A stunning local line up bowl over our Above Audio crowd – 02.03.10
Atmosphere and the Dot Dot Dot
With yet another cold snap biting Brighton, knowing whether people would make it out of their homes was impossible, the first act had arrived Above Audio long before me, relaxing into the cosy surroundings and attempting a game of pool with tipless pool cues, thanks to a no doubt drunken joker who thought it would be fun to steel the lot!
Atmosphere and the Dot Dot Dot, an all male 4 piece are a relatively young band, having only previously played a couple of electric shows, they had bravely taken up our offer to play an acoustic set. With tracks Llama (eye)Land and Bananas catching my full attention it was a set laced with comedy. Niall in particular treated the audience to quirky poetry and random information about their music. With two acoustic guitars and a bass guitar Atmosphere and the Dot Dot Dot were the first act so far at our Sessions Above Audio to bring a box, an acoustic drum instrument played much like a bongo.
As they progressed through their set their confidence and unity as a band became stronger, leaving many deeply impressed with their ability after such a short time together. Their popularity was taken to higher levels at the end of their set when Niall insisted there was one final track he would like to play, and to the suprise of everyone he burst into a solo rendition of Postman Pat’s theme tune, adapting the words as he reached the second verse to ‘Buy me a drink, buy me a drink, please will someone buy me a drink’ proving that a musician’s existance can be a cash strapped time!
www.myspace.com/atmosphereandthedotdotdot
Bear Pop
Bear Pop, another all male act, with a similar set up of 2 acoustic guitars a bass guitar, the box and a harmonica, adapted their usually electric noisy blues rock sound into an amazing acoustic set, with all members providing vocals their music filled Above Audio beautifully. Having booked them to play our Providence show some months back and taking on board the fact that they are quite a powerful performance led act, I was questioning how they would transform energetic tracks such as Hungary 46-47 and Love and Money to fit our little sit down affair. Witnessing their performance on Tuesday made me realise that they are one of Brighton’s strongest and most versatile acts who have the ability to adapt seemlessly to suit their venue and audience, and I would urge them to continue playing acoustic shows as what they offer is stunning.
Dan Markland and his band played the final set of the night. Having found them through Brighton record label Overhead Wires, I was keen to see Dan, a self proclaimed reclusive bedroom artist, and his band performing their beautiful lyrical indie to our now deeply satisfied crowd. Although they would usually play electric instruments and a full drum kit to deliver their set, their sound is perfect played acoustic! Uplifting and wholesome, poetic lyrics skip along with cheerful guitar riffs, and gentle beats which on this occassion were played out on a bongo. Dan’s remarkable voice, clear, stong and refined, compliments and is complimented by vocals provided by his fellow band members. The Dan Markland Band is a truelly inspiring and acomplished act that deserves a summer spent showcasing their incomparable sunny sound at this years festivals, be sure to keep up to date on their movements.
Dan Markland Band
Written by Lily Worth
