Thu 14 May – Holy Fuck, It Hugs Back

Holy Fuck Scala Pics

http://www.onthewire.info/Holy%20Fuck%20-%20Scala%20-%202009/slides/holy%20fuck%2014.jpg

It Hugs Back. OK, but very shoegaze. Very 1989. Not unpleasant, but won't be seeking them out to see again.

Another great performance from Holy Fuck, who are gathering some momentum now. Scala was pretty full of young peeps, but at least I didn't get told I was the oldest guy in the building like I did at their Kings College Studentr Union gig…. Hummfff.

A few new tracks in the set and the wig-outs are getting wiggier. Putting some real gusto into more uptempo tracks….…

Sat 16 May – Mechanical Cabaret's Official "Damaged Goods" Album Launch Party

It is over 10 years since I last set foot in the Slimelight.

Things that were great about the night:
1. The doorman. Cool, friendly, chatty and has been there since forever
2. The people coming up who obviously needed to be next door
3. The walls that are still sticky
4. The drink prices. £2 for a Red Stripe. In a club!! More of this please!
5. The bands, or two of them anyway.
6. Cameras. You appear to be allowed to take them now. This was…

Fri 10 Apr – Peaches, Charli XCX

Peaches pics from Royal Festival Hall

http://www.onthewire.info/Peaches%20-%20Royal%20Festival%20Hall%20-%202009/slides/Peaches%20051.jpg

First, a word about the moron in charge of security at the gig. Sort out your policy on photographs, stick to it, and apply it to everybody.

First I was told I couldn't take pics, then when I pointed out I wasn't using a flash after a few minutes I was told that was OK. Then after taking about 10 pics I was told "that was enough". Enough for what you moron? This is despite people all around clearly using their phones to take pictures, and…

Wed 1 Apr – The Fall

Pics here: The Fall Koko Pics 2009

http://www.onthewire.info/The%20Fall%20-%20Koko%20-%202009/slides/TheFall021.jpg

On stage at 10pm, Mark in a wheelchair due to broken hip. Didn't catch the support.

Seemed a little self conscious and kept himself to one side behind an amp for most of the gig, but came out for a bit centre stage, as well as to wheel around and fiddle with everyone's settings.

Acerbic drawl was present and correct.

The Band were pretty tight, and the sound was good rather than great up on the 2nd balcony. Set consisted mainly of recentish tracks, with just…

Sat 28 Mar – Deutsch Amerikanische Freundschaft, Client, SYSTEM:FX, Kommand & Kontrol

DAF - Islington pics

http://www.onthewire.info/DAF%20-%20Islington%202009/slides/DAF%2013.jpg

Support was Client and a couple of the kind of bands that always turn up on Flag promotions dos.

Missed both of them. Saw about 5-6 Client tracks. I've decided the main failing of Client is the vocals. Weak, inconsequential, bland. They'd instantly sound better as an instrumental band.

DAF was live drums and vocals with programmed drums/keys. The syncing of the live/programmed drums was a little off for the first track, but after that they segued perfectly.

Everything was in German, even…

Tue 17 Feb – Late of the Pier, Micachu, Connan Mockasin

Late of the Pier Forum Pics 2009

From the balcony, not great, but there you go…

Sound was good, atmosphere was electric.

Sat 13 Dec – Chromeo, DJ Mehdi

Pics here: Chromeo Empire Pics

Easily my favourite gig of 2008. Band and crowd were amazing.

Rather liked Frankmusik and DJ Mehdi was great between bands. Didn't stay around for his set afterwards though, would have been an anti-climax after Chromeo's amazing set.

Fri 21 Nov – Ladytron, Asobi Seksu

Pics from the gig here: Ladytron Pics

Fri 28 Nov – NME Rock 'N' Roll Riot Tour

A few pics here: Primal Scream Apollo 2008 pics

Fri 26 Sep – Bad Manners

Bad Manners LA2 Pics