White Lemonade Launch Party: The Tony Head Experience / The Tinmen
December 6th 1991
Pentre Legion Club, Pentre, Rhondda
The launch of White Lemonade was celebrated in style with Rhondda band, The Tinmen, walking off with all the honours.
The Tinmen were the first to take to the stage, and more intent on giving the crowd value for money rather than just playing. They blasted out a hugely impressive 40 minute set which included their versions of “Here, there and everywhere” and “Tired of waiting for you.”
The Tony Head Experience had a difficult task of matching the previous act, but battled on courageously. Their performance was cut short due to “tuning problems” but they managed to play most of their “Sleeper” EP and a cover of The Cure’s, “In Between Days”.
The 100 plus people who attended the fizzy fanzine launch party enjoyed the occasion, taking copies of the publication home and The Tinmen to their hearts.
Review by Karl Powell
Teenage Fan Club / Redd Kross
January 26th 1992
Cardiff University
T.F.C. put in the kind of gutsy, solid performance you’d expect to get your average centre-hlaf booked, Gazza in tears and Bryan Robson on the physio’s bench with yet another shoulder injury.
If they had a man of the match display, then the support act, Redd Kross, should have been substituted at least 10 minutes from time, after playing for too long! The Californian band really didn’t impress – too many songs that sounded the same, tedious in-band banter and a very irritating keyboard player. Just not my cup of tea I’m afraid, although, to be fair, they went down well with the majority of the crowd.
Playing for ‘the first time in Wales’ Teenage Fan Club were superb. No play-acting, no posing – just class. They got back to the all-important basics of playing and looking like musicians rather than media products.
They began tonight with the instrumental, “Heavy Metal”, an despite having a few early drum problems, battled on with “Metal Baby”.
The majority of tonight’s set came from last year’s critically acclaimed LP, “Bandwagonesque” , which included recent singles, “Star Sign” and “The Concept”. The encore included all time favourite, “Everything Flows”. Tickets cost a fiver. Bargain.
Review by Karl Powell
My Bloody Valentine
November 30th 1991
Reading University
After 25 years on this earth, of which 13 I have devoted to pop music, I was beginning to wonder if I had hit my listening peak. That moment you give up following trends and stick with the same band, and their albums, for the rest of your life. Let’s face it, most do. Safe, y’see, that’s why there are still punks, hippies and David Bowie fans.
It’s important because My Bloody Valentine have not made an LP for three years. And when they do, it’s pretty much like the last one. That’s sad. I feel obliged to like it. Even sadder.
In between plenty of clones. From the believably over-rated Ride to the “they should have been around three years ago” Slowdive. Trust me, they are good. Cocteau Twins, please step to one side.
So it’s reading, the beginning of the tour, and MBV’s chance to impress me. Can they live with the like of Teenage Fan Club? Are they part of the scene? Or even still setting the scene??
First impressions don’t bode well. Only snatches of vocals from Kev are audible. Nothing from Berlinda, although that’s fair enough, as she’s almost made a career out of that. Most songs are unrecognisable for the first half minute. Now this is worrying and the Valentines know it. Traces of tracks from “Isn’t Anything” seem to be fighting a losing battle with the lengthier, more drawn out “Loveless” numbers. It’s all a bit of a mess. The set is crying out for something from the early days, like “Kiss the eclipse” just to break it up a little.
Thankfully there is a renaissance. At what moment I do not quite remember. Perhaps “Soon” I’m not quite sure. Then it dawns on me. Though playing to the converted, and still dressing the same, and playing awful live, the Valentines are definitely striking a nerve inside me. From wanting the gig to end by the fifteenth minute, I’m actually quite enjoying myself.
Colm’s furious drumming still holds the band together, and I believe they would be lost without him. Kevin steers the ship, pounding along, totally disinterested (or so it appears) and I expect would prefer a night in with his feet up in front of the tele. It’s a tough life being an indie idol.
Debbie, along with Clom, treats the live experience far more seriously than the other two. She still hides her face though her bass work is often the only audible element behind the songs. Berlinda stands there, as usual, looking pretty. And yes, there was a flute player in there on the odd track, but it didn’t make much difference to the noise though.
So the LP might be crap (so maybe I am moving on) but the Valentines still leave me feeling happy. This, in itself, keeps me feeling young at heart.
Review by David Bissmire
* David writes for the England International football fanzine, “The Hand of God”.
White Lemonade Christmas Pyjama Party Thing featuring Complex Animals, The Tinmen, Thich Quang Duc, The Cherry Bakewells, The Gingerbread Men
Friday 27th December
Pentre Legion Club, Rhondda
Stripping off at tonight’s harem of local talent were five bands, eager to please and ready to get everyone’s juices flowing in a thrusting, pulsating, six-hour session of frothing, festive frolics. Billed as a pyjama party, a few of the fanzine’s faithful got their kits out; sporting silk jim-jams, knee-length nightgowns, towelling bath-robes and even an inflatable guitar, erect and dying to be plucked!
First to entertain their guests were Complex Animals from Rhondda. Despite playing their first gig and missing a guitarist, they went down an absolute storm. A memorable version of Half Man Half Biscuit’s vintage cry from the heart, “I hate Nerys Hughes” sounded excellent; as did their final offering, a rockabilly ditty called, “Itchy Scritchy”, which earned them a deserved encore.
Next to offer their services were the ever impressive Tinmen, with an equally impressive light show which highlighted their performance. In a half hour set, Rhondda’s finest played one of their finest, “Jelly Head”. With a few fireworks illuminating the great hall, they also were greatly appreciated by the audience.
They ended with their classic version of The Kinks, “Tired of waiting for you”, and completed yet another superb performance at The Legion. If these were from Manchester their probably be on Factory Records by now.
Talking of people from Palatine,Thich Quang Duc started as a trio, sounding in a mould similar to the Factory favourites, Joy Division / early New Order.
TQD, another Rhondda act, playing their first gig since returning from their ‘freshers’ terms’ at various colleges, ended with old tunes, not heard since August 1991.
I missed the beginning of The Cherry Bakewells as I’d popped over the Chippy. The first thing I noticed on re-entering the hall, was that some of the crowd had left. I’m sure that this had nothing to do with the performance of The ‘Bakewells.
I was told they started off sounding a little like Cud.
The Ginerbreadmen were, on the whole, very good. I remember thinking they sounded like New Fast Automatic Daffodils, as they had really prominent, bouncing bass-lines that sounded the mood of the evening.
Again, I can’t tell you much more about them, apart from the fact that they were from Neath, due to the fact that I was pissed. Sorry!
It was a very satisfying evening, with an orgy of bands and a scantily clad audience thrown in too.
Final score: Rhondda 3 v The Rest 2 (M.O.M. The Tinmen)
Review by Karl Powell.
Spiritualized / God’s Giveaway
Friday 8th November 1991
Polytechnic of Wales, Trefforest
In amidst the genocide of yet another annual, music press, media hype –this time the unfortunate tag of ‘shoe gazing’ – come Spiritualized.
The support act were God’s Giveaway, who last played at The Poly in February with the Milltown Brothers, and looking at things the lead singer was wearing the same polka dot , size 18 blouse he donned way back last winter.
Spiritualized were tipped to be one of the bands of ’91. Whether that was for studio work rather than live performances has yet to be seen.
Their live performance was one dominated by the beams, strobes and projections of swirling, hallucinating colours onto the backdrop behind them.
I can see why they are categorised in the shoe-gazing brigade (RIP) of ’91 – they didn’t exactly incite anyone to stage dive, if you know what I mean.
The best moment of tonight were the singles, “Feel So Sad”, and “Why Don’t You Smile Now?” played in a nonchalant haze – typical of the mood of the evening, nothing breath-taking or vexing, just alright.
What did disappoint me however, was the absence of 1990’s finest 45s, “Anyway that you want me”. There were a few requests for it from those around me, but Jason Fierce & Co. carried on regardless.
Sadly, Spiritualized, as with God’s Giveway, just didn’t move me in any way. I left without either of the bands invoking any emotions. It was simply alright.
Review by Karl Powell.
Steve Andrews & The Megaton Men
Wednesday 21st January 1992
Chapter Bar, Cardiff
Once again our hero, “The Legend”, takes to the Chapter stage.
Technical difficulties with his guitar in no way stop our favourite, psychedelic alchemist from launching into another rocket fuelled performance.
The journey begins with an introduction to an intergalactic spacecraft (believe me, it’s true) which steve is about to use as a microphone. We all sing along to “What shall we do with a drunken sailor?” – you’ve never seen it like this before!
Through the night Steve proves his ability as a very versatile songwriter. From the romanticism of “You always look so fine to me” to the politically aware, “Real Love and Communication”.
Later Steve is joined on stage by three of The Megaton Men. A harder side to Steve is revealed.
The set ends with the rhythmic, rollercoaster ride of “Jungle Love”. The night ends in a typically unusual way with a free raffle!
Some people might accuse Steve of being a sentimental hippy, if only they’d listen, they’d realise that more than most, Steve is able to span the decades, and produce music which is honest, original, creative and relevant today.
There’s only one Steve Andrews on Earth; we’re lucky he’s here in Cardiff. See him soon, you won’t be disappointed.
Review by Bragwynn.
Heavenly/ Another Sunny Day/ Secret Shine
28th February 1992
Jericho Tavern, Oxford
First up were Secret Shine, a band who played Pentre Legion last year. After a bright guitar/vocal opening they went rather downhill to a stodgy, predictable sound.
The second offering, Another Sunny Day, were an improvement, again a rather predictable ‘Sarah’ sound but withsongs strong enough to carry the band through. The anorak, bowl cut and glasses brigade loved them; but too sweet for me.
Finally, we were treated to local anti-heroes, Heavenly -a band popular nationally, but unable to attract 200 on home soil.
They have a harder edge to their sound thanks to guitarist Pete, and the new girl on keyboards. The set consisted of the old and the new, with “Our Love is Heavenly” and “Escort Crash on Marston St.” being the outstanding memories.
However, the encore of “Shallow” put all before in the shade. This song has been described as a ‘song that melts in your mouth’, a statement I can’t find fault with.
Coupled with Amelia Fletcher’s stage presence, the guitarist’s clothes and a few ales, a pleasant evening.
Review by Paul Wigley.
Catherine Wheel
27th February 1992
Oxford Poly
Catherine Wheel are often lumped in with the shoe-gazers. See them live and you think of a mix of Black Sabbath, Joy Division and well, OK, Ride. With a scorching debut album to support, the band are superb. This is fortune, as the support were too poor to find words for!
Rob ‘Bruce’s cousin’ Dickinson leads the band onstage in front of a backdrop that is a montage of their disturbing single sleeves.
They run through the album’s best cuts with the exception of the mesmeric “Flower To Hide”, closing the set with “She’s My Friend”, “I Want To Touch You” and the truly great “Black Metallic”, before returning to please the energentic crowd with a rousing encore of “Shallow”.
Unfortunately, this was the end as the Students’ Union put the house lights on. Their early curfew adding to their annoying practice of not allowing non-students in, unless a guest like me, and then refusing service at the bar. Sort yourselves out like other colleges, such as Cardiff, London, etc, that welcome bands and fans!
Review by Paul Wigley.
Wedding Present
17th February 1992
Jericho Tavern, Oxford
Imagine, in Rhondda terms, Nirvana playing Pentre Legion, Billy Bragg in the Prince backroom, or Madonna in the Parc & Dare. Watching David Gedge & Co in the Tavern is almost along those lines. Around 200 crammed in the upstairs room – tickets sold out in a day.
After a commendable support from Tsetse Fly, the sweaty, huddled and in several cases, pissed crowd wait in anticipation. And after weeks of waiting, perhaps disappointment was inevitable. This was NOT the case tonight. An hour went by in a minute. Songs like, ‘Heather’, and ‘Suck’ from ‘Seamonsters’; singles old and new, and several of the 10 still to come in ’92, with ‘Flying Saucers’, the best of the newies. Add this to a blazing ‘Kennedy’ and a smouldering ‘Bewitched’ and you have a great gig.
Special mention must go to new man, Paul Dorrington for an improved and harder live sound.
Noisy Yanks and scruffy brits may be the fashion at the present, but the Wedding Present can out-thrash the best on this form but lack the cool image.
One to write home about and tell your grandchildren in later years!
Review by Paul Wigley.
Blood Orange / Complex Animals / Nailbombs / Untitled Act.
20th February 1992
Pentre Legion Club, Pentre, Rhondda
The Legion played host to four local bands with varying sounds and styles.
The first to perform were playing their debut gig and sounded very Mary Chain influenced.
Local band Nailbombs were next. Not being a metal fan myself, it would be daft of me to try and review them. What I will say is that they looked the part, sounded confident and received plenty of applause.
Complex Animals were let loose shortly afterwards. Already attracting somewhat of a following, the band played a typically wild and frantic set. Mixed with their own songs were covers of “I Hate Nerys Hughes” and ‘Killing an Arab’.
The final band were Trealaw trio, Blood Orange. On stage around 25 minutes, they sounded good throughout.
The sixty or so people present a real bargain – four bands and all for under two quid. Where were you?
Review by Karl Powell.