Gig Reviews

Apathy Jones, Oposium, Ethel

Sometimes I find it hard to get excited watching gigs at the Portman Hotel, it can lack that certain something. But tonight was certainly a ray of light, and it came despite the loss of Dry Eye Scenario who had to pull out, replaced with Oposium.

Apathy Jones kicked off the evening in unspectacular fashion. This four-piece are very stuck within the boundaries of their limitations. They played the most conventional nineties influenced easy listening rock/pop songs, failing to really excite me or get me going. As musicians they are talented. Bassist Haggis was outstanding and lead vocalist Richard was a very competent singer. Unfortunately the tempo didn’t change until the penultimate song when they started to get a little more upbeat and more rock ‘n’ roll, it was a little too late to make any real difference to the experience. Indeed the most exciting moment throughout the gig was when Haggis stole a drumstick and was bashing the symbol. They undoubtedly have raw talent but it was the songs that let them down, leaving the audience uncaptivated.

Next band were Oposium, and from the first bars of the first song I knew I was in for something special; a blissful fusion of blues, funk and jazz. Their mammoth sound announced they had arrived, in true blues fashion lead singer and guitarist Richard introduced his fellow band mates Sam on bass and Chris on drums, each followed with a nice solo. They compare to a young John Spencer Blues Explosion, and they have the same ease and natural talent in the way they handle their instruments. Richard played incredibly naturally and his Hendrix style solos were a highlight throughout the set, easing into them superbly.

Don’t be fooled by the school band look, they have the confidence and stage presence of seasoned pros, this was summed up when Richard took his guitar and did a solo right in the middle of the crowd. They were fast paced and electrifying, playing so effortlessly, also showing diversity by their use of harmonica and slowing things down, playing a more mellow song to finish. The only flaw would be that vocals seemed a little exposed at times, but on the whole Oposium are one the best bands I have seen at Rubber Soul for a long time.

The final band of the evening is punk rock band Ethel; in only their fifth ever gig they are getting better and better. With their own brand of fast paced guitars and pop culture songs they are definitely making an impact on the local scene. Clearly a large majority of tonight’s audience were here to see them, and who could blame them?

Dressed in their usual attire of black jackets, coupled with white shirts and black ties, the three-piece were certainly entertaining the crowd with songs about Superman, agoraphobia and teenage rebellion. Bassist Nick Churchill and guitarist Joe White have a great chemistry on stage, which grew as they tore through a set of six invigorating songs. I look forward to hearing more from Ethel as they have great passion and style, their next gig at The Gander in November is definitely worth checking out.

Christopher Kyriacou