A Woman Of No Importance / Shooter Whores

This venue always struck me as a little odd. A former fish restaurant situated above a chip shop, the Tank, as it is affectionately known locally, has a habit of pulling in the best of the local talent, despite it's peculiar setup. Tonight is no different. The gig, in aid of DUSSSK (Durham University Students Supporting Street Kids) has a superb lineup of local talent, and I enter the venue with high hopes.

The dreadfully named Shooter Whores open the proceedings, and despite seeming to suffer from a chronic nervousness, their impressive set is well received by the slowly growing crowd. Their haphazard approach to set construction and the lack of any professional gloss simply adds to the charm of this student band who just might go on to make a name for themselves around here They play a great mix of folky punk pop, which sounds just different enough to pick up the indie kids, but isn't so off the wall as to ruin their chances with those of more conservative tastes. Overall a very well received set, which bodes well for this promising young band. Change the name though lads, it doesn't suit you.

But then, the real show starts. A Woman Of No Importance are one of those rare, but wonderful acts who manage to combine a very down to earth manner with beautiful music. They have a habit of turning up in the most obscure of venues, and bringing the house down. Tonight, it is the turn of The Fish Tank in Durham to bear witness to their superb brand of folk pop loveliness, and as usual, they don't put a foot wrong all night.

If their is one thing that you could never accuse the band of being, it is dull. Frontman Matt, normally shy, retiring and self-effacing if you speak to him, becomes possessed onstage, his body contorting as he sings the songs which clearly mean so much to him. The rest of the band are the same - their dedication is apparent and this comes through clearly in the performance.

And what songs they are. The undoubted highlight of the set is the new single, 'Your Insecurities Ring Out In His Name'. It is a song which could be the soundtrack to any number of unsatisfactory, unexciting relationships. We are also treated to a couple of brand new tracks, which all seem as gorgeous as the last.

The musicianship is simply breathtaking in places, and of a quality rarely seen in dingy rooms above chip shops. Despite the venue provided sound engineer being absent for much of the set, the band manage to create spellbinding layers of sound which draws the audience in, and takes them on a journey to the very extremes of human emotion.

Sadly, we are not graced with the presence of AWONI's string section tonight, which is a shame as the cello and violin always adds a great deal to their sound. The band still perform admirably though, and the strings should be seen as an added bonus, should you ever fortunate enough to see them.

Looking around tonight, I see a few familiar faces of people I have seen at previous AWONI shows, which shows that this is a band just starting to gain a dedicated following. A Woman Of No Importance are a band you simply have to see live. If there is any justice, they will break through, and take their deserved place in the mainstream soon, but until then, those of us lucky enough to be in on the secret can feel quite smug indeed.

FUTURE GIGS

sorry, we currently have no gigs listed for this act.