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Another
month and another CRS gig, as different in content and style
to the previous concert CRS favourites Strangefish were back,
making a welcome return to Rotherham and replacing original
headliners Parallel or 90 Degree's.
A
band who I'd raved about at last years Spring Fest, and who,
for my money are the best new progressive band around, Strangefish
also made their HLC debut, as well as this being the first
time they headlined a CRS gig. Not that they seemed to mind
this fact they were as relaxed and effervescent on stage,
as they were off stage when discussing the merits of IQ (the
band IQ that is)!
Frontman Steve Taylor is the obvious focus for any observer
being a front man of the old school, and having natural stage
presence (the only other singers I can think of with that
natural presence is Jump's JD Jones and Robert Plant) and
an amazing voice as well, reminiscent in parts of Pete Nicholl's
from IQ, but with a style that's all his own (nice shirt Steve.)
Backed
up by one of the most musically inventive and together band
I've seen since Jump last graced the HLC, Strangefish is a
band where the sum of its parts pull together in the right
direction and create some truly spectacular shivers down the
spine moments. From the guitar god that is Bob Gilmore and
the drumming powerhouse of Dave Whittaker and the understated
bass of Julian Gregory topped off by the amazing keyboard
sound of Paul O'Neill, as a band the music becomes an elaborate
canvas for Steve Taylor to paint his sonic impressions on.
With the material from their debut 'Reeled In' EP (the epic
'Listening to Ghosts', the mission statement that is 'Pigeon
Hole' and the reflective 'Simple Life' ) the rest of the set
was made up from material from their forthcoming album, the
epic set opener 'Shifting Sands' and 'Turning Tides' (about
as political as they get!) and the brilliant rockier tracks
like 'Wallflower', to the gloriously simple, singable and
satisfying 'Take a Holiday', despite their music being out
of this world, their lyrical imagery is gratifyingly down
to earth with every word being sung as if it were meant, and
making sense in the bigger picture. As it this wasn't enough
halfway through the set Julian Gregory put down his bass and
picked up a white electric violin, Steve wandered off stage
after introducing the 'Lighthouse Gig' and the HLC audience
stood gob smacked as Julian fiddled as it he were duelling
with the devil, whilst the remaining three members either
counter-pointed or kept a back beat going, from plaintive
fiddle laments to a real toe tapping jig this would have been
a highlight of the set.
However,
time allowed them to return for the obligatory encore which
turned into a mini Pink Floyd fest! via a Strangefish translation
of the over looked Floyd classic 'Time', before launching
into a stunning version of 'Comfortably Numb' where Bob (like
his namesake) played a good 'un.
This was only the second concert for the CRS this year, and
I'm already wondering how to top this performance when it
comes to my voting form for BOTY.
All those who were there will agree with me when 1 say that
Strangefish are one of, if not the best new quality rock bands
around, with enough originality, verve and expertise to become
firm favourites at the CRS. And anyone who missed this superb
gig from two wonderful bands, because they didn't think they'd
like the music should kick themselves because they missed
a treat.
There was an amusing moment at the end of the Strangefish
set when Martin Hudson pulled keyboard player Paul O'Neil
forward and introduced him to his long lost brothers from
the audience. Not really but they do all look alike! James
Turner
From
The Pulpit - Classic Rock Society Magazine - March 2003
Strangefish
for instance. They had been to play for the CRS once previously
last year and gained a few fans and to give such a band a
headline so soon was unheard of. Of course, as you might expect,
the crowds didn't come out in big numbers when they played
at the HLC back on 1st February but it is a learning curve
for the listener, but for those present, well they wouldn't
let the band off stage. In frontman Steve Taylor they have
a shining light. You could almost imagine a young Genesis
and Mr Gabriel or Marillion with Fish as they progressed through
the set.
This
evening could have been used as template for the starting
point of a band, such was the scale and atmosphere. However,
yet again the conclusion was an audience beaming with smiles
having enjoyed a great evening of music. You don't have to
have a name to be enjoyed but Strangefish are going to be
back playing for us before the end of the year and so those
who thought to give the evening a miss will get another chance.
Martin Hudson
Rockin'
The Boat - Classic Rock Society Magazine - March 2003
Strangefish
What a Catch!
It
was excellent to see Strangefish at the CRS again. The guitar
and keyboards will please the most discerning of you rascals
with quality rock songs full of meaningful lyrics from 'Listening
To Ghost' about unrequited love to my personal favourite 'Simple
Life' concerned with the effect of our ever increasing reliance
on technology. Their guitarist Bob is already on my Top 3
of the year voting list! Check out their 4 track EP and you'll
find that just the two tracks I mentioned are worth the CD
entrance fee alone. If you've missed them, fear not, Martin
Rock-Hudson says they should be back in the CRS rock-pool
in the autumn. Watch out for the release of their full length
album in the spring. As Strangefish would say 'Hi de hi the
sun's in the sky, whoooooo!' Dave Kennedy
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