Apr 26 2009 11:00 pm, Pic: Bonamy Norman
International Jetsetters, Cat Matador, Long Insiders
O2 Academy,
Call us cynical but nature's timing is impeccable, so when the heavens open with an ominous roll of thunder and flash of lightning minutes before this gig, is this a warning sign?
Whether it’s the inclement weather which has resulted in a lean audience for this strong line-up - the debut of a new Academy night - leaner wallets in economically stringent times or the clash with international football fixtures is anyone's guess.
Once it is apparent numbers won't be swelled by the arrival of greater numbers on Noah's Ark, the visually and musically stylish Long Insiders saunter on later than scheduled to leave an instant impression with their nostalgic concoction of vintage lounge music, spaghetti western, surf-rock and blues influences. Good fortune must be shining on the stylish quartet, who largely escape sound problems plaguing the other acts and radiate a unflinchingly brilliant touch of class.
Captured in a soft red light, singer Sarah Dodd, in high heels and sporting a red feather hairpiece, 'woo wooos' on one number echo like a train horn while the marriage of her Patti Smith-esque wails with guitarist Nick Kenny's deep, guttural tones and razor-sharp guitar riffs reaches heights of perfection on the punchy ‘No Baby No’.
The morose
On paper International Jetsetters – featuring members of former
Their opening number is an impressive instrumental cathartic opus awash with reverb-heavy guitars soaring alongside singer Fi McFall's woozy, understated vocals.
However a bust amp early on and mid-way through the sun-kissed, optimistic ‘California’ cuts her vocals dead and prompts a Blue-Peter-esque salvage operation involving sticky-tape, ultimately casting a cloud over proceedings. As the sound system approaches the sonic equivalent of meltdown, Fi shoots puzzled glances at the mixing desk, helplessly competing against the remaining barrage of noise. Fortunately the rescue operation is a success of sorts and they continue where they left off.
It may be stormy outside but no-one is going to rain on these bands’ parade.
Joby Mullens
