Bear’s Bar, Bournemouth
Myself and “The Lonely Surf” drummer George Fullerton, together hatched a plan to bring Nottingham based alternative band “Confyde” to Bournemouth for a gig. Together we contacted some likely supports and to be perfectly honest the line-up sort of picked itself and we were gifted two cracking local bands.
The first is a Bournemouth band with possibly the most ridiculous local band name “I Can’t Believe It’s Not Better”. They are named after three of the guys in the band who all have music degrees and feel they should be better. The band features drummer Nick Scott (who also is the venue’s resident sound tech), with Jamie Longcake guitar/vocals, Jo Pocock on bass/vocals along Josh Whitham on 2nd guitar. I saw them back in January when playing downstairs in the Bear Cave with possibly their second ever gig. They call themselves ‘Hardcore’, what is hardcore these days ??. I see them having a range of mixed influences, but coming mainly from the Punk, Metal and Grunge side of the musical spectrum.
Their energy, freshness and ability to create a tune is impressive. Politically charged rants like “It’s All About The Money” and the band’s new single “Doubt” are live highlights, while their cover of Nirvana’s “Breed” gets the place rocking out and singing along. These very likeable chaps each feature beguiling personalities with plenty of relevant things to say that are entertaining and they could potentially become your next favourite band.
Tonight the versatile Bear’s Bar and Bear Cave is hosting two events with Oxford’s progressive sludge/groove metal band Desert Storm playing downstairs on the basement stage. Upstairs the bar is packed and it is great to see a host of other bands out on the town supporting this great grassroots venue. Local band Regional One, Weak Asleep and SOS are all here on a night off from gigging, enjoying tonight’s offerings.
Next up we have Nottinghamshire genre-busting project Confyde, which is the brainchild of the vibrant character Martin Jackson who can also be seen fronting System of a Down tribute band “Victims of a Down”. Martin turns up for soundcheck looking fairly unassuming; however when showtime arrives he gets into character with a striking red wig, Daisy Duke shorts, stockings and a crop top. This is no drag act, it’s a frontman coming alive in his own psyche. Kicking off with “Scalper”, a song about the immoral and economically unproductive behaviour of ticket touts, with a host of heavy guitar riffs and bolstering rhythms the track grabs everyone’s attention immediately.
“Man Down” shows the versatility of the band with a song with a reggae heart and a message about the social expectations of masculinity. Martin’s standout vocals shows off his varied characteristics and you can see why he is suited to take on the mimicry of Serj Tankian. With each song the band deliver to the point, pertinent messages along with copious amounts of alternative rock and metal creativity. Their journey all the way from Nottingham was very much appreciated by the all encompassing Bournemouth crowd, a return in the near future is certainly on the cards.
NÆMA are a fairly new alternative local act and one that I have been trying to get to see for a while now. The band are unique, in the fact they feature a Pop Singer, Alt Rock Guitarist, Funk Bassist and Metal Drummer. Guitarist Tom used to be in local rock band Capulus and when their frontman Josh departed for a new frontman role in SOS, Tom’s talent clearly needed a new project. While I have heard the bands impressive singles I have yet to see the power of them together live. I did though see lead singer Tia guest with Regional One at a gig at the Lighthouse in Poole. The band feature Tom Riley (Guitar & Backing Vocals), Tia Lazzeri-Madden (Lead Vocals), Ethan Wilkinson (Bass & Backing Vocals) and Joey Curd (Drums). From the first number you can tell this band are a class act, they have a unity and a musicianship that appears to be a cut above other local bands. From Tom’s top class guitar work to Tia’s powerfully emotive vocals, Joey’s powerhouse drumming and oh that bass player Ethan, who is just a joy to watch. With his amazing finger plucking styles, one of the best of his kind I’ve seen in a long time and he’s playing a six string bass!!
The singles “Blend In” and “Calling Out” sound so animated live and of course the whole supportive crowd are on their side. The atmosphere in here tonight is just electric, it is great to be in such an accepting bar. No matter who you are or where you come from you are very welcome, the low key friendly security chaps keep a discreet eye on things to make it a safe and precious environment. It’s Tia’s 20th Birthday at midnight and the band to her embarrassment lay on a cake and we all sing happy Birthday, don’t be embarrassed – I’d love to be 20 years old again. We are gifted a couple of reworked Capulus songs; “Virtual Jungle” and the macabre “Murder is my Hobby”, along with some stirring new numbers. For the final number the band let their hair down and bring the party atmosphere with a cover of Britney’s “Toxic” and the crowd willingly sing along.
I have been championing the local original music scene for longer than I care to remember and tonight has just been exceptional on all levels. The quality of the music, venue and the unity of the local scene all coming together. I’m personally proud to have been a small part of this evening and hope that the many conversations that I had tonight with future ideas will find some momentum and come to fruition…..long live our amazing Dorset Grassroots Scene!! (I had not planned on writing an article tonight as I never usually review one of my own gigs, however I really had to mark this occasion)
Set-Lists
NÆMA
Rage (Working Title)
Blend In
Calling Out
Disturbia
Chains
Stay Away From Me
New Norm
Virtual Jungle
Murder is My Hobby
Void
Toxic (Britney Spears Cover)
Confyde
Scalper
Unashamed
Man Down
A Cowards Stitches
Cancel Freedom
I Can’t Believe It’s Not Better
Lucy Was
It’s All About The Money
Bev
123 Floor
Breed (Nirvana Cover)
Hostile Hostel
The Shredder
Doubt
Videos
Links
https://www.facebook.com/WEARENAEMA
https://www.facebook.com/confydemusic
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575038116982
Article & Media by David Chinery (Chinners)
