MUSIC IN MANCHESTER

 A relaxed but not complacent introduction. Drummer & guitarist only, onstage.   Seemingly dawdling doodling, almost as if it's a bit of a warm up. But it isn't. Now there's the harmonica adding to the effect; more and more players - and layers - being added. Then there're in full flow and we are caught in the wake produced by Indigo Jones, and no one is complaining.

It's a simmering cauldron of influences; a bit of blues, possibly some Cajun, tainted with rock'n'rock, that alternatively boils into life then settles down to serene confusion

Dressed in black, full of energy, bouncing around the stage this 4 piece named Obsession try hard to get the crowd on their feet. If effort gained worthy admiration then this lot would be well on their way to success, but something is missing.   Maybe the content needs to be built upon to match the style.

Take a leaf from Tsuji Giri. Improbably meek and mild off stage, but with a guitar strapped on, they explode into vibrant, colorful life with `Air'.  Twisted bodies, fearsome yet gripping noises, this is a fiery display that forces you to take notice, to find out what is going on, to make you want you more.

Ripping the strings from his guitar, slamming it to the stage, Martin Greenwood takes everything in his stride, picking up another guitar and continuing on in his dueling with fellow comrades Danny Saul & Ivan Hall, with Phil Constandine driving them on from behind the drums

Then they finish with a polite, quietly spoken `Cheers' and exit stage left.   PS Martin, Wonky Alice were great on Friday

To the `main event', although no band should be considered better than the other, but tonight is the 100TH gig that Loafer (including a previous reincarnation as Fleece) have put on.   Inspired by -rather than in awe of- the Giri, Julian, Kester & Co rip into their opening 3 numbers at breakneck pace.

Fingers blur across guitars, keyboards and drums as already pacy ditties such as `Lost In Euston' and `Billy Slag' crash from the speakers to sweep up the remnants of anything thing that may have been left in the wake of the other bands.   Putting their (relatively) energetic appearance down to a healthy diet based on daily doses of `Billy Slag', sampling the views of `Sunshine Over Mornington Crescent ' with the occasion detour down Motown lane,   Here's hoping to the next 100 gigs

PS They are still waiting for their telegram from the Queen

Tsuji Giri CD's out now `Dead Ivan Grove' & "Carnivores":

Loafer CD `Lost In Euston'

Indigo Jones 10 inch "Proteusjones" (?)

Most records available in Piccadilly Records 

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