Syd Slaps, Southbourne
Today (Sunday) saw the next instalment on the growing gig itinerary for local Indie/Britbeat trio South Street. Today, Sobo’s place to be; the wonderfully titled Syd Slaps (Neighbourhood Caff and Night Time Gaff) is playing host to only the fourth gig by these young chaps. On the back of a 2nd place award at recent Youth Music Showcase competition Bandstorm, these guys are starting to cast their net a little wider when looking for local gigs. A full house of family, friends and curious onlookers greets them as they take to the small corner allocated them. It is also lead vocalist Albie’s 18th Birthday and proprietor Ricky has the barbeque fired up for the VIP contingent. At bang on 5.30pm they begin.
They open with the Weezer cover “Island in the Sun”, a good start – “Buddy Holly” would’ve been far too obvious! Albie introduces each song going forward. An original comes next starting with “Budgie Smugglers” the “Apeman” by The Kinks follows as they begin to grow into their set. There’s something very Richard Ashcroft about Albie (guitar/lead vocals); a little vocally, a little visually and I guess the swagger will come with more gigs in bigger venues. “Space Suit” is an early highlight with its whole 60’s Brit Beat feel. Harmonies are matched to simple snare tapping from Finley and confident bass and guitar notes. Bassist Phoenix is less animated, preferring to stand statuesque; looking up only occasionally to add backing vocals. “Quincy Abbott” is the last of these three originals before they embark on another cover.
The Jam’s “The Butterfly Collector” was (IMO) not an obvious choice; but their stripped back, laid bare rendition goes down well with this crowd – who doesn’t like a bit of The Jam on a warm Sunday afternoon? “Broken Record” is anything but as they now appear more confident. “Dystopia” which I’d heard at Bandstorm sounds just as good today, before they embark on another more familiar cover. Again, “Some Might Say” is not an obvious Oasis choice which I commend them for. It’s at this point that they seem to really elevate the power and step up a level. I kind of think this could’ve happened earlier, but let’s not forget this is only their 4th gig. With confidence growing they deliver a great version of The Beatles classic “Back in the U.S.S.R”. They save their best ’til last with the quite excellent “Busy Bodies”. It’s heavier with a more distinct Indie sound (to my ears). This is a young band, feeding off their audience and growing in confidence. That was officially the final song but loud calls for an encore don’t go unnoticed. What I wasn’t expecting was an Indie version of “Money for Nothing” by Dire Straits. The intro confuses most of us and I will admit I wasn’t expecting this. They twist it around and make it their own and leave to long loud applause.
South Street unashamedly wear their influences firmly on their sleeves. Where most other young fledgling Indie bands seem to want to be the next Joy Division/Oasis/Arctic Monkeys (add or delete where necessary}, this trio hark back further to the 60’s Brit Beat-era. With a festival slot recently secured on the back of a local showcase recently, it would appear people are taking notice. In a crowded market a band needs a point of difference, which they appear to have. And finally, a big shout out to the drummer’s Mother who was his Drum Tech for the evening – and what a fine job she did!!
Set list
Island in the Sun (Weezer)
Budgie Smugglers
Apeman (The Kinks)
Space Suit
Quincy Abbott
The Butterfly Collector (The Jam)
Broken Record
Good and The Faithful
Dystopia
Some Might Say (Oasis)
Back in The U.S.S.R. (The Beatles)
Busy Bodies
Encore
Money For Nothing (Dire Straits)
Band members
Albie Ray Davis – Guitar/Lead Vocals
Phoenix Wilkinson – Bass/Backing Vocals
Finley Johnson – Drums/Backing Vocals
Review and Media by Ross A. Ferrone
