I had planned on a complicated evening, starting at the Old Blue Last to see Death Cigarettes. Fortunately I decided to watch the Manchester United match on Santana, so was still at home when Death Cigarettes announced a last minute cancellation (due to sickness I think). So everything became less rushed. Tonight I had a number of excellent bands to choose from including Eugene Machine in Brighton and Fresh Legs in Southampton; but I was drawn to the ‘No one Died’ night at the Enterprise as this promoter not only puts on good bands (some of whom I already know) but has also been generous enough to put me on the guest list. Tonight he has Anna Calvi at the top of the bill. I have already seen the band twice this week but only found them when I was researching the bands on tonight.
The opening band are My Tiger My Timing who I am fairly sure I saw one night at the Metro, probably after Slummin Angels had played. I find them enjoyable, but not knockout. Next up are Orphans and Vandals; they seem to have a lot of people in the band. You will probably recall that I have a rather negative view of large bands (see yesterday’s blog), but this band pull it off and in a sense are the exception that proves the rule. I am reminded of Pete Wylie and the Mighty Wah! Which is not a bad thing. Anna Calvi finishes the evening with a rousing performance which is well received by a now packed crowd. I don’t fancy catching the nightbus, so rush off before the ‘Dance Like Your Father’ competition and the burlesque dancer.

Having responded to Anna’s myspace bulletin, I am expecting to be on the cheap list. Again she has published proper details of the gig so I know she is on around 9. I am pleasantly surprised to find that I am on the free guestlist, so that’s a good start to the evening. Notting Hill Arts Club are offering free mince pies which is rather christmasy, and I’m drawn to their mulled cider which seems suitable for the season and the weather. Whilst enjoying my first cider I texted a friend who fortuitously turns out to be be in Lancaster Gate. She pops over just in time for the band. Anna is looking less severe tonight. For the first two gigs I have seen she has had her hair slicked back. I’m not sure I have a particular preference for either image, but it means the photos are quite different to last night (and you can see the whole band too!)

After last night I am looking for a relaxing gig. This one is immediately relaxed because Anna has published a stage time of 9.15 so I know I don’t need to rush and am reasonably assured of getting home at a decent time. Also its free which is nice. The venue lives up to its name, it’s distinctly chilly. It’s quite a pleasant venue though with a good spotlight on Anna, but the rest of the band are enveloped in darkness. Good performance from both those we can see and those we can’t.