dash with the ladies and gents - they belted out all songs on their debut album including hits singles Take Your Mama and the Pink Floyd song Comfortably Numb. Their next single to be released in the UK, the ballad-like Mary, was sung with style and panache. Both Ana and dapper front-man Jake formed a great rapport with the audience and treated us to a number of wise-cracking anecdotes. Music-wise the band were on form, the ultra cool Babydaddy on guitar and bassist Del Marquis guitar were complemented by drummer Paddy Boom. Face-pulling Jake got down and boogied like a trouper, appearing bare-chested and almost trouserless after a couple of songs. His 'pants' were literally tied onto him with string. He whipped the audience into a frenzy with his amazing puppet-like moves and to say the Sisters put on a good show does not do their set justice. These glammed-up, camped-up guys really are so hip, it hurts. End. For more photos by Alyson click here.

Alyson Stoodley 2004

Czech Tour April 2003

By Chris Tulley
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Wednesday 16th April 2003

The annual Bridgwater rock tour rolled into our twin town of Uherske Hradiste, and following a civic reception held in the tour's honour, the bands repaid the tribute by producing the best gig of the tour.

The venue was the Mir club for the nights musical kick ass mayhem and man did the bands kick some ass!!!!

First up were SHOOTER , who slammed into top gear right from the first opening riff, setting the standard for the whole gig. Playing their unique brand of super fast hard core melodic punk, Dean, Adam, and Luke, sped through their set like a beemer on the autobahn, and by the time they had completed their set, they had left the packed crowd in no doubt about what Bridgwater rock was all about! somewhat dazed but certainly not confused!!!!

Next up were CIVIAN and their heavy melodic metal, by this time the crowd were out their seats, out the bar, and having it large!!!! Dave and the crew smashed their way through their set. Civian are surely destined for a future so bright you have just gotta break out the raybans!!!

Tom and his GUNSTAR HEROES possibly drew the short straw in terms of their slot on the night, as by the time they eased their way into their progressive rock metal, the crowd was in need of oxygen and refreshment !!!. So despite playing their best set of the tour so far, they endured the general comings and goings which afflict all bands in these situations, as people sought the excellent buffet kindly provided by the civic leaders, and guzzled large quantities of lager! Still by the end of their set the crowd had swelled in appreciation of a well played set.

So to METHOD OWN, who raised the level and the roof with their own style and mixture of original and cover material, by the time they launched into Californication, and Rob had ripped his shirt off, the crowd were slammin around like a barn door in a storm!! the band were tighter than a ducks proverbial, and it was a performance to be savoured and a fitting end to an outstanding gig from all the Bridgwater bands, one they can all truly be proud off.

Headliners for the night were the Czech band SLIPPERS OF MOSS, it was difficult to gauge what their songs were about lyrically as they were not surprisingly sung in Czech! but as their set progressed they sort of emerged as Siouxsie and banshees versus the Cranberries, and the girl singer certainly did her best to look the part of Siouxsie!!!!!!
The band were fairly tight but perhaps a degree of nerves was showing following the blazing sets which had preceded them, but to be fair by the middle these had diminished and the crowd responded, with the Bridgwater contingent making their presence felt on the dance floor!!!!!

Overall, for me, this was the best gig of the tour, all the bands were at their best, the crowd was good and interacted well, we got free nosh, the beer was cheap, and it was in our twin town!!!!! Shame the Mayor didn't get the chance to have a jam on his sax to a nice blues number, but you cant have it all i guess!!! This gig very nearly did though!!!!!

Reviewed by CT

THE VISITORS

Post Industrial Dark

(Midnight Mango)

By Helen Rossiter
Visiit Helen's Web Site
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There is a dark little bar where I used to spend a lot of time. Pouring over a vodka and lemonade and contemplating. My friend Olly would DJ on quiet rainy nights, a set he calls 'Klimpt Kuts'. The first time I heard this record I pictured it being mixed comfortably into the evening, nestling along side Nick Cave, PJ Harvey, The Smiths and Leonard Cohen, in a box of tatty classic records. With his sleek swept- back hair, eyeliner and slashed t-shirt informing us that Jesus loves us, I'm sure Olly would love this one. Post Industrial Dark would quietly take its place around this moody, dreamlike table.

Here in Eden, introduces a shadowy yet funky atmosphere, telling a curious tale which echoes around bongos to create an erotic feel to the song. It's almost as if we are being encouraged to imagine things that we shouldn't

The album seems to set out to tell a collection of mysterious stories. It's melodic and very folk like in places, with tracks like The Sands of Morocco, and Deep is the Water.

Yet I had trouble deciding how to listen to it I felt like it needed solitude and concentration. Other tracks like Post Industrial Dark Folk definitely lean more towards a kind of electric post punk. Mixed with other romantic/electrica bands that I don't know enough to comment on. It strikes me as the strongest song on the album, reminding me distinctly of new model army. It has an alternative feel like a protest song, yet it's commenting on life and not war

"and though I reach out my arms
and hold your broken hands in mine,
and though I take these simple words,
stitch them up and make them mine"

It is a journey through experiences we have, with songs that manage to retain a certain cynicism connected to post industrial surroundings. I picture grey buildings and smoke.each song appears to be raw, genuine and provocative in one way or another.
Matt Bartlett's vocals are poetic, demonstrating in my opinion a mind that recognises the importance of meaningful lyricsI wonder what each song is about, as the deep vocals continue to be somewhat thick and drift like.

" I live in the Sleaze, suffer the tease,
Take the unease all in my stride,
Like I was strong, like I was young,
Like I could swim up through the tide."

There is no Hollywood glamour, no images of picture postcard love affairs and idealistic living, none of that crap that can never appeal to us there is no mimicking of the latest reproduction of modern rock. The Visitors are living and creating what is real to them. Folk narratives of modern life is one interpretation. But it is all dependent on what you choose to make from your music... and what you take from it. It's not a happy album but then again I don't think Its meant to be. I listened to it one way and liked it... you may listen to it another and form your own opinion

Post Industrial Dark is available from www.midnightmango.co.uk or West Quay Records, Bridgwater. Full length & £5.

*************
CD in MM Shop
*************

Helen Rossiter 2003

 

DF Productions
The Palace Theatre
Bridgwater
Tue 21st Jan 2003

RAGING SPEEDHORN

By Helen Rossiter
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The Bizarre venue of The Palace in Bridgwater was host to the first big metal gig to hit this area. With its humorously tacky interior and stage it welcomed a band who have been described as " gruesome, thrashing, gnarly, thumping, heavy black metal" ­ Raging Speedhorn.

For the 6 members from Northamptonshire, this was the third date in their January tour, and the only venue to be visited in the West Country other than Plymouth. This is not to say that Speedhorn and their supporting acts 'One Pity' and 'Johnny Truant' were particularly pleased to be playing this location, managing to give out numerous insults and spelling Bridgwater with a 'e' in all the publicity material.

One Pity looked like nice people, as they took to the stage to a fair crowd who were scattered around the area bellow in anticipation. Another Nu-metal band who accompanied their music by adopting a cocky couldn't give a shit attitude which ruined their appeal. Disappointing echoes of System of a Down warmed up the atmosphere to a low heat for what was to come.

Johnny Truant looked like they were having an identity crisis. The lead singer, sporting Vernon Kay styles, screamed at this fellow band members from Brighton in a way that didn't seem to be 'jam packed with grove and melody' as described on their website.

Once Raging Speedhorn appeared, I began to consider that maybe it wasn't such a good idea for a girl like me, a guitar player and self confessed feminist to be reviewing such an event. I wouldn't have been there if I didn't like Metal, however, Speedhorn's performance confirmed that I don't do Heavy Metal where the growling makes any lyrics or melody indistinguishable. I wasn't into the music alone, but what really bothered me was the sad machoism that dominated their performance.

They graced the stage like they had godly status. The lead singer Frank, who resembled a body builder, proceeded to demand that girls 'get their titties out' and dance in the podium cages that featured in this tasteful venue. The sickening performance continued as he flexed his sweating muscles and howled down the mic.

During and after the show, it seemed that Speedhorn were trying to re-enact parts of the film 'Rock Star', which (despite a comical performance by Mark Walberg pretending to be a rock star) depicts the classic rock n roll lifestyle of groupies, sex and drugs.

Their debut album titled ' We will be dead tomorrow' was released in August Last Year, leaving me not much time to decide whether their aggression was genuine, or whether they thought that smashing up someone's phone and swearing at the audience made them more authentic as 'Heavy Metal'. The set made the walls of The Palace shake, the songs blended into each other without recognition. Oh dear.

Hopefully, this was first of many more large acts to come to Bridgwater, but maybe Speedhorn and their attitude will miss out our vicinity next time they are going down the M5.

Helen Rossiter 2003

DF Productions
The Palace Theatre
Bridgwater
Tue 21st Jan 2003

RAGING SPEEDHORN

By Rory Stamp

TWO hulking vocalists sneer at each other to the sound of a relentless, deafening rumble.

One climbs a lighting rig and barks down at his partner in crime like one of Tolkien's dark riders re-enacting some horrific version of Romeo and Juliet. This is the sound, smell and sight of Raging Speedhorn, the biggest smash up the metal arse of the UK heavy rock scene since Ozzy first screamed to a Black Sabbath power chord.

For like the fearsome foursome from Ashton, Brum, the Speedhorn owe their frustrated, rhythmic sound to their working class roots in an industrial sprawl. Corby, the birthplace of Raging Speedhorn, is mainly made up of Scots after hundreds of workers made their way South of the border to Northamptonshire to find work in the factories.

And while lead guitarist Gareth Smith does not owe his style to a nasty work accident - as with Sabbath strummer Tony Iommi who was de-fingertipped shortly before going on his first tour with Ozzy and Co - he says the working class roots of the band is certainly behind the unique sound.

Relaxing with a beer following an intimately astonishing gig in Bridgwater, he cheerfully takes time out to reveal the real Speedhorn.

"Corby is 80 percent Scottish and most of the band has Scottish roots. For a working class person, to go to uni is very hard and the only other option is to work in a factory, or, as with us, be in a band. It is about taking out the frustrations," says Gareth. But when it comes to subject matter it's not all about trouble at t'mill ­ girlies are of course the source of many a Speedhorn lyric. But they do it in their own special way folks.

"The lyric subject matter is all from Corby. The first album was about ex-girlfriends. "Frank's split with his girlfriend affected everyone in the band and we nearly split up over that a few times ourselves."

Ah yes ­ Frank. The powerhouse of a lead singer, who is, as we speak, singing the theme from Thundercats.

"Frank is a big pussycat really," says Gareth, rather aptly, "all the time we get people saying they cannot believe how normal we are. We are just playing guitar relatively badly."

Be nice to yourself son ­ at least you keep in time, which is more than some of your New Rock Revolution colleagues seem to manage. What do the Corby lads think of the likes of the Libertines ­ and (deep breath) Nu-metal?

"There are so many English bands trying to get on the wave of Nu-metal, while stuff like the Libertines has all been done before. "We are hoping to change the face of the music ­ there is not much of a British scene.

"I was more into the American punk scene ­ The New York Dolls, The Ramones. The English scene doesn't do it for me."

Fair enough. So the lads will be busy providing something different for the young breed of metal fans who put 'A' in the same plastic rubbish bin as Kylie ­ different right down to their pre-gig preparations

"We were at the Ozzfest ready to play in front of 45,000 people and were standing arguing about which chip shop in Corby had the best chips and the best salt shaker.

"The roadie couldn't believe it, but that's us ­ no bullshit."

Rory Stamp 2003

Hidden Motive Productions
The Three Crowns
Bridgwater
Saturday & Sunday 11th & 12th Feb 2003

PEACE AND PUNK IN BRIDGWATER

By Helen Rossiter
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THE smell was sweet as I entered the damp alleyway. The exterior of this venue serves well for the purpose of tonight. It's dark, it's not glossy, and it's not commercial. It's Bridgwater's answer to the underground. This weekend The Three Crowns was host to two nights of original bands, to raise money for the antiwar charity 'Food Not Bombs'.

11 hours and several drinks later saw performances by 12 punk/rock/metal
bands including (amongst my favourites), Grebo, Idle Tuesday, Mr Miagi and Shooter, building up to a highly charged finale on Sunday by Bristol's mind-blowing punk rockers Five Knuckle.

There was an unconventional feel about everything, something over the years this little hideaway has seemed to developed on it's own. The bands, of varying ages and experience seemed comfortable with each other, in my view sharing original ethics within music that seemed to be matched by their passion and political intent. More than one reference was made about George Bush being the people's best friend (ha) relating directly to agenda of 'Food Not Bombs'.

It may be my inexperience, but on an occasion like this it becomes hard to offer comment on 12 bands that have varying yet similar influences and intentions. I thought it best to give some highlightsapologies to those I didn't have time to mention.


Andy Fiction provided a good start to Saturday, still at humble stages of performance I could only think that Harsh would be proud as another lot take on the challenge of creating a successful three piece. Shortly proceeded by Idle Tuesday who on a good point reminded me of early Pennywize, whilst at times made me fear I was in danger of being subjected to the Blood Hound Gang Koala Attack, complete with matching shirts, declared them selves as being 'not really a deep band'. Any hints of teen-angst within their music may have left them a while ago. Comedy was the point instead. An energetic set that was highlighted by dancing and education to the fact that 'girls wank' yes they do. Thanks for that. Hacksaw was not really my cup of tea over a can of beer. I'm sure it's just down to personal preference, but I am of the opinion that rock in the name of comedy only works in few circumstances. Although with come kind of Tenacious appeal, which I do fully understand, Hasksaw managed to get a room full of people laughing. A singing drummer and guitarist managed to take the piss out any easy targets (including myself) but were funnily enough well loved.

Mr Miagi however left me truly impressed. Thank god bands with many members aren't just of the (so) solid kind which I hate. These guys, including a trumpet, brought a unique mixture of sublime meets old incubus together, the vocals were powerful and melodic creating an emotive sound that climaxed with thick and funky instrumentals, although they seemed somewhat reluctant to show their faces. The Setbacks required some attention mid way through Sunday night. Fast and Thrash like, they seemed to have taken a Greenday influence and grown with it in a progressive and original way. Missing out the production of a predicable sound like Blink, and giving them a free ticket to go on top of pops and stamp on the likes of 'busted'. The kind of music you'd put on the way for a surf, poignant solos over incredibly thick and catching riffs. A group of 20 something's who base their songs on incidents involving relationships, too much beer and other things that were bound to connect with such an audience. Of Grebo- I liked their music as much as the name, so did all the fans in the audience. Taking back words for purposes of empowerment is important, as is a confident front man whose vocals and stage presence preceded his years.
Shooter have got to be the fastest breed of punk that Iv heard for a long time, deserving much recognition and credit for staying alive through such an energetic set of fast and furious vocals which left even the audience gasping for breath.

The Three Crowns is a hidden place of youth and talent, no debating.
If you're into heels and disco it's not the place to be. A venue whose walls seemed to reflect the contents this weekend. Raw and tatty, this place has triumphed with no dress code and no expectations of covers and manufacture, unlike the rest of Bridgwater. With broken ashtrays and roll-ups, the sharing of instruments and political beliefs whoever said punk rock was dead should turn off the TV, go to The Three Crowns, and bring a coat (and some toilet paper.)

Gig listings for The Three Crowns and other venues can be found at www.midnightmango.co.uk

This was the third event organised by Hidden Motive Promotions, who work with 'bands that have got something to say and that can convey music with energy. Existing by punk ideas of DIY, they are a non-profit collective of young musicians who recognise the relationship that the underground music scene and has with expression of discontent with mainstream ideals. I asked Dean Of Hidden Promotions (also of Shooter) about Food Not Bombs and how punk and peace was working out in Bridgwater.

Q So tell me about Food Not Bombs?

'Food not bombs' originally it was an American based charity which now has divisions all over the globe. It's a pro-peace charity that believes rather than the government spending the majority of it's money stock piling an arsenal of weapons that legally they cant even use, that they should be putting it towards regeneration in communities and actually stop the war and support those who need it. It's sort of ethical expenditure of moneyThey are a pressure group who organise marches.

Q What do you think about the relationship between music and politics? How does it come into this sort of event?

The whole hardcore scene, fundamentally before it was exploited is about showing people that disagree with how the mainstream works and the mainstream music industry, that they don't need the mainstream music industry to survive, they can create their own thing, where there's a real DIY ethic where people can come together.

With regards to the politics, I think people break away from the mainstream because they are discontent about the way that things are run. The major music industry really has very firm capitalist ideologies, with promotion and things. People are fed up and want an alternative, and a lot of them find hardcore and they really fit into it.

Q How do you see this working in a place like Bridgwater?

When we first started coming here about two and a half years ago, we didn't have any idea that there was even a local music scene. It was about then that a lot of younger people started coming along to the shows to see what the fuss was about. I think everyone has a great time and there is no hassle whatsoever.

The Bridgwater scene it's self is quite fresh. My new band have played Bristol quite a bit, it's very difficult to get a show there, unless the promoters can pull a lot of people they tend not to put risky bands on, so It's hard to get a booking.

Bridgwater is like a virgin scene, people haven't discovered the corruption side yet, so no one's tried to exploit it. The longer it can stay like that the better.

Q Have you got any plans to put on any similar events in the future?

Yeah definitely, I'd like to make it a more regular thing. I'd like to put on bigger bands. The dual purpose of this weekend was to raise money for Food not Bombs and also to be able to put on lots of bands, which would normally demand more money but because it's for charity, can play for cheaper. Therefore exposing lots of new bands to a scene that doesn't get to see that many new bands come through.

In the future I'd like to put on some slightly bigger bands, such as Red Lights Flash, from Austria, and also bands from further a field such as Leeds and London.
Email: hidden_motive@hotmail.com
Web: www.shooter.musicpage.com
Or see www.foodnotbombs.net

(Helen would like to say sorry to Dean and the guy from Grebo, whose pictures appeared in weekender magazine along side my review of Raging Speedhorn. I'm sure by the description I gave of Speedhorn no one would have actually thought I was talking about you.)

Helen Rossiter 2003

 

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