SPIRAL TV + THE PESKI KINGS - Mondo Lounge, Dundee 28-12-07
In what you'd call a relatively intimate but comfortable setting with a good quality vocal PA that was quite loud, the two bands played two excellent sets. Spiral TV started proceedings. A trio of guitarist and vocals, plus bass and drums, they opened with a song that started quite spirited with the trio drivfing forward only for the song to decelerate a bit before returning to the original pace, a neat intro into what the band is all about. But the second track really brings the band to life as the guitar work employs a mix of full-bodied sound and eighties Americana jangly guitar, but at the same time, to create a riff and lead that really grabs you. Underneath this the bass relly pumps away as the dums drive it all forward and the song is delivered in a kind of modern indie answer to classic "Shake Some Action"-style Flamin' Groovies (which, incidentally, this band would sound amazing at covering!!) only with a solo that was more psychedelic Link Wray than anything - superb!! The third track up was more Beatles-esque with some excellent harmony vocals, flowing lead vocals on the verses, a neat hook that captures the attention and that all-important solid group sound with great sue of ascending and descending vocal phrasing on top. The song is full of melody but still drives home while the vocal exudes emotion. The touches of phasing on the guitar add to the effect as it swirls above the solid rhythm section. Fourth track in and we're into a hint of Who territory with a more cyclically arranged song only less urgent. There's no obvious hook but great dynamics displayed in the arrangement, especially the chorus-y bits. After this we heard a more flowing ballad-style song while the next was back to the solid playing and effects-drenched guitar. Song seven was more in a kind of Jam-esque territory but not so punky and a smootehr quality to it while the song after that exuded a sense of uplifting angst standing next to impassioned melancholy but a stunning arrangement that works when the two opposed senses are mixed. Finally there's the band's cover of Who's "Substitute" and that's it - a really tasty and strong performance. As a trio they sound great, with the guitar ranging from early seventies to psychedelic and through to more full-sounding modern indie, while the singing is consistent and the rhythm section strong. With a couple of songs that are REALLY memorable, this could be one stormer of a set, as it is, you'd do well to check these guys out - enjoyable and then some!!
Nicky from the Peski Kings had a new guitar - and we heard it on the traditional Peskis opener "Need a Good Song" with the twang replaced by a more biting quality, not the same but just as good - and for those that want the twang back, all is not lost. Still as fine a statement for an opener, with that riff cutting through and Barry's lead vocal upfront as the song immediately captures your head, heart and feet and the Peskis set is upon you. After a strong "Rules", they played a new-ish number called "Sleepy Day Dreamer" (I think) where Becky comes in on a gorgeously flowing lead vocal while the band is really solid and less "bouncy" behind, the mix of acoustic and electric guitar working a treat. The verses flow like magic as the harmonies are even more so and the hook line is totally infectious, one superb song. One number later, a performance of "Do What Feels Right" (titles may be a bit askew here but I'm not referring to my CD) is seriouslys trong with a stinging guitar lead break from Barry like you've rarely heard a the song and chorus just soar from the PA system to irresistible effect, once again, Becky's vocal seeming to be both mid-range and "girly" at the same time, but sailing through the instrumental drive. Next up is another new-ish track with a whistled intro courtesy of the bassist which you think at first hearing is a bit cheesy but when the song is in full flow, it makes total sense. There's a slow intro where Becy gives a warm flowing lead vocal before the song then drives ahead with some great lead guitar, into this catchy but impassioned pop anthem that has lush harmonies, another irresistible hook, strong rhythm work, that tasty acoustic adding extra depth plus a magical guitar break - almost sums the Peskis up in one glorious song. Up next was a new song which has an '80's "peroxide op" appeal at first but then you realise it's more like a less punky answer to classic Shop Assistants with Becky's vocal really flying as the song cruises and swings. The band drives ahead, the vocals cascade and there's a solid melody, a brief guitar break, excellent two-part harmonies plus dual vocal towards the end, with a great instrumental hook, too. Stunning stuff. Through the Peskis gems, the stirring slow-wave anthem ballad "Stay With Me Tonight" followed by a sprightly charge through the ever so catchy "You're Number One", we came to another new track. Called "Hey Yeah", this is a prime example of a simple idea sounding so effective that you feel any audience, anywhere, would find it absolutely irresistible to their dancing feet. Not only that, but it's got "hit single" written all over it. Essentially, it's a take on '50's-'60's rock 'n' roll-meets-"Grease"-era pop-meets modern indie pop and here, Barry's guitar has got that Duane Eddy twang to a tee, while the song, sung by Barry, is so infectious you can't help but leap about to it within seconds of it starting, yet the whole thing sounds purposeful and solid, not cheesy or twee. Simple but genius!! "It's Your Time" sounded altogether stronger and more confident, while the band finished a superb 14 song performance with driving renditions of "Real me" and the storming set closer "Superfantastic". Yeh, 14 songs - and not a less than superb one in sight. As Dundee's consumate pop act, this band can do no wrong - they have a potentially huge range of appeal so let's hope more people get to hear them in 2008.