Some venues are comfortable, and some are not. It is quite a trek to get to the Rhythm Factory and this counts against it. In some ways it may be gritty Rock and Roll but there is something missing; I think it is probably soul. Actually part of the problem is that the music between bands is so loud and bounces around the fairly empty room, so everyone who wants to talk retires to the bar outside. This leaves a little crew of loners in the hall – this is not fun,this is alienation – I retire to the bar to be with society. The people out in the bar are quite comfortable, but not really involved with the gig, typically they just pop in for the band they’ve come to see. I always think a band have to struggle to have a good gig here. No Cars just about manage it in spite of one or two problems stemming from their lack of sound check.
Joana and the Wolf have a good gig. Maybe because it’s quite a long time since I last saw them, but partly because they are a band who overcome negative conditions and perhaps play better in adversity.
Some of my favourite gigs have been in adverse conditions. Last year, my gig of the year was Death Cigarettes at Proud Galleries where alienation is part of the fabric of the building (it’s where the Clash used to rehearse). One of the best gigs I ever saw was the Bank of Dresden at the St Moritz club around 1978 or perhaps 1979. They had a residency. The first week all their friends, and friends of friends and the people from the Rough Trade shop (who may also have been friends) and me filled the venue. The second week there was just me and my friend Steve. They were so angry that they put on a brilliant show for us (and themselves). They were a band full of conflicts so their edginess was a strength and ultimately a weakness.
Back to the present. Tonight I particularly enjoy Joana & the Wolf. The long thin stage give Joana plenty of space to run around and jump and things.