Yorkshire Evening Post Gig Review
Manic Mondays
BINGLEY MUSIC LIVE
August 30 @ Myrtle Park, Bingley
Though it lacks the credibility to be classed as a ‘boutique’ festival (it is after all organised by Bradford Council), Bingley Music Live is a rather considerate affair in these credit-crunching times.
Set amongst the leafy surroundings of Myrtle Park, the £14 a head event not only satisfies the hardcore Bramham Parkers still hankering for questionable burgers and portaloos, but also those who do not fancy taking out a second mortgage for Leeds Festival.
The line up primarily and predictably tows the indie-rock line, but there’s a refreshingly civilised atmosphere about the park and with a large number of children enjoying the fun, today is very much a family affair. Until of course Shaun Ryder begins to talk!
Back in the days when the Kaiser Chiefs were just mates larking about on a football field, Terrorvision were West Yorkshire’s main (or rather, only) exponents of cheeky chappy singalong lad rock. These days front man Tony Wright is chiefly involved in a truly ‘alternative rock’ career as a dry stone waller, but Terrorvision’s sporadic reunions still draw the faithful, with some bringing along their offspring.
The band’s enthusiasm remains undimmed and although Perseverance and Oblivion have arguably dated, they retain enough bounce to entertain the young ‘uns. Tequilla is still a humdinger, mind. If Terrorvision no longer feel the need to prove themselves, the Automatic have more than a few stigmas to shake off.
Mercifully they are now rid of irritating squeaky toy backing vocalist Pennie and new single ‘Steve McQueen’ is a strong attempt at ridding their one hit wonder status.
However, the Automatic still stop short of rising above the shouty indie-rock they continue to peddle and there’s a little of substance to anyone over the age of 18. On a bright side, at least the Automatic are no longer the most annoying band in rock. That crown currently belongs to Scouting For Girls whose insane stop-start piano-pop conjures up bafflingly appreciative shrieks down the front. When they are not knocking off one of their many variations of She’s so Lovely Scouting For Girls bring about an unwanted late period Britpop revival with I need a Holiday and their paean to Michaela Strachan is jaw dropping for all the wrong reasons.
To be fair, Roy Stride can work a crowd and they are amiable enough chaps but musically, it’s an empty, soulless vessel at best.
Nobody should expect a sterling performance from Happy Mondays these days but it’s fair to say that Shaun Ryder and Bez are the only legends on today’s bill. Ryder swaggers on stage bellowing The Grand Old Duke of York in his dulcet tones, whilst their backing vocalist tries to wrestle with the limelight by attempting to sing happy birthday to a mate in the crowd. Thankfully Ryder nixes her attempts and despite a ropey start, chestnuts like Hallelujah! and Step On partially succeeds at resurrecting the spirit of Madchester for the ageing ravers present. Reverend Black Grape is an unexpected treat whilst Bez, is of course, as you would expect.
Shabby, yes but slick professionalism has never figured in Happy Mondays rather mangled vocabulary.
Ross Halewood