Is it a really month since the Xmas and New Year break?
So to D.O.G., last time they were here I was critical of their sound quality, well the good news is I didn’t leave this time since the volume was at just the right level HOWEVER, and this, dear D.O.G. fans and band members, is where you will probably want to stop reading…
If all one wants to listen to is a loud cell-phone style of music, all top end and virtually no bottom, then you’ve found your band, however if one wants to listen to quality engineered sound, then this is not the band for you. Firstly I am not a fan of electronic drum kits whatsoever, secondly I would actually like to hear and feel some bass, thirdly the lead was far too quiet, fourthly the two sets are very short indeed, about 45 mins each, and lastly the vocals quite often could not be heard clearly or at all sometimes, all the way down the bar.
This is an ENORMOUS shame since it is plainly obvious that the band can perform because they cover some very interesting songs extremely competently, quite simply they are not doing themselves any promotional favours sounding so…arghhh…you’re frustrating me when I know just how good you could sound if it were done correctly!
The Influential Factor is a popular band at The Kings because they are not only a very good covers band but their selection of songs is absolutely fantastic and their obvious enjoyment with what they play spurred on by the enthusiasm of the crowd lends itself to a great night.
Three quality sets of mostly Brit rock and pop with a bit of Northern Soul and a couple of early US numbers plus mod and punk thrown in for good measure, but as always they kicked off with “Teenage Kicks” from The Undertones with Buzzcocks, The Jam, Sex Pistols, The Who, The Specials and The Ordinary Boys kept the dancers on their toes however my favourite set of the night had to be their third one which didn’t even start until 11.30!
This set featured tracks from bands such as Spencer Davis, R Dean Taylor, Al Wilson, some absolutely superb Small Faces and finishing finally at 00.45 with their classic Who rendition of “My Generation”. It’s not often that the bar stays busy all the way to the finish which is a measure of The Influential Factor’s popularity consequently we look forward to seeing them again on Saturday June 19th…now that promises to be a another hot night.
Apologies for this belated post.
The Kings gets some fantastic cover bands many of who can put the original artists to shame so good are their instrumentals and vocals. Rough Trade are not a band that tries to replicate to perfection however their enthusiasm is infectious and their selection of tracks from The Clash/Buddy Holly, Spencer Davis, Three Days Grace, Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden, James Brown, Bryan Adams, AC/DC and even a Status Quo medley had everyone up and dancing all the way to the very end…
…which was a lot later than Rough Trade expected since they thought they had to finish by midnight and when informed that they could keep playing jumped at the chance and hurled themselves into another half hour of frenzied rock. Needless to say Rough Trade will be back on Saturday May 22nd, if you want to dance the night away we’ll see you again.
New bands are always welcomed at The Kings however we couldn’t find out a thing, apart from a couple of biker events, about Where’s Ted? Their CV looked pretty good, would their CV live up to the hype?
It was a pretty miserable night outside and the town was very, very quiet, however The Kings’ hardcore fans turned out, not in their usual numbers but enough to create a good atmosphere and, as always, the regular dancers were up and rocking.
I missed the first set but did arrive to a sea of happy, smiling faces which is always a good sign for a new band. I was quickly informed that because of snow drifting they would cut back on some of their tracks which was a pity since these guys can play and enjoy themselves with absolutely no effort whatsoever. Try some Pink Floyd “Money” followed by “Brick In The Wall” and “Comfortably Numb”, that’s only three of an eight track Floyd set they normally do!
It’s a while since anyone played some ZZ Top live and “Tush” is an excellent choice, “Whiskey In The Jar” always has the crowd singing as does Thin Lizzy’s less sung “Rosalie”. I reckon The Small Faces are having a come back since several bands are covering various tracks these days, “All Or Nothing” was their 1966 hit single. A fabulous Free “Wishing Well” was followed by “Paranoid” and the increasingly popular Led Zeppelin “Rock N Roll”.
Needless to say the regulars didn’t want the band to finish but they didn’t have as far to go and the band cleared-up in very quick time! Altogether a very good performance, excellent vocals, guitars, the keyboard needed to be a little louder and the drums were spot on. As usual check the calendar since I have absolutely no doubt these guys will be coming back again…and again:-)
Do you know that half of the last ten bands at The Kings have had female lead vocals? It’s just over 3 months since we last saw Orion and I was looking forward to this since their vocalist, Trudy, has a truly immense range and all in such a gorgeous package:-)
With Dave B on bass and vocals, Dave N on drums, vocals and keyboard programming and Mark on guitars and keyboard programming, this band cover a huge range and style of songs guaranteed to keep everyone happy and up on their toes such as “Wishing Well”, “Just Like A Pill”, “Sex On Fire” “Substitute” and “You Really Got Me”.
For some reason many of the best songs are never covered by cover bands but these guys are not afraid to go for anything such as The Temptations’ “Get Ready” and Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit” and how often do you hear anyone covering Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean”? An excellent Small Faces “All Or Nothing” was followed by the tremendous Jimi Hendrix “Purple Haze” which then went straight into a fabulous Deep Purple medley with an outstanding “Speed King”.
But there’s more…”Tobacco Road” was followed by three classic Led Zeppelin tracks, firstly with Dave getting to play the Jon Bonham classic “Moby Dick” then “A Whole Lotta Love” followed by “Rock N Roll” and then they were finished…but would the crowd let them go? NO!
AC/DC’s “Highway To Hell” had the entire bar heaving seemingly for ages and just when we thought they had really finished they struck up with the classic Johnny Kidd and the Pirates 1960 hit “Shakin’ All Over”! See what I mean about classic BUT different songs?
Unfortunately we shall not be seeing this band again until August Bank Holiday weekend so note it in your diary now since it will surely be yet another night not to be missed.