Reviews Archive

Midnight Mango
The Three Crowns
Bridgwater
Saturday Feb 03nd 2001

LEWINSKY
PSYCHADELIASMITH
SQUAD 69

Oh Jesus what a great gig! Instead of being shite all the bands were great and the audience all came in buckets. Squad 69 were like a sort of shouty noise with some tape recording of things going on behind them and there was like a girl singing and getting emotional while some bloke had short hair and glasses and a bit of a beard and played guitar with what must have been some kind of futuristic machine that had lots of other instruments on it as well. One bloke with a kind of anarchic haircut of some 17th century North American origin danced around like a barmpot and the audience cheered really lots because they liked it all.

Psycadelia Smith featured some girl from Radio Bristol cos the presenter of the morning show told me the day before. She had this kind of sooty and Sweep style guitar keyboard thing that made odd farting noises every now and then and you couldn't always see where it was coming from cos, well ,that's the miracle of modern audio mixing techniques. They did what no one in the sixties might have called psychedelia, but what people IN their sixties might find irritating if they found it on a copy of their 'Great throwback Hits of the flower generation' compilation album they'd just bought in West Quay records (the bigger brighter record store!!) for 99p. One of the guitarists kept being a bit weird with occasional beeps and farts and you know that kind of Pink Floydy sort of 'wanky wanky beep fart' noise you get if you play the top end of your guitar through an effects pedal.

Lewinski were probably named after that daft tart that Clinton knobbed but beyond that there was no reference to American politics or presidential genitalia and so I can only assume they weren't a tribute band. They were instead a lot like that Stiff Little Fingers punk band from several years ago who played very very fast guitar based punky type music and came from Ireland. Lewinski probably don't come from Ireland but I'm not sure as I didn't ask them, they didn't tell me or indeed the subject didn't feature in their stage show in any way. When it comes to being a good band these certainly are one and I'd pay good money to see them supporting that 10 year old lad in the Labour Club who thinks he's Elvis or busking in the High Street. If you're not as big a twat you'd probably prefer to see them at another high energy punk gig along with all their other little friends who came along and played for us tonight at what was an extremely memorable night out in anyone's books.

Cllr Wilf Fuckpig

Midnight Mango
The Three Crowns
Bridgwater
Saturday Dec 16th 2000

STUPIDICUS

(N.B. Bikeshed "&" Bort also played this gig.)

The final gig in the Somerset Contemporary Music Group series saw Christmas come early to The Three Crowns. Over 130 people crammed into the small town centre pub to see local upstarts Stupidicus play their own style of rock to their home crowd.

Expectation was high as the boys had already played a storming warm up gig in Taunton ten days earlier. New boy (and confirmed Mr. T fan) Tom had proved he could hold his own on that sweat-fuelled night, but could he do it in his home town?

An unusual start saw the band members take the stage one at a time. Tom (bass), John (drums), Justin (guitar), Ivor (samples and scratches) all joined the tribal jam which culminated with Carl (vocals) desperately fighting his way through the already hyper-active crowd to get to the stage. Once he got there, they were off.

Drawing their influences from as far a field as Snot, Deftones, RATM, Hed(pe) and anything else they can think of, they played a storming ten song set rattling off the first two in quick succession and whipping the crowd into a frenzy of bodies. The next hour is a blur as Stupidicus play probably their finest gig (ever) to probably the largest audience the Three Crowns has ever seen.

Bodies are flying, people are surfing on the ceiling, glasses are being broken and the band have to endure numerous stage invasions; but they dont let up. Old songs Room, Fly and Whispers have a new ferocity and groove while new ones (so new they dont have names!) are sure fire mosh-pit hits. The band get their own back on the stage invaders during one song when they dive into the crowd and scare everyone senseless. This extraordinary behaviour only seems to overheat the already manic masses and the rest of the night it is difficult to tell the band from the crowd.

The evening ends with a rousing rendition of Elbiarro and then they are gone. The band and the sweaty mob know tonight was something special. Cuts and bruises are trophies, headaches and tinnitus are occupational hazards, but the memories of tonight and expectations of the next Stupidicus gig are bigger than ever. A great night by a great band. And Tom? He did bloody great!

Stupidicus play Chambers Taunton on 31 January
Buy the new Stupidicus demo Less Then Everything. 3 tracks £3
Available at RAW shoes, Rooster Records, Martian Records
Go to the official Stupidicus web-site at http://listen.to/stupidicus
E-mail: Stupidicus@fatbassline.co.uk
Check out www.midnightmango.co.uk to see other Sedgemoor bands in action.

JM

Midnight Mango
The Three Crowns
Bridgwater
Saturday Dec 2nd 2000

The PALOMINOS
The VISITORS

Another night at the Three Crowns, another full house. This night however is a little different. Not one, not two but three bands have been forced to pull out of this evenings events. Not only that but the Palominos are stuck in Bristol with no means of transport! (They may get to the venue by 7.00, they might not!) Leads are breaking, equipment is failing and people are starting to come in! Its no wonder everyone is a little stressed.

To cover for the missing bands, Matt and the visitors have to hastily arrange an impromptu performance. Rolling in around 8.30 the Visitors all look a little bemused at the thought of yet another gig at the Three Crowns. By nine they're in full swing. Using their first number as a sound check, the three purveyors of dark folk quickly loosen up and play like they are meant to be here tonight. The equipment gremlins have other ideas as half way through their 40-minute set Brian's bass amp begins to make some interesting (but unintentional) noises. A quick kick in the right direction sees it right. The band play on like true pros and its only when the bass amp gremlins come back AND Matt breaks a string that they decide to call it a night. A good performance under the circumstances.

A quick change of bass amp AND clothes sees new faces the Palominos enter the Three Crowns arena. Dressed in snappy suits and using James Bond entrance music catches the audiences attention immediately. Sounding like a rocked-up seventies lounge band, they attempt to liven up the crowd with originals and covers ranging in style from the Ramones to Mowtown soul. Unfortunately tonight is not their night. Another gig on any other evening and they would have been just what this crowd would have needed, but technical difficulties and the haste of setting up plays an obvious part in their performance. To add insult to injury, they too break a string. (Not only that but we never get to hear that vampire bat joke!)

All in all, an under par night. I hope the Palominos will come back (I know the Visitors will) and give the Three Crowns what they are obviously capable of.

The next Midnight Mango gig at The Three Crowns will be on Saturday December 16th, when Bikeshed and Stupidicus share the stage, ably supported by (the naked!) Bort

For more details see the website www.midnightmango.co.uk.

JM

Midnight Mango
The Three Crowns
Bridgwater
Saturday Nov 18th 2000

PHION
SLIDE
LOU JOHNSON

Whether it was the cold of a November Saturday or the expectation of a great nights entertainment, The Three Crowns was packed solid with the prospect of three great acts. This unimposing venue is fast becoming THE place to be seen and heard for musicians and music fans alike in the Bridgwater area.

Tonight was kicked off in fine style by newcomer Lou Johnson. With little or no break for talking between songs she played a great acoustic set full of heart-rending emotion and melancholy. With a nod in the directions of Alanis Morrisette and Kate Bush (!) Ms. Johnson kept the Three Crowns audience enthralled and entertained for the whole time she was on stage.

Next up were Yeovil three-piece Slide. Another new band to these series of gigs, they played their own style of funk-tinged rock with flair and professionalism, taking only a few songs to win over the audience. As the heat inside the small venue increased so Slide upped the tempo with 45 minutes of creative song writing and imaginative musicianship.

Last act of the night was the mighty Phion. This four piece have been playing Three Crowns gigs for a while now and good news seems to have travelled. Expectation was high as Jay, Si, Lee and Tris took to the stage. As the first note was struck the audience erupted into a sea of flying bodies and the already hot atmosphere became incendiary. Phion played 45 minutes of intense awesome power. (blimey!)

Eleven o'clock came all too soon and everyone had to go home hot, tired and happy, from arguably the best nights entertainment Bridgwater has seen for a long, long time.

The next Midnight Mango gig at The Three Crowns will be on Saturday December 2nd, when Sphere and the Palominos will be appearing.
For more details see the website www.midnightmango.co.uk.

JM

Midnight Mango
The Three Crowns
Bridgwater
Saturday 21st October 2000

BUKOWSKI
HOLLOW
ROB & CRAIG

The 4th in the series of gigs organised by Midnight Mango/Sedgemoor Contemporary Music Group kicked off with the ever popular Rob Perdrix and Craig Barnett. Their acoustic set began with an odd choice of Elvis' Jailhouse Rock, but the set got better and better with Rob's dark tonal voice and Craig's fantastic chords. This culminated with a great cover of "The Iris" from the film City of Angels; Classic!

Next up was a new band to play Bridgwater's only original music venue, Hollow, a three piece from Wellington. These guys were excellent with vocals from all members and did I detect a slight Muse influence in their original set? Hope to see more of them again.

Headlining was Bukowski, the local four piece with their sights set firmly on the big time. They showcased stacks of new material, and are now definitely rockier. The great thing about this band is their ability to pull off their fast guitar numbers as well as to offer more sensitive originals. One punter commented he heard shades of U2.

Once again, all three performances were well received by a responsive audience and well worth the £2 entry fee. Also, it's good to see original music spanning a wide range of age groups who aren't afraid to mix together as everyone is welcome at these Three Crowns Gigs. More information can be found at the midnightmango.co.uk web site.

The next gig is November 4th, and will feature The Visitors/ Moco/ Parkers Barton.

KAG

Midnight Mango
The Three Crowns
Bridgwater
Saturday Oct. 7th 2000

CLAIRE & HER BEAVERS
SQUAD 69
LEWINSKY

I got to the Three Crowns relatively early, and I was surprised at how many people had already arrived. The first band, Claire and Her Beavers, really did leave the audience breathless. The combination of an incredibly talented group of musicians and one of the best mixes in the sound really did help them shine. The three piece, headed by an acoustic guitar playing vocalist who, I presume was Claire, has one of the strongest singing voices I have ever heard.

Next up were Squad 69, who were a contrast in style and line up. They played a collection of electro-punk songs which was quite energetic, although a bit repetitive in places. This was not always the case though because some parts of their set really did stand out. They also kindly donated around 30 of their recordings for the first 30 punters who came through the door tonight, Cheers!

Heading up the evenings proceedings were Lewinksky, a punk rock trio with bags of talent, enthusiasm and catchy songs. This band certainly got the crowd going and the highlight of tonight was half the pub getting involved in a frenzy of jumping and barging and even a bit of crowd surfing at one point, which to me made for another really enjoyable night at The Three Crowns.

JA

Midnight Mango
The Three Crowns
Bridgwater
Saturday Sept. 23rd 2000

BORT
JUDGE JOE YODA

Second in the Autumn 2000 series of gigs at this popular music venue staged by the Sedgemoor Contemporary Music Group, saw two contrasting bands.

Opening the proceedings were a new bunch of guys to the local scene; "Bort", who with buckets of enthusiasm and attitude set the crowd alight.

The musical influences of Green Day and other such American garage type bands were apparent and a great rapport with the crowd was quite pleasing.

Headline spot fell to Judge Joe Yoda who demonstrated a mature approach to gigging. Here they displayed some intelligent interplay between the two guitars and how to give a standard cover, the Beatles Come Together, a stamp of individualism and some great bass playing.
This band are a tight unit and played well even if some of their songs were overly long. By the way, where did the drummer disappear to half way through the set, leaving the rest to demonstrate the tonal range of Rickenbackers!

Once more, another well attended gig approaching 100 fans. These gigs are a must if you are fed up with Tribute Bands, and has to be an indicator to other landlords that Original Music in Bridgwater is also what people want for entertainment.

Next gig is October 6TH, featuring Lewinsky, Bird Squad plus Claire and the Beavers, (cant wait!).

CRH.

Midnight Mango
The Three Crowns
Bridgwater
Saturday 09/09/2000

BIRD BATH
MAGICAL ADVENTURES
PSYCHEDELIA SMITH

Sedgemoor Contemporary Music Groups new season of Three Crowns gigs got off to a fine start with around 80 beautiful people in attendance plus Gordy the Landlord!

First up were Psychedelia Smith making their 2nd appearance in town in as many weeks. Their intro Intro, had the hall marks of Pink Floyd circa 1967 Syd Barrett would have loved it! Matt's lead effects drove the band through an all too short set. With interesting interchange of lead vocals between Tom and Louise, they showed they had the ability to be curiously inventive they even reminded me of Curved Air! Stand-out track was definitely Straight Jacket book em again Matt!

Second up was Magical Adventures Matthew S Hayman. Probably better known as ex Bikeshed drummer Matt now on guitars, here was yet another highly inventive set. Aided by Bikeshed mucker Andy on keyboards and Tom on trombone, Matt demonstrated that maybe drummers are really frustrated frontmen! His music was of a more personal nature, but this also had a 60's feel to it. Was his dad into Soft Machine? Definitely different from anything else in SCMG. Standout track was 4/11/79.

Finally, headliners for this value for money evening was Birdbath. They were the only band to actually rock although no song seem to get above 45 mph all night The lads were in their element with many of their fans in attendance. My only comment was that there didn't appear to be enough tonal colour in their set. Never the less, they were well received.

All in all, a fine kick-off to what looks to be a great Autumn of original music in Bridgey.

The next session on September 23rd features Judge Joe Yoda and Bort so keep supporting these worthy gigs.

CRH

Midnight Mango
The Three Crowns
Bridgwater
20/05/00.

BUKOWSKI
WILSON COMES ALIVE

This week's Sedgemoor Contemporary Music Group's shin dig gig, presented the acts "Wilson Comes Alive" and battle-of-the-bands finalists "Bukowski".

The veteran line up that makes "Wilson" gave the evening a great start With their inimitable finesse they engaged the audience with a professional style that ignited rock into the 21st century. At one point even the doorman joined "Wilson" for a 10 minute impromptu journey to the land that is "Soul's dust".

Headlining with purpose were the Bridgwater band "Bukowski". There mission being the release of their latest CD "The 1965 E.P"

Bukowski showed the crowd how headlining should be done. With aid from serious lights and lasers they moulded their songs with a professionalism that took the crowd by storm. With great use of keyboards, guitar and wicked double kick drumming they left the audience asking for more. Elements of new wave and retro gothic can be heard when listening to this modern band who surely must be on their way up.

Next Week (June 3rd) it's Dexter Brink ""&"" Beeswax

More info on the web site: www.midnightmango.co.uk.

Dom Cable

Midnight Mango
The Three Crowns
Bridgwater
Sat May 6.

The VISITORS
MOCO

And so another seedy evening ensued at the Three Crowns with this unlikely combination: The Visitors ""&"" Moco.

With not a head banging greebo in sight Moco took the stage. This band comprised a subtle combination of two Spanish acoustic guitars, a circling vocalist and a non repentant MC who cut throughout the sound to lend a trip hop influence to the mix. The two guitarist bounced off each other picking lilting tunes, which occasionally burst into funky streaks, meanwhile Hannah, the singer lifted the songs with her intriguing and complex melodies- Awesome!

By some strange inherent sensibility, the Audience stayed almost silent throughout Moco's set, so when the Visitors sloped onto the stage something less respectful was required to match the ten o'clock atmosphere. They didn't disappoint! The guitar's picking and ska-ska off beat chopped apart by Mr Smedley's six string bass and stitched back together by that tight drummer was more than enough to start a few boots tapping. Mr Bartlett and Ms Vernon's depth trawling vocals added to the dark underground experience that is the Three Crowns.

The songs were exclusively taken from the soon-to-be-released new album "Moving Darkly". On leaving the building I heard one head twitching punter mouth "You can't keep a good band down". Far Out!

Next Week (20th) it's Bukowski ""&"" Wilson Comes Alive.
More info on the web site: www.midnightmango.co.uk.

Mark Dark

Richard Huish College
Taunton
14/03/00

ROCK FEST

I was on an outing in Taunton at the start of the week and found there was a rock fest at The Richard Huish College "A Rockfest?" you say, well that's what I'd call it. I arrived for the second evening which saw some great acts

The likes of Spanking Fluffy and Naked Lunch played, with a hard "Taunton Sound",one cover of a Portishead track really stood out. I reckon several other groups played, but I couldn't swear it. I just caught an all bloke band headed by a chap called Dan Brumett, they put on an energetic and professional performance, but I couldn't discern my shows from the parquet flooring ..hmmm.... On last were a band with a real live and funky style.Due to a terrifically enjoyable evening I've managed to forget the bands names right now

The first night saw such performances by solo artist Miss Hooper a.k.a Flap Jack and Psycadeliasmith who probably delivered a kaleidoscopic evenings of music, but then again I wouldn't know, would I?

We're hoping to get more details from the bands of this event and publish them on our web site www.midnightmango.co.uk but then again who knows what's in the ether?

Dominic "Leonne" Cable
& the monkey

Midnight Mango
The Three Crowns
Bridgwater
11/03/00.

HI
The VISITORS
WILSON COMES ALIVE

The Three Crowns once again hosted a night of original, local bands from the Sedgemoor Contemporary Music Group.

Three bands performed "Wilson comes alive" and "Hi" playing as well as Bridgwater's well known international artists, "The Visitors"!, their folk rock filled with acoustic presence and harmony can win just about any audience over and the e(xc)lusive crowd at the three crowns were no exception.

"Wilson comes alive" started the evening, they were well received and found maturity when tackling some quite tricky numbers. Notwithstanding the heckling from the two muppets in the balcony their performance, wasn't compromised.

This week the stage was set for the fans with a seedy glamour, showing another example of the

variety this venue provides. As an example the lighting, for this weeks trio was not as fruity as previous outings. The following act were "The Visitors". A great performance was expected and delivered. As i drank my lager they started a thirst quenching set and ran through the songs like liquid. The crowd enjoyed the performance like the top drink, that was "the Visitors".

The task of finishing off the evening fell to newcomers "Hi" who with an amiable and distinctive quality reproduced "Hi" energy rock with their experimental songs. With the crowd impressed, they lifted another Saturday and finished it off with a bang.

Contact www.midnightmango where you can peruse the local band scene. We are looking forward to seeing you in two weeks time when The Prime and Driaza will be playing.

Dominic "Leonne" Cable

Midnight Mango
The Three Crowns
Bridgwater
26/02/00

STUPIDICUS
DEXTER BRINK
THREE FOLD SCREAM

Bridgwater's, "Three Crowns" was once again the location/venue for the third SCMG gig. The tasteful decor and wall hangings, generally aided the best ambiance and atmosphere so far.

The three bands, in order of appearance, were -Stupidicus, Dexter Brink (battle of the bands heat winners) and Three Fold Scream, all were on the edge of cutting rock. The audience was the largest so far and many would have paid more to see a lot worse.

New comers Stupidicus,a mix of the two bands, started the show radically with an unusual style in costume which really ripped in. Their lively enthusiasm began the theme of the evening.

Then to the Brink came Dexter. With their front line style they gave the performance their fans have come to expect. Moving from original material to reworking classics such as "Prince Charming" by Adam and The Ants.

Last on stage were American style new wave rockers Three Fold Scream , they were crisp, well rehearsed and their smooth style of vocals seemed to be a "crowd pleaser". Personally, for me, they were slightly too down beat when compared with the energy of the acts which were in support. However, their well polished performance kept the people on their toes and finished the evening on a good note.

Slightly more dirt and less over shine would have worked better , but it certainly rounded off yet another top quality night's entertainment at the Three Crowns. More in two weeks with Hi, The Visitors and Wilson Comes Alive.

Dominic "Leonne" Cable