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And so holiday time comes around again and I get a chance to go home and see a few bands at the Holiest of Toilets, Tunbridge Wells Forum. Jesse James are a band who have got a lot bigger in the past year, releasing an album ("Punk Soul Brothers") on Golf to follow their "Shoes" EP. They have played Tunbridge Wells many a time before, but this time they were being supported by mighty new Southampton talents Howards Alias as well as my mate's band Half Inch Heroes.
Having grumbled a bit to me and Luke about Jesses James in the soundcheck Half Inch Heroes took to the stage and warmed up the crowd with a few new songs. Most of their fans had trooped down from up London way somewhere so they had plenty of support. The new songs sounded alright but they still don't have enough energy to carry a long set. I was happy to see Sharpey wearing a white pressed shirt and jeans, in what could only be a slightly ska parody of Morrissey. Apparently they are recording another EP now to follow the Death by Jammy Dodger EP (last few copies of which can be had for £2.00 at shows). We'll keep you updated on that one.
Next up were Southampton boys Howards Alias. The bassplayer started playing AFI's "Lost Souls" in the warm-up and Luke almost creamed. I think they have all become big AFI fans in the last half a year or so and their sound seems to have consequently taken a darker edge. They played all the classics from "The Chameleon Script" including Doreen, Head-Up and Rob Wants You Dead at a worrying pace. They are heavier and more intense now than ever before (and I believe I have reviewed them once or twice already).
Finally Jesse James ambled onto the stage and an army of fifteen year old girls stormed forward to the front. JJ have a few new songs from the album which they are playing at the moment, they sound a little like Less Than Jake at their more punkier. Burnt By The Sun and Black Sheep Generator were played next, and then... not a lot really. The band seemed to run out of decent music to play and decided that a conversation with the audience would be more interesting. The problem is that while they have got a few catchy numbers like Black Sheep, Shoes, etc. they don't seem to have enough to fill out a full headlining gig and so have started talking for about five minutes between each song. In the lull between banter with the audience someone shouts "Just FUCKING PLAY SOMETHING!" and they realise they're about to get lynched so "Shoes" comes out and more people get down the front. The gig kind of fades rather than ending with a bang, but it still wasn't a bad evening out.
Generally speaking I wasn't too upset since Howards Alias were blinding and worth the money. But I would probably give Jesse James a miss in the future unless they can crank out some more catchy tunes without the chatting. I know it's harsh but it had to be said.
Jamie
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