Date: December 9th 2006

This is set to be a great show, with a bill as lauded as it is. The Grates – we’ll refrain from making any ‘great’ jokes – provide childish exuberance and amusement. If anyone can warm up a chilly crowd, it’s Patience Hodgson, and she does a marvellous job. ‘Howl’ and ’19-20-20′ make quite an impression, and it may be the crowd interaction that’s putting a look of awe and fear of being singled out on peoples’ faces. ‘Rock Boys’ wouldn’t be what it is without Patience climbing down in to a tightly formed circle on the floor, twirling her ribbon like a pro – she calls it “making love on the dance floor” and who are we to disagree?!

Oxford Collapse provide more on the comedy front, looking like a laid-back, local garage band. At least we know for a fact that they’re local. The entertainment continues. ‘Please Visit Your National Parks’ is an upbeat track with softer backing, and the whole set is evenly split between dancier tunes and low-key strumming. They look like they’re just having fun and aren’t too fussed about looking polished. Many a jab is aimed at their new pals We Are Scientists (new album to be called ‘Obvious Shit…’ or not) and there’s a stir when the band in question makes a guest appearance or two.

(more…)