blog-header

Sunday 16 October 2016

Gig Review - Holiday (featuring two ex-Grillust students)

Two of our recent graduates Nathan Linney and Peter Aspey, returned to serenade us at the opening of the Phono+Graphic exhibition with their three-piece band Holiday (with Joe Hiscoke on drums).

Their unique blend of West-Coast (Cumbrian that is) Rock and 90s Emo (think Built to Spill meets Aqua) went down a treat with the lively, home crowd.

Here's a video clip of their triumphant encore, Tin Opener to give you an idea of what we're talking about...



Here at Grillust we are always are happy to offer our students  helpful, constructive criticism and we certainly feel qualified to offer Holiday  the kind of advice that will swiftly propel them to ' the next level' so, with that in mind, here is some quality, post-gig, Grillust feedback:

Songs
Pros: Well done! Jolly, lively, toe-tapping numbers with a good range of contrasts (quiet/loud, fast/slow etc.) Would work well at weddings, birthday parties and also at Maxwell's, Hoboken.

Cons: Holiday need to try harder with their song titles (please see the set list below):



As you can see, these titles are far too surly and blunt, often exhibiting a poor grasp of punctuation - where's the apostrophe in Peepin' Tom for instance?  We therefore strongly suggest that Holiday should seek inspiration from the more literate stars of yesterday (Chris DeBurgh, Sting, Enya etc.) and give their tunes more poetic and/or explanatory titles. Here are some alternatives we have prepared for them to use:

  • Kirby Misperton home of the blues
  • François Truffaut's experimental jet-pack
  • Frankly my dear I don't do the Lindy hop!
  • You've got me feeling Coeruleum Blue
  • Not as clumsy as a blaster
  • More tea vicar?

Group Members

Joe Hiscoke (drums)

Pros: a very pleasant and well mannered young man with a nice, simple drum kit although this could be further improved with the addition of a large, six feet diameter, brass, oriental gong positioned to the rear of the drum stool.

Cons: Needs to smile more and learn how to throw his drumsticks theatrically up into the air (and subsequently catch them) at moments of extreme passion or pathos.

PS Joe, you've got your bass drum on upside down. All the low notes could fall out!

Peter Aspey (bass)

Pros: a very smart and supportive team player who performs well throughout. 

Cons: our only beef with Peter relates to the close proximity of his bass to his chin. This presents us with both a health and safety and 'coolness' issue. At present it's far too Mark King and not enough Peter Hook. 

Mr. Aspey, extend that guitar strap forthwith and let's answer the age old question; 'Bass, how low can you go?'


Level 42's Mark King - NO!


New Order's Peter Hook - YES!!!

Nathan Linney (guitar/vocs)

Pros: a gifted instrumentalist, singer and songwriter. 

Cons: Nathan does tend to mumble his words and needs to focus more on both the projection and pronunciation of his self-penned lyrics. You have a lovely speaking voice, please apply this to your singing.

Nathan also 'lets the side down' through his unfortunate choice of stage attire. His apparel, while being eminently suitable for a hobo or tramp jamboree, has no place in the 'glare of the spotlight'. It's time for you to smarten up your act young man!

Conclusion

For Holiday to make it to 'the big time' only one drastic measure needs to be taken... 

...learn the important lesson from the popular beat combos of yesteryear - kit yourselves out in sharp, matching suits and sophisticated Cuban-heeled boots!

Gerry and the Pacemakers, forgettable songs, memorable suits...



0 comments:

Post a Comment