Hungover Stuntmen Live Review @ Rhythm Factory (London) - 08 Apr 2008
Hungover Stuntmen
Live Review
On this school night, the Hungover Stuntmen, fabulous indie quartet made in Newcastle, was headlining the “Let Them Eat Gak” night-weekly showcase of five alternative new bands, at the Rhythm Factory, landmark venue in the East London satellite of all things cool.
Around 10.30pm, the foursome took to the stage looking relaxed and cheerful, and quickly wiped out the worry caused by the gloomy mediocrity of the preceding act.
They wasted no time in letting its 20-strong audience know what they are about, that is a cohesive rhythmic and melodic sonic force, as displayed with their freshly released and very promising debut single, 'Inside Out'.
A rhythmic grandiosity largely due to drummer Ian Oxberry, whose name, fate prevails, is set to be featuring on many a “best of all time” list…
Drumming aside, from the set performed that night, it transpires that each band member has got their own kudos: James Haselhurst and Ian Stu Ridley make a genius Guitar + Vox combo, while Iain Anderson’s bassy nonchalance was almost reminiscent of a young Bill Wyman. As a collective, the band proved to be skilled vocalists delivering almost Beach Boyseque harmonies all along.
The Stuntmen (their name already lends to familiarity), managed by revered comedian Simon Donald , very much seemed to be enjoying themselves in front of a cooperative bunch of attendees, and profusely interacted with them.
They showcased a very strong repertoire, with landmark songs such as 'She Knows', 'Ballad of the Hungover Stuntmen' and 'United States of Emergency'.
After 45 minutes, in true perfectionist style, they left the stage, almost apologetic for sonic/technical hitches, unbeknownst to everyone but themselves…
Let it be said that the stage is undoubtedly The Stuntmen’s playground and already the Rhythm Factory proved too small a venue for them: the calibre of their showcase calls for bigger crowds, which they should have no difficulty in gathering once their album 'Blame the BBC' is out in May.
Gigs
- Fri 14th Nov 2008
