NME Topman Show at Cardiff Coal Exchange.

This evening I'm attending a new Venue, for me, (Cardiff Coal Exchange) to see four new bands, for me. Generally, I prefer smaller more intimate venues and bands on the up. This is because, (a) You can get a bit closer to the action and enjoy the intimacy, (b) the Bands are generally a bit more up for it, even if they do sound a bit more rough and ready and (c) its a bit cheaper.

Anyway here is what I thought

The Venue - Cardiff Coal Exchange



An austere and interesting old place wood clad and looking like it could be an old court as much as some old trading exchange. It was a little bigger than I thought it was going to be, and a little empty (God what do you expect for a tenner down here). Still the sound was OK and the drinks easy to get.

I noticed that the place is due to close because of re-development. I don't know whether this means gone for good or whether it will re-open again, but I hope it stays as a venue as it looks quite nice.


Blood Red Shoes

It seems that everyone wants to compare this band to the White Stripes. Is that because they are a boy and girl combo playing drums and guitar? Where as the White /stripes are all Bluesy and Zeppelin Blood Red Shoes were much more urgent, and English. Garage Band Punk style and fun.

They seemed quite engaging and I thought very enjoyable. If you get the chance to see them in a small venue then I'd recommend it.



My Space http://www.myspace.com/bloodredshoes

The Little Ones

Now here is another band that has been compared to another (the Magic Numbers). Well the Magic numbers sound like a West Coast American band and the Little Ones are a West Coast (Los Angeles) American Band.

These guys were determined to enjoy themselves from the start and this was infectious rubbing off on the crowd, some of whom were trying to breakdance in order to entice the singer to join in (as he promised but failed to deliver). Summer Shirts, Beach Boys, and by then Bristol Rovers were winning there play off semi final, so every thing was great.

Its seems much easier to write miserable songs compared to joyous ones (without sounding like Rod, Jane and Freddie), but Little Ones do it well. For me, without a doubt, the best band of the night.

If you have Napster (or want to try it) click these links

Lovers Who Uncover
Oh, MJ! (Stereo Quadrata Mix)

If not enjoy this Rod Jane and Freddie song

My Space www.myspace.com/wearethelittleones

Pull Tiger Tail

Nu-Rave already seems quite old to me. What is it that indie rock bands can play a bit faster, bring the keyboards to the front and suddenly everyone is wearing day-glo and imagining that this is like the late 80s.

Still, Pull Tiger Tail were respectable and fairly enjoyable, but I preferred listening to the Myspace tracks than watching them on the night. This is possibly because they followed the Little Ones and I was engaged in conversation with a Nottingham Forest fan about play offs, so don't hold it against me. Pull Tiger Tail were good at promotion handing out Tiger Masts to everyone.



My Space www.myspace.com/pulltigertail

The Rumble Strips



Well promotion of the night goes to the Rumblestrips who had a rig of bluetooth dongles offering an MP3 ringtone of Motorcycle to anyone who had their phone activated. Not the greatest ringtone, but I bet most people have listened to it a bit.

Rightfully compared to Dexys, this band are tight and entertaining. They have been around for a while, so who knows if they will make it big or not, but they are something a bit different in today's times. Good set.

My Space www.myspace.com/rumblestripsuk