WE ARE THE CHEEKY (BEER GUZZLERS)

Thursday 21st May, usually a practice night for us, but tonight we are recording grand piano for our new tracks at UCLAN's Media Factory. At the same time at Source bar, our good friends We Are The Mighty (WATM) and The Uncomfortables are playing.

It was WATM's debut gig and a chance to test out their new material in front of a live audience. In a bid to support our friends (and nothing to do with wanting to sneak off for a cheeky beer), Martin and I headed across the road (thanks again to Vicky Lyth for putting us on the guest list)

That first beer is always the best ha ha ...
So what about the bands? Well, I have to say I was impressed by WATM. I have seen the Baker brothers in many different guises over the years, and this time they seem to have found a musical style and set up that really works for them.

In my view, they have completely shaken off the sound of their predecessors, The Idanos. With the introduction Sam on bass, and by bringing forward Jon as an out and out front man, it feels much more structured and dynamic.

To describe their sound by way of comparison, I would say that there are elements of The Feeling, The Hoosiers, and dare I say Scissor Sisters (especially with the groin thrusts boys)? Plus, a bit of something else that I can't quite put me finger on. It was tight, energetic, engaging and entertaining, and as a debut it has to seen as a great success.

As WATM finish their set I get a call from Andy: "Hey Paul, we have finished getting the grand piano down, do you fancy recording a couple of unplugged songs? Just vocal and piano for the MySpace?"

Now, at this stage I had had a few pints and was feeling pretty pissed, I couldn't think of anything I'd like to do less! But we agreed to give it a go with the get-out clause that if it sounds like the ramblings of an old wino we wouldn't put it on the MySpace!

We headed back, which meant missing The Uncomfortables set, sorry guys. We recorded three tracks – Smash & Grab, Checkmate and Alibi. Surprisingly they sound pretty good, we are just arguing between ourselves now of which one should go online. So watch this space (not this space actually because this is the blog...watch MySpace).


P.S Our next gig is at Coda, Preston this Friday 29th May!