Stoke Newington is not very convienient to reach from West London, and if the gig goes on late it's an awfully long way home on night buses. Going on the car and not having a drink is quite sensible anyway after several convivial nights. Eugene machine are convivial company and it's great to see them again.
In so far as there is a common thread that runs through the bands that I follow, Eugene Machine may not seem to be a band I should like. They are quite electronic and rather funky, and there are quite a lot of them. Their live act is compelling, culminating in a song where everyone seems to be hitting something. And they move a lot which produces manic photos. On top of this they are all friendly and pleasant to chat to before and after the show.
The Pangea project is probably an old shop and whilst not a top venue is quite pleasant with an attempt at lights and reasonably priced Guiness.
After 6 months Eugene Machine seem better than I remember them; I'm not sure whether that's just my memory or whether the new drummer has brought new life to the band (maybe a bit of both).

Another night of dilemmas. Death Cigarettes were supposed to be playing at the Enterprise, presumably it is the same promoter that cancelled last month, or maybe the Enterprise doesn't do music anymore. Although I have seen Death Cigarettes several times lately I am struggling to find them anywhere with sufficient lights. They are not a static band and need quite a lot of light to catch them without motion blur. Anyway they don't play. I still have two other bands in my diary: the Johnsons at the 12 Bar and Eugene Machine. I have only seen Eugene Machine once before and am quite keen to catch them again. Their gig list doesn't offer much choice either. it would be good to see the Johnsons; I don't think they have played in London so much this year. I think there may have been some other bands I'd like to see again who were playing but i didn't write the 'i hearts' at the Purple Turtle in my diary although I want to see them again.
You will have gathered that after much deliberation I ended up at the Cobden Club where Eugene Machine gave a fine performance. In style they remind me of ACR or Cabaret Voltaire. I think they are better live than their CD and myspace suggest; Not that their recordings are bad but I think the tracks there are slightly commercial and smoother. Live they are edgey and (more) exciting. I ran into Daniel Miller Photography who had seen them at the same (Little Fish) gig as me and been equally impressed. He suggests a comparison with Clock DVA, but I although I know the name I'm not familiar with their work.
Having travelled by public transport it was a bit of an adventure to find my way home, but a useful exercise as I am often in this neck of the woods as the Paradise is just around the corner.

Last time I was at the Fly it was an awful venue, not just for us photographers, but for anyone who likes to see bands at their best. I am shocked to find that it has been transformed. They have built a stage and put in lights (and replaced the corner where the bands used to play with a bar. It is a very pleasant surprise.
When Little Fish play I often find it hard to pay proper attention to the the other bands on the bill. But tonight I have been told that The Slow Blade are good and I happen upon the soundcheck of Eugene Machine. I decide to photograph all the bands although I miss some of The Slow Blade to get a drink. The evening has been organised by     to celebrate the launch of their new magazine. They seem to know some good bands. Both Eugene Machine and The Slow Blade are worth checking out - have a look at the pictures and have a listen at their myspaces.
Little Fish have a bit of a nightmare, Juju breaks a string at the end of the second song. She has another guitar that she keeps tuned for 'Closer to You' and 'Party' so they play those songs, then there is a gap whilst the second guitar is re-tunned. Meanwhile Nez's base pedal has broken in some way. Normally if one of them has a problem the other covers whilst the situation is rectified. In this case Nez is still trying to fix his drums whilst Juju retunes, rather than offering us a little drum solo. The crowd shows signs of being invited to a magazine launch rather than a Little Fish gig, but are generally attentive and appreciative. They close the set with Am I Crazy, as is often the case; during the song Juju loses a string on the second guitar. So maybe not their best gig. I chat with photographer Daniel Miller who has come to see The Slow Blade, but is very impressed with Little Fish. I have enjoyed the evenings and all the bands were worth seeing. My Black and White period continues.