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Candid Reviews - Baby Strange (supported by Gangs and The Pale White) 23/34/16 at Tynemouth SurfCafe

Sounds of an Eccentric is a product of being overwhelmed and moved by music. An impulsive moment in which I decided to share with the rest of the world how amazing a Little Comets gig was. Since then I've been able to see so many brilliant gigs and meet so many inspirational characters, some of which have become close friends. 
However my reviewing sometimes stripped me of that initial spark, that glorious feeling that urged me on to write. Having my head in a book hindered my ability to connect with the band and the overall ambiance. When I reviewed Cage the Elephant I was too focused on writing down notes in order to write the best possible review that I didn't really experience the gig. It felt so impersonal.
So, ladies and gentlemen, I shall be putting down my notebook and pen (and back up pens) and will be doing a series called 'Candid Reviews'. Fueled  by memory power and 2-4 pints of ale. 
And on that convoluted note - let's get to what actually matters. The gig.



Glaswegian band Baby Strange's return to the Tynemouth Surf Cafe has been an highly anticipated event.  After being bestowed with the 'sold out' status months ago, and an excited armada of denim and funky (nana's curtains-esque) shirts awaited outside the bijoux venue.
Kicking the night off was fellow Glaswegian band Gangs. Initially they sounded rather similar to the headliner, but with more pedal work and much stronger accents. However as the set progressed, they went from strength to strength, creating a a really rich, rock sound. Their songs were incredibly catchy and full bodied and set the bar high for the rest of the night. Considering the group have only been gigging since the start of this month, their live performance was incredibly impressive and I can't wait to see more from them. I've had their latest single 'Knock the Door' stuck in my head all day, which if I'm being honest, is rather enjoyable. 
I became rather well acquainted with the band after the drummer spilled half a pint down my shirt and the guitarist lubricated my drink with a whiskey based drink. However the lads and their tour manager were really lovely and good crack, despite making me smell like I'd fell tits over arse in a brewery.




Next up was the dynamic The Pale White (formerly Sun Dance). The group have been labelled as 'the ones to watch' (or more accurately: 'the ones to see - before they're selling out stadiums').  For those of you that haven't had the privilege of listening to The Pale White, envisage an Arctic Monkeys who already knew how to play their instruments, with a dash of suaveness and big beefy instrumentals.They're the quintessential indie-rock group, and they keep getting better each with performance. Despite my favourite track of their's being scrapped, the set was flawless.The whole room was dancing and singing along, with the walls shaking during their stand out track 'Reaction'. 


After amiably chatting to fans, Baby Strange finally took to the stage, filling the room with their glorious post-indie sound. Baby Strange combine bold riffs and punchy beats to in songs like 'Friends' and 'VVV' to get crowds moving. However, songs like 'California Sun' are more sincere; making you want to hold someone dear to you; whilst still maintaining an upbeat vibe and big sound. They're the cross-section of all the engaging elements of indie music and will appeal and continue to please vast and varied audiences.
During Baby Strange's set, front man Johnny Madden became aware of some of the audience members discomfort, caused by the slightly wilder/inconsiderate antics in the crowd. He quickly diffused the situation  by stopping the music and saying;" Now now boys and girls. This is a Baby Strange gig, not a f**king Oasis gig". 
It's nights like this that made me fall in love with the Independent and the Newcastle music scene. I saw loads of mates I haven't seen in months, drank locally brewed beer in local business and listened fantastic music played by really canny lads. What more can an artsy lefty want?

SUPPORT THE ARTS 





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