The Great Escape 2012 (part 1)

NB - I started writing this a long time ago, fairly soon after the Great Escape. Various life events put finishing this off on the back burner. Rather than pick away at it for another couple of months I thought I'd get Day 1 posted up now. Can't have it sitting there on my Drafts page gathering anymore world wide cobwebs now.
 

Despite living in Brighton for over 3 and a half years I had never been to the Great Escape until last weekend. For those unaware, the Great Escape is a music festival held in Brighton over 3 days in which the majority of music venues in the city (as well as others less accustomed to live performance, such as the laundry centre on St. James' Street) play host to a variety of bands; predominantly up-and-coming acts relatively new on the scene from across the world.

For me personally it took the main thing I like about music festivals, being able to see lots and lots of different bands over a relatively short space of time, and gave it to me without the main thing I dislike about music festivals, namely the close proximity to lots and lots of people who are there for the "festival experience"; i.e. sitting around a campsite getting boorishly wasted. If I wanted to get really drunk every day I could have just gone and sat in a pub for a few hours, or just stayed at the flat and drank on my own, sparing everybody else in the city my gross vulgarity. As it happened I usually had a lie-in in my lovely warm bed each day instead (another perk).

I would strongly recommend that anyone living in or near Brighton give the Great Escape a go next year. I certainly will. Last weekend I was able to see 27 bands (whom I shall discuss shortly), a total which could have been higher had I the stamina, and for the ticket price (£35, not inc. booking fee) and the quality of their music this was a steal.


So who did I manage to see? Well, let me tell you...



THURSDAY:



Slow Down, Molasses (Canada) - Blind Tiger Club
These guys got things underway with some inoffensive generic laid-back rolling rock. They were enjoyable enough to watch, at their best when their bassist and guitarist swapped instruments as the former bassist was much more active on stage. He also had a great moustache. Nothing out of the ordinary but a pleasant warm up.



Hot Panda (Canada) - Blind Tiger Club
This is where things properly kicked off for me. This band had great stage presence and had one of the best frontpeople I would see all weekend. He was happy to wander down into the crowd and then tell things like they were. "Let's cut the shit...are there any influential bloggers or record company representatives here???...fuck..." Their quirky and energetic rock was engaging and is best sampled at their website here. They reminded me quite a bit of Sex Bo-Bomb from Scott Pilgrim in their mannerisms, though their rocking out was reined in much more.


We Were Evergreen (France) - Komedia Studio Bar

A quick walk across to Komedia saw a Gallic three-piece playing sweet little whimsical tunes that wouldn't be out of place sound-tracking a twee indie movie, or as incidental pieces during the thoughtful parts of a Flight of the Conchords episode. Unfortunately their set was beset with technical problems, with instruments malfunctioning and sound levels varying. They went about their business with a smile (well, 2 out of 3 did) but ultimately this held them back slightly. Pretty but the performance didn't hit the mark as well as Hot Panda.

Dillon (Germany) - The Hope

I had heard this song ahead of the festival which was enough to make me dash up to the Hope and experience my first queue of the weekend. Unfortunately, once I got in to the packed room I was treated to a set more in the style of the other song I have linked (click on 'Dillon'). Undoubtedly a talented singer, with haunting vocals reminiscent of Coco Rosie or Regina Spektor. I just couldn't get on with the sparsity of her songs though, which was backed by a relentlessly pounding bass and illegible computer squawks. Perhaps not the right style of music for me, but also what really grated was how dull it was to watch. Dillon mainly sat at her piano with a face like a crumpled lemon whilst the man making the computer squawk and bass beat would have fitted right in as a Kraftwerk member stunt double. Yawn. I made my great escape after a handful of songs.

Hundreds (Germany) - Komedia Studio Bar

This was more like it. A singer who looked like a cross between Caroline Lucas and Claire Sissons and a computer man who looked like Benny from Abba. These guys were humble, charming, and purveying a more minimalist electronic version of the Eurythmics. Lovely stuff, although alas only a relatively short set of 20 minutes. Their appearance wasn't recorded in the festival programme (only online) so I fear many people may have been unaware of this gig. Shame.

Avalanche City (New Zealand) - The Haunt

Like a Mumford & Sons without that aggressive angsty snarling side to their folk, this NZ trio played us some lovely lovely songs; a good way to start the Thursday evening selection. Without the snarl though their set was not as rousing as it could have been, though this is not to take anything away from them. I enjoyed them immensely (almost as much as I enjoy their video!) and felt happy and carefree as I exited the venue.

Frànçois and the Atlas Mountains (UK/France) - Corn Exchange

These guys can be difficult to pin down. The last time I saw them, in January at the Green Door Store, the best way I could describe them was, "the Flaming Lips, fronted by Yann Tiersen, covering Graceland." This is still the most apt description I can come up with. They were the sole reason I bought a ticket to TGE and they didn't disappoint. Definitely a band of the weekend. This time round they were missing a bassist and drummer so their set was stripped back from the last time I'd seen them. This meant missing out on some of E Volo Love's more involved tracks, but I certainly appreciated being able to take in a different kind of performance from them. I imagine seeing them live multiple times would be quite rewarding.

Savages (UK/France) - Corn Exchange

I saw these guys play their first ever gig (ever!) at British Sea Power's club night in January and was severely blown away by them. NME's description of them as a "riot grrrl Joy Division" is a good one, and frontwoman Jehn struck me as a cross between Karen O and Jarvis Cocker. In fact, I had never been more blown away by a support act in my entire life, which is why their set at TGE was possibly the most disappointing I saw. The hype machine has been at work for them over the past few months so my expectations were high. It just didn't click here though; their previous energy was lost in the vastness of the Corn Exchange, and with Jehn sulking her way moodily through the set they were missing the other key piece of their performative puzzle (we henceforth referred to her as "grumpyguts"). I had thought that they were a surefire bet for the future, but this set has made me a little more wary of forthcoming releases.

Ben Kweller (US) - Komedia Upstairs

Whilst Savages were lacking in the energy and enthusiasm department, Ben Kweller made up for them with an abundance of both. He purveyed some experienced Springsteen-lite rock music that got heads bobbing and faces smiling, and kept the crowd hooked with charming talk in between songs. He put on a show, no doubt, and did it with great positivity. This was the shot in the arm that was needed. I had been given a copy of one of his albums a few years ago and will have to revisit it; there are times where a slice of modest American rock is just what is required.

Django Django (UK) - Pavillion Theatre

This was one band I'd heard a lot of buzz for but hadn't really heard any of their music. After a nervous queuing session we finally made to squeeze ourselves into a packed theatre just in time to see the art-rockers stride onto stage, resplendent in a series of hideous-looking shirts. This should have served as warning that they were to be a very striking band. There was something almost tribal about their music in which all vocals were delivered dually, giving the singing a very subtle force behind it. The music itself was art-rock, with a feathery electronic coating. It was an engrossing combination, sounding like the most individual mix I'd heard coming out of the indie scene in quite a long time. This band also had a very positive stage presence, making them seem likeable even when not playing. This was especially important, given that they suffered a technical problem which delayed their set by a few minutes. Despite this they held the crowd's attention and continued on to deliver a rousing second half to their set and ended our first day of Escaping on a high.

Go To Bed With Terrorism

NB - Since acquiring a magic phone I have been enjoying using this blog as a way of looking up song lyrics that I haven't learned yet. You'd think that if you wrote the lyrics you'd automatically remember them, but no. It's quite embarrassing how long it's taken me to learn the lyrics to Who Put The Dog In The Basket? I wonder how Nick Cave manages it.


I was naked in the field
Searching under rocks to feed
Pondering centipedes
When you came along
Took me in your arms so strong
Dressed me up in uniform
We downed shots of chloroform
Until we felt the same

We walked out around the shops
Gazing at adverts at bus stops
Sunshine and lollipops
The words began to smother me
You ran to uncover me
Heroic act so brotherly
Sisterly simultaneously
You had me at the shots

Go to bed with terrorism x 2
If you go to bed with terrorism
You'll have a safer home
Go to bed with terrorism x 2
If you go to bed with terrorism
You'll never sleep alone

I was raking up the leaves
Outside the exotic maisonette
Working up quite a sweat
The owner he came over
In a shower of obscenities
Flung his flabby fists at me
Spilled blood upon my hosiery
Because the leaves looked shit

We both marched that night
Outside the exotic maisonette
Conveying quite a passive threat
As he ignored our placards
We started to bombard the bastard
We hurled rotten eggs and custard
He ran out all red and flustered
A shell had split his lip

Go to bed with terrorism x 2
If you go to bed with terrorism
You'll have a safer home
Go to bed with terrorism x 2
If you go to bed with terrorism
You'll never sleep alone

Oh mum and daddy, look at me, would you prefer it if I sold car insurance?
And after years of meaning well are you upset I've put in another poo performance?
Of course there will be times where you will question whether what I'm doing is right universally
But you must remember that ethics are just subjectivity!!!

With our backs against the wall
Helicopters circling
I have never felt this small
Also never this glad
You took me by my broken hand
Took me to the promised land
Where I played in a marching band
I sang and played the guitar!

So we'll make a final stand
And we will go out with a bang
The curtains will close upon
A blaze of pure affection
Your love will be my protection
You set me in the right direction
I stand erect at full attention
Lead us on, my friend

Go to bed with terrorism x 2
If you go to bed with terrorism
You'll have a safer home
Go to bed with terrorism x 2
If you go to bed with terrorism
You'll never sleep alone
Go to bed with terrorism x 2
If you go to bed with terrorism
You'll have a safer home
Go to bed with terrorism x 2
If you go to bed with terrorism
You'll never sleep alone

Vs. The Rest of the World

* WARNING! The following may contain spoilers for the book Dave Gorman: vs The Rest Of The World. These would not prevent you from enjoying the book, but you may enjoy the book slightly more if the ending comes out of the blue. WARNING!!! *

I've recently finished reading a wonderful wee book by Dave Gorman. As you may have picked up, it is called Dave Gorman: vs. the Rest of the World. The premise of the book is that Dave, slightly bored in his time off work, sends a tweet asking if anyone wants a game. He gets replies and proceeds to travel around meeting new people and playing games. Classic board games such as Monopoly and Cluedo, card games such as Poker and Cribbage, more sporty endeavours such as Ultimate Frisbee and Sock Golf, and finally some rather exciting lesser-known gems such as Khet (Egyptian Laser Chess) and Kubb (Scandinavian Tactical Skittles). I really want to play Khet and Kubb. Lots.

That's basically how the book pans out in the main. A series of episodes of Gorman meeting strangers and playing games. Sometimes the games are exciting, sometimes the people moreso. It's a pleasant read but doesn't appear to be going anywhere, which perhaps is fitting considering the fact that Gorman had no ulterior motive when embarking on this project (if it can be called such a thing). At one point Gorman and his agent meet with a media type who wants to turn his 'project' into a TV series. Gorman refuses this, because there is no motive behind his actions besides the goal of playing games with people. It is a pleasant way for him to spend his spare time outside of work and he wants to keep it at that; a past time.

This carries on right until the very end. When it comes to meeting people in person for the first time following a correspondence on the internet, there is likely to be a nagging doubt about who the person really is. Are they who they say they are? Are their professed motives true? Do they actually own any board games? Gorman gets into a couple of small-scale weird situations during the course of the book, but in the climactic episode he ends being attacked by someone he managed to upset during a stand-up performance many years ago.

This comes as quite a shock, coming as it does after a long sequence of lovely adventures across Britain taking in amusing and exciting games. There is always a fear that something as crazy and shocking as this could happen, but you never think it actually would, given Gorman's happy-go-lucky affability. Obviously it shocks Gorman as well, and once he makes it back to his hotel and has phoned his fiancee to let her know he's OK he breaks down sobbing. It is a terrifying moment even though the danger has passed. Our narrator who is always positive and upbeat no matter what the circumstance is reduced to tears; serious and pure emotion. It shocks almost as much as the blow to the head. Gorman, who in his positivity and authorial authority comes across as invincible, is suddenly shown to be as vulnerable and human as his readers.

And then, the turn of the river. The next chapter shows Gorman on his way to another stranger's flat. He doesn't tell us who, nor what game they are about to play. Because they don't matter. What matters is experiencing the act of playing and making connections with people. What is important is that Gorman is able to carry on with this lifestyle despite the trauma he has suffered. Herein lies the meaning of the book. There are almost inevitably going to be setbacks, both in games and life in general, which can severely affect our enjoyment of them. It is key not to let these setbacks stop us playing games, or indeed playing life. New hands will be dealt, luck can easily change.

It was this 'reveal' that made the book for me. Something that was initially a book to be read as an amusing past-time suddenly became something that, for me anyhoo, was bordering on life affirming. I've read several of these 'stupid boy project' books before, by Gorman as well as Danny Wallace and Tony Hawks, but this is the first one to have had any real sense of emotional and philosophical impact. I possibly started clapping when I read the end of it, although I was lying on my side in bed so possibly not. In any event, I found it inspiring, uplifting and exciting. Having read it, I shall definitely be embarking upon my cooked breakfast odyssey (a New Year's Resolution I believe), attempting to get different people to come along with me each time. I also want to acquire and play Egyptian Laser Chess (Khet).

I will also have to send Dave Gorman an email to let him know what I think and how the book's cheered me up. Also to see if he fancies coming down to Brighton to play a game of Chairs, Shut the Box, or Star Wars Trivial Pursuit down at the Barley Mow.

* SPOILERS END HERE *

Bloody hate London I do (a brief incoherent ramble)

Let's have a look at what bands you can see for around £30 in Brighton:

Adam Ant at the De La Warr Pavillion in Bexhill costs £27.50.
Peter Hook & the Light performing 'Unknown Pleasures' at Concorde2 costs £22.
Happy Mondays at the Brighton Centre costs £35.50.
The Great Escape Super Early Bird ticket costs £38.50.

Three legendary artists and a whole load of exciting up and comers all for the same rough price as an upper level football match. I recently went to see Sheffield Wednesday play at Brighton and my ticket for that cost around £30 (unfortunately I've recently tidied my bedroom and so cannot find the stub to see what the precise cost was). Looking at gig prices, I would say that £30 was a sum that should indicate a fairly exciting time at a slightly prestigious event. It suggests a higher quality of performer. There is carries over into football to a degree. Both Sheffield Wednesday and Brighton are in the 2nd tier of the English football league, and so a decent standard of football is to be expected.

The comparisons end there though. I would venture to state that the chance of having a good time at a gig is very, very likely indeed. Let's say 80%, although I would say my own personal experiences of gigs would hold this higher. With football though, this figure would have to be much lower. You could witness a dull 0-0 draw or, even worse, watch your team give an utterly insipid and uninspiring performance and ultimately lose 3-0 to Brighton in an embarrassing manner. For the same price. Also for your money you are receiving 90 minutes of 'entertainment', whereas gigs usually clock up as longer than this (taking support acts into consideration). Put simply, football matches cost far too much money to go watch.

Similar to this I have found is the visit to London. With tickets booked on the day (both rail fare from Brighton and Tube manoeuvres) this easily exceeded the £20 barrier. With additional monies spent the following day to get home, I would say my visit there this weekend put the 'London visit' firmly in the same category as upper level football matches and gigs. This was for a birthday meal and drinks, with others who had similarly commuted in. Now, due to the need to get last trains home and starting the meal around 8ish (due to train delays) this meant that the length of the night out was relatively short. It had to be wrapped up at some point between 11 and 12 (something that my wallet was especially pleased about) which meant, as far as drinking and mingling went I didn't manage to get into my lanky stride.

It was a nice evening but felt all too brief. Bloody London. I blame London. All big and expensive, with its air of prestige and cultural capital. If you're just going for a wee drink and a meal it's probably worth going somewhere more local due to being able to stay out longer and no doubt spend less money. It's equivalent to being able to choose to see one of the most influential bands of the 80s and early 90s (albeit in a slightly adjusted form) or Sheffield "Worst Defence in the League" Wednesday. It's a risky venture, and one whose risk I don't think is worth it. On one hand you know what you're probably going to get, and on the other you are equally likely to be elated or suicidal by the end of it. Noel Edmonds would probably say that if you put out enough positivity into the cosmos you will receive that positivity back, but he's probably never supported a football team like Sheffield Wednesday.

This has been a brief, slighty incoherent ramble about London. The conclusion to be drawn from it is that London is not the place to conduct brief, slightly incoherent rambling.