A mad dash to find the venue led to my great relief in realizing that I hadn’t missed tonight’s support act, Thomas Tantrum. Their captivating lead singer was perhaps one of the best things of the evening. Her voice is enriched with dry wit and British charm, and I found it difficult to take my eyes off her. There was a point in their set though when I was particularly worried for the safety of the bassist, he seemed only moments away from careering right off the stage and into me – which would have spilt my beverage for sure!
Born Ruffians seemed to gather on stage from all over the place. In fact the whole set was a somewhat magnificently ramshackle affair. Considering the first half compiled of only drums, bass and vocals (due to some technical difficulties) I found them so endearing I barely noticed. This band use vocals to full effect, layering their drawls, yelps and pirate-like garrrs to create something so effortlessly catchy that the crowd can’t help but attempt to sing along.
Fashionistas, contemporary art lovers and popular culture enthusiasts - be prepared to marvel alike as Pepe Jeans gets set to release a new stand alone collection inspired by the controversial art radical himself – Andy Warhol.
The new collection, which consists of two distinct lines – Pop and Factory, celebrates Warhol’s work, personal style and love for American popular culture and features much of the iconic imagery that he’s so famous for.
Inspired by his dramatic screen prints, Pop includes Marilyn Monroe and Campbell’s soup printed shirts and tee’s alongside vibrant shift dresses and a gorgeous Monroe inspired knit top, which, thinking about it, would team wonderfully with a denim skirt I have at home…hmmm….
Other pieces in the collection include studded blazer jackets, branded denim and fantastically bold metallic trousers that are bound to bring out the rebel in even the most conservative of us!
The full 250 piece men’s and women’s range is due to hit all Pepe Jeans stores in July, so run along and have a look if you feel brave enough, but be warned – it’s not for the faint hearted.
Whilst walking down Brick Lane in the early hours you often step on something unexpected, but I certainly did not expect to stand on an astronaut. Well it may only be a picture but it shocked and intrigued me all the same. Its glossy photo finish lead me to believe it was non-advertising material and was simply a memory that someone had lost. So in true British fashion I took it anyway, but made sure nobody saw!
It wasn't till I reached the safety of four walls and a roof, that I explored this exciting little find and found that there was yet further intrigue. todonnalovebob.org and an apparently random sequence of four digits where scribbled on the back.
So immediately I pulled out my laptop and hit todonnalovebob.org. After typing in the not so random digits, on a very minimalist page by the way, I was told to write my details on the back and send it back to the address provided.
So with my details provided and a stamp stuck on the back of Ozzies head I sit and ponder what to do. Send my name and address to a total strange (of course I'm hoping this stranger is Ozzie as he looks so sincere and normal!!) or simply keep my identity safe and never know what the next step is.
Well I guess curiosity wins at the end of the day, I'm of to the post. I do hope Ozzie writes back soon! I'll let you know if he does.
Brainlove Records were holding an all-day session at the Windmill, comprising of various (often slightly bonkers) artistes on their impressive roster. I’d wanted to catch the wonderful Tim Ten Yen (accompanied, as ever, by the Sinister Cat), as I’d seen him at the same venue some time ago, but sadly I’d missed him. However, the other main attraction for me, Napoleon IIIrd, did not disappoint.
Tonight he was playing the many highlights of his debut album, In Debt To - backed by a full band. Running through favourites like Defibrillator and Guys In Bands, the supporting line-up of bass, backing vocals and drums provided a much beefier sound than on record, with the often weird and frequently wonderful toytronica accompaniment that dots the album more in the background. The set finished, with the aid of a guest trombonist, on the marvellous Hit Schmooze For Me, probably the greatest, wittiest dissection of the daily 9-to-5 yet committed to vinyl. How can you argue with a song that reminds you that a day job is just that, and not your life?
