Dirty Dozen 2014 - Congleton - White Lion 21st June 2014
A very svelte-looking RP
Alex Aspin / The Carvettis /Andy Falato / The Eyres / Giro Junkie / Phil Maddocks / Animal Arcade / Into Treason / Oli Ng
The Dirty Dozen Festival, at Ye Olde White Lion, here in sunny Congleton, is now in its' fifth year. At first glance, this year's lineup did not look as strong as previous ones, then again, there were a lot of new acts that I hadn't come across before so, that may explain that. I quickly realised that part of the appeal of DD is that it focuses on bringing you young, new, local talent, as well as some of those artists that are the mainstay of the music scene in these parts. It's a risky venture to put on gigs in Congleton, especially in these fraught economic times so, credit to Robin Pierce and Rick Wilson for their hard work.
The Dirty Dozen Festival, at Ye Olde White Lion, here in sunny Congleton, is now in its' fifth year. At first glance, this year's lineup did not look as strong as previous ones, then again, there were a lot of new acts that I hadn't come across before so, that may explain that. I quickly realised that part of the appeal of DD is that it focuses on bringing you young, new, local talent, as well as some of those artists that are the mainstay of the music scene in these parts. It's a risky venture to put on gigs in Congleton, especially in these fraught economic times so, credit to Robin Pierce and Rick Wilson for their hard work.
You ain't seen me! Right?
The acts were split between two stages: one inside for the Acoustic artists, one outside, for all of the noisy people. My one criticism is that there was no running order posted around the venue. That said, the scheduling was spot on and there was no need to miss a second of anyone you wanted to see. Well done for that, chaps.
Of the acoustic artists, they are all familiar to me and I have reviewed most of them before. It struck me that, as the day progressed, each of the acoustic artists had been distinctly different in style, yet I had enjoyed all of them and, in some way, they had all improved since the last time I saw them.
Outdoors, the bands were all treated to a good half hour set, a nice sounding PA and, for once, nice, warm weather. I was going to stay as long as I could but, It had been a long and busy week for me and my camera battery was being decidedly flaky. We'd have to see how long I and the camera battery would last.
Of the acoustic artists, they are all familiar to me and I have reviewed most of them before. It struck me that, as the day progressed, each of the acoustic artists had been distinctly different in style, yet I had enjoyed all of them and, in some way, they had all improved since the last time I saw them.
Outdoors, the bands were all treated to a good half hour set, a nice sounding PA and, for once, nice, warm weather. I was going to stay as long as I could but, It had been a long and busy week for me and my camera battery was being decidedly flaky. We'd have to see how long I and the camera battery would last.
Alex Aspin
Alex Aspin, I have followed since the first time I saw him play.
He has improved immeasurably in the last twelve months. A very talented songwriter, whose songs deal with some pretty tricky issues, he has a distinctive style and delivery that makes him stand out.
He is a fantastic talent for the future and I hope to see him on stage at Glastonbury before too long.
He has improved immeasurably in the last twelve months. A very talented songwriter, whose songs deal with some pretty tricky issues, he has a distinctive style and delivery that makes him stand out.
He is a fantastic talent for the future and I hope to see him on stage at Glastonbury before too long.
The Carvettis
The Carvettis, I knew nothing about but they won me over quickly and I really enjoyed their set. I will keep an eye on them and see how they progress.
Andy Falato
Andy Falato, I saw last year. I described his set as 'enjoyable'. Wow! MarkfuckingTwain, ain't I? This year, I found his set really, really enjoyable. What I loved most was his unbelievable intensity. He, too, has improved greatly since last year. I was a little concerned that he was going to pop a thrombie, mind you, and the veins in his neck would explode showering us all in arterial spray but, I loved his performance.
The Eyres
The Eyres are one of the best of the young, local acts. I thought they were good when I asked them to play at Parklive, last year, but they are much sharper now and seem to be a lot tighter as a four-piece. The combination of Oli Ng and Jordan Cope (not to detract from the extremely good rhythm section) is very strong and as a quartet, they deliver a very powerful performance that takes some beating. These boys should go far.
Giro Junkie
Now, I was speaking to Philo Maddog before Giro Junkie's (Rich Bloor) set and we discussed my review from last year. It seems I had given the impression that I didn't much care for this chap. I agree, my review is a little, er, ambiguous. Well, if I'm honest, it's just poor writing. I failed to make my point or, for that matter, any point. I was trying to be funny but, I'm not the scribe I like to think I am, and the piece was poor. So, to 2014. As last year, I did enjoy Giro Junkie. I thought his lyrics were outstanding and the songs extremely poignant but, and this was the point I really failed to make, if you had experienced the situations that his songs evoke, you KNOW what he's talking about. I have and the songs spoke to me directly. I love Rich's passion and the emotion with which he performs. And, he's a bloody nice guy, too. Well worth checking out!
Philo Maddog
Phil Maddocks. Nah, don't like him, he's rubbish... OK, so, if you've read anything I've written in the last four or five years, you know I don't mean that. I think this chap is one of Congleton's finest. I love his scruffy harmonica style of playing and his songs are top notch. I can't recommend him highly enough. Shame that slacker Nick Bayes couldn't be bothered to get out of bed and accompany him though...
Animal Arcade
What can I say about Animal Arcade? This was the first time I'd seen the whole band and, I thought they were damn good. Yeah, you know there's a big but coming... Here's the thing, after one song, Jake blew his amp up. The next song, he broke a string. Then, he spent the rest of the set trying to tune his guitar, which was being wilfully disobedient. It was all pretty shambolic, really. The rest of the band tried to fill in but, it was never going to be a perfect performance. It would be unfair to draw a conclusion based on this outing. They show definite promise and I know all of these young lads and this was not representative of what they CAN do. Their set was fun but memorable for all the wrong reasons. Keep at it!
Into Treason
Into Treason, I was eager to see. I love prog rock. I love power trios and this ticked all of the boxes. That, and a certain octopus in the bathtub on the drums. You either like this stuff or, you don't. If you are in the latter group, leave now and never make eye contact with me, ever again. I won't bother to describe their sound. If you like this style of power prog, you'll love Into Treason. By far the nicest surprise of the day and I loved every minute of their set. Highly Recommended (and I know whereof I speak!)
Oli Ng
Oli Ng, I had already caught with The Eyres, earlier on. Surely you don't need me to elucidate further? Oh, very well. He has everything he needs to make it in the business, of that there can be little doubt and I will not be drawn into an argument. I am right, you are wrong. End of. He is focused, determined, has immense support from his family, and an outstanding talent to write and perform his songs. He should be bound for big things ahead. Yet, the music biz is a fickle mistress and talent is no guarantee of success. He continues to improve each time I see him and, I expect to hear, one day soon, that he has been signed.
Apologies to Shaun and The Special Sauce; my camera battery died. First time I'd managed to catch this particular act. BRILLIANT! 10/10 Bloody loved it. Gutted that the camera died though...
Four random wasters...
And, yet another Dirty Dozen was (for me) done and dusted. Long may it continue!
Mark L. Potts
The God of Thunder
June 29th 2014
Mark L. Potts
The God of Thunder
June 29th 2014