kimjonhill - Network

Last night’s gig*: #HamishHawk at Scala in King’s Cross.I had a fixture clash when Hamish came to Cambridge last year, and his support...

Last night’s gig*: #HamishHawk at Scala in King’s Cross.

I had a fixture clash when Hamish came to Cambridge last year, and his support set for Sea Power left me wanting more. So I made the trip to London for this headline show touring his new album.

Every review I’ve read mentions chamber pop, and there’s something in that… but listen to a track like Caterpillar, and there’s clearly more going on. I think he’s great - and on this evidence, he might be around for a while.

* OK, it was Sunday.

Last night's gig: #PipBlom at The Portland Arms in #Cambridge, as part of #IndependentVenueWeek.The third time I've seen Pip and her...

Last night's gig: #PipBlom at The Portland Arms in #Cambridge, as part of #IndependentVenueWeek.

The third time I've seen Pip and her band play at this venue, and they've filled it on each occasion. Indie rock is what they do, but there's something in there that's just a little off-kilter, and it's enough to keep it interesting. This time around, "Tinfoil", from her first album, stood out in a way that I hadn't noticed before.

Three shows in, would I book again? Yes, I think I probably would.

Last night’s gig: A triple bill featuring #DeepTan, #SadBoysClub, and #CoachParty at #ColoursHoxton in London.Three bands who I enjoyed...

Last night’s gig: A triple bill featuring #DeepTan, #SadBoysClub, and #CoachParty at #ColoursHoxton in London.

Three bands who I enjoyed when they came (separately) to #Cambridge last year was too good to turn down. Pen pictures? Deep Tan play a sort of icy post-punk; Sad Boys Club are like a cross between The Cure and Suede; while Coach Party - headlining here - sometimes sound a bit like Wet Leg, but can also produce the tunes and harmonies of a purer pop sound.

Well worth the trip, I’d say.

Last night's gig: #Fassine at The Portland Arms in #Cambridge, for my first gig of 2023.When I booked, I knew more about the support act...

Last night's gig: #Fassine at The Portland Arms in #Cambridge, for my first gig of 2023.

When I booked, I knew more about the support act (Kerry Devine, who's ace) than about Fassine. A bit of YouTubing gave me a clue what to expect. But they are more accomplished and more versatile than some of that suggested. And they were clearly having a blast, which always helps.

The entirely unplanned Tina Turner medley will stick in my memory. And then I'll recall how good the rest of the show was, too.

When I was 8, I didn’t fully appreciate Ghost Town. It just didn’t sound like anything else on the radio. But that was enough for me to...

When I was 8, I didn’t fully appreciate Ghost Town. It just didn’t sound like anything else on the radio. But that was enough for me to want to know what Terry Hall did next. And next. And next.

I loved The Colourfield when I was at high school. I bought Vegas records when I was at uni. Sense and Lucky You are two of the best pop songs of the 90s or any other era. And I saw the re-formed Specials play just 3 years ago.

Terry Hall died today, and I’m sad. But he left us richer than we were.

Last night’s gig: #JescaHoop at Storey’s Field Centre in #Cambridge, which was also my final (53rd, not including festivals) gig of the...

Last night’s gig: #JescaHoop at Storey’s Field Centre in #Cambridge, which was also my final (53rd, not including festivals) gig of the year.

On this tour, the show is a three-piece, all-female band playing either 3 guitars or 2 with a bodrhán. Jesca’s songs are fascinating: unusual rhythms, repeated patterns, and an almost chant-like quality to some of the vocals. Listen to The Lost Sky - always a live highlight - and you’ll see what I mean.

Also, she can rock a kimono.

Last night's gig: #GeorgiaVanEtten at #BarOH, as part of #Cambridge Jazz Festival.Bar-OH is a cocktail bar with a small stage and a good...

Last night's gig: #GeorgiaVanEtten at #BarOH, as part of #Cambridge Jazz Festival.

Bar-OH is a cocktail bar with a small stage and a good PA. Georgia's set was exactly what you'd want in a place like that on a Saturday night. More a kind of bluesy soul than jazz, although I suspect that she and her band could turn their talents to most styles.

For a sample, try songs like Deep Black Water and Painted People, both of which sounded good live. Would see again. Would visit the venue again, too.

Last night’s gig: #BillyNomates at #MASH in #Cambridge.It is not easy to come on stage with just yourself, a microphone, and a laptop...

Last night’s gig: #BillyNomates at #MASH in #Cambridge.

It is not easy to come on stage with just yourself, a microphone, and a laptop playing backing tracks - and to turn that into what’s essentially a rock gig.

That Billy - real name Tor Maries - largely succeeds is a testament to her energy and her attitude. I like the songs and I enjoyed the show. But I did miss a little spontaneity, and I’d love to see her perform with a full band. But then she wouldn’t be Billy Nomates, would she?

Last night's gig: #RedRumClub at #MASH in #Cambridge. This was one of those where I saw the listing, listened to a track or two, and got...

Last night's gig: #RedRumClub at #MASH in #Cambridge. This was one of those where I saw the listing, listened to a track or two, and got a ticket.

It was a good call. The sound is a little bit Arctic Monkeys, a little bit Killers - but they have a trumpeter (Joe Corby) who plays non-stop through all the songs, sharing duties with lead and rhythm guitars. He must have lungs like bellows!

A real party feel in the crowd, all of whom seemed to know every song. Next time I'll know the words, too.

Last night's gig: #AnaïsMitchell at #KOKO in London, celebrating the end of the tour and an hours-old Grammy nomination.Songs from all...

Last night's gig: #AnaïsMitchell at #KOKO in London, celebrating the end of the tour and an hours-old Grammy nomination.

Songs from all parts of her career; the inestimable #RoziPlain on bass; a guest spot in the encore for #TheStaves; and that voice, telling stories through music that I could listen to for a very long time.

A nod, too, for the venue, which has been through fire and refurbishment since I last visited - and is now one of my favourite places in the capital once again.

Last night's gig: #Bellowhead at #Cambridge Corn Exchange, reunited for what might (or might not) be their last tour.To my ears, their...

Last night's gig: #Bellowhead at #Cambridge Corn Exchange, reunited for what might (or might not) be their last tour.

To my ears, their recordings have never quite captured the energy of their remarkable 11-piece folk/prog/rock/other live shows, which on this evidence are as vibrant as ever. I especially love how Jon Boden and Sam Sweeney become temporary rock stars, and bring the rest of the band and the crowd with them.

I wasn't feeling great before the gig. I felt a lot better afterwards.

Last night’s gig: #GoGoPenguin at #Cambridge #Junction, for the first time since the tour for A Humdrum Star.They set up like a jazz trio,...

Last night’s gig: #GoGoPenguin at #Cambridge #Junction, for the first time since the tour for A Humdrum Star.

They set up like a jazz trio, and the flow of the show and the reaction of the crowd - from quiet appreciation to loud applause - are like that too. But they use pedals and synths to great effect, and it’s easy to get swept up in the music like you might at a club or a rave.

I enjoyed it a lot, in particular watching how they make the sound they achieve in the studio. Another good one!

Last night's gig: #PlasticMermaids at #ThePortlandArms in #Cambridge. First time for me, so I didn't know what to expect.They'd...

Last night's gig: #PlasticMermaids at #ThePortlandArms in #Cambridge. First time for me, so I didn't know what to expect.

They'd get filed under indie rock, but they're a six-piece, and they change setup from song to song: 1, 2, or 3 guitars, and the same for piano/keys. Kudos to the engineers for managing that on a small stage. It sounded superb.

The songs are strong - some obviously quite personal - and they drew a decent crowd on a wet Sunday night. I wouldn't hesitate to see them again.

#introductionHi, Everyone. I’m Jon, I live in Ely, UK, and I work as a technical writer for a software firm based in #Cambridge.I’ve...

#introduction

Hi, Everyone. I’m Jon, I live in Ely, UK, and I work as a technical writer for a software firm based in #Cambridge.

I’ve loved #music for as long as I can recall, and it’s tied up with most of my memories. These days, my passion is for live gigs - usually in grassroots venues - and my ears are always open for recommendations.

One way or another, I’ve been online since the early 90s. The community aspect of this place reminds me of how things were, long ago. I think I like it.