THE PESKI KINGS + SPIRAL TV - Mondo Lounge, Dundee 18-01-08
The Peski Kings, for those that might not be familiar with them, are a five-piece band with two female and male lead vocalists, a band only in existence just over a year and a band that's spent the last year playing some of the best original and catchy indie-pop songs around in Dundee. But one thing has been noticeable.....whereas most Dundee indie bands try to get to the stage of writing songs that are addictive enough to be loved by as wide a range of audiences as possible, while still carrying the necessary strength that makes a seriously good indie band, The Peskis have got the songs - by the truckload - but have lacked the power punch that could make them as much indie as pop - in other words, the odd state of affairs, whereby the young band did not have quite the immense appeal to the younger audiences as you might have expected. NOT ANY MORE..............
Tonight marked a definite turning point. Into 2008 with a renewed optimism and a fierce determination, carried dividends for the band. The starting put is Nicky on lead guitar. Having just acquired a new make of guitar before Christmas, the effect it's now made is outstanding. Although the more country-ish twang of before might have gone, it's been replaced with this searing resonance and scorching bite as the guitar work now exhibits serious force, all of which gives the songs a gutsier approach that they may have lacked before. Fired up by this, the band have done the same. The rhythm section sounds has a lot more bite, while Barry's acoustic guitar is now what provides the depth of texture that gives the playing a more commercial flavour. In keeping with all of this, the vocalists are not being left behind - Barry really lets loose on the songs on which he does the lead vocal, while Becki, ever the gorgeous front-lady, is sounding equally strong, delivering her lead vocals with more of a nod towards Darling Buds-esque indie strength and soaring anthemic beauty. In essence, the band are sounding hotter than ever - it's now cool to like the Peski Kings!!!
The set itself was solid, a great mix of songs and sounding ever more confident, still incredibly infectious to a tee, and almost irresistibly danceble. Two of the friends I was with, Sheila and Kim, who'd never even heard of the band before tonight, immediately lit up with delight when the band started and remarked at what a great band they are - testament indeed to the instantaneous sense of enjoyment that this band oozes. From the opener "Need a Good Song", now sounding sharper and more contemporary than ever, the band flowed through 40+ minutes of great songs, some more anthemic, others more strident, but all played with confidence, character and strength. The latest new track, with Barry's vocals, is a slice of pure "Grease"-era indie-pop, but it's more infectious than the common cold, being a track that could have audiences up and down the land dancing madly to it charms - the band are on at The Doghouse thre weeks after this gig and it would be wonderful to see the Doghouse on its feet and dancing to this track - "Hey You", I think it's called - look out for it when you go!! Elsewhere, through a set of 100% enjoyable songs, this was a stunning way to start the year, for band and audience alike.
Support came from the trio of Spiral TV, an indie band with a mix of punk, mod and psychedelia, who write flowing songs that are sung well, have a lead guitarist who plays some heady riffs and leads, who sings with a strong voice and a rhythm section who play it tight and solid. Some of the songs stick in your head, but a couple lose your attention mid-set, witha Who cover at the end, kind of wearing its influences on the band. Good stuff, nevertheless.
A third band kicked things off - I didn't catch the name unfortunately, but they are apparently a Dundee band, although I'd neve come across them before. They played a really laid-back kind of funk-dance indie, with some seriously solid bass amid more of a chilled-out set of songs, the female vocalist flying above it all with grace and style. The set sounded strong, although on first hearing nothing stuck in my head as songs go, but I'd definitely recommend them - whoever they are!!