Ginger / Laika Dog / Eureka Machines

After heading back from the Holmfirth Festival, even though it seemed like a good idea at the time (folk music, how tiring can that be?) we are very, very tired and wonder if a gig after no sleep is a good idea? Well if anyone can wake us up it is the sounds of nineties rock and power pop from those who do it best.



Regular Ginger associate Chris Catalyst starts up the night with one of his many band's Eureka Machines. Formally (and in some cases still part of) Sisters Of Mercy, The Scaramanga Six, God Damn Whores (featuring Ginger's guitarist Big Jase Edwards) and the bonkers Robochrist amongst others, Catalyst seems to be in every Leeds band worth their salt. But why not? He has a funny and engaging stage persona, and even when continually fucking up a very complicated guitar riff the crowd do not care.

Named after a scientific machine that takes the laws of nature and works out how the world works, the band appear very in-the-know about how the music world works. The smart suits and synchronised guitar and bass moves add a touch of professionalism, but it's the power pop songs played with heavy metal guitar sounds and strong vocals that sound instantly recognisable that make this band. 'The Light At The End Of The Tunnel Is The Light Of An Oncoming Train', and album title track 'Do Or Die' are the stand out tracks to listen out for…

Now it's been a busy time for Tony Wright lately. Not only has he just finished celebrating the 15 year anniversary of Terrorvision's greatest album 'How To Make Friends And Influence People' with a UK tour, he is now showing a different side by touring with side project Laika Dog (pronounced 'Like-a-dog'), named after the poor mutt sent into space by the Russians…



Now don't expect Terrorvision in the slightest. Yep, Wright's still got all the same moves he pulls from the Bradford band, but the sounds are more a mix of rock, blues, soul and the even the odd ballad. The feel-good songs projected from the band of four labourers (they say they are handy to have around, even if you don't like their music!) are instantly liked by the crowd. The working class lyrics fit in well with the heavy and at times poppy collection of tunes.

Keyboard man Jay opens the ballad 'By The Time I Got Back Home' (what Wright calls "The Piano Song"), but apart from this drop into slow and steady it's fast paced and down right dirty rock and roll. 'Daddy, What's Your Soul' may have a repetitive chorus but it is a spectacular piece of soulful rock. New release 'Monkey Song' has a grungy feel to it with a strong, mucky riff and 'The River Song' (again this is Wright's name for it; not sure but it may be titled something else) sees the former Terrorvision vocals-only man playing the guitar.

And we still haven't got to the main show yet! Ginger, looking a lot less ginger than in his dreaded days, appears in a suit jacket and ripped jeans, telling us to chat amongst ourselves while he tunes up. "A funny thing happened to me on the way to the gig. I don't wanna talk about it!" he jokes. Ginger, although still performing with The Wildhearts, manages to bring a little of their knack for a solid and catchy guitar riff to his solo work. Ginger is joined on stage by Jase Edwards on guitar, Eddie Eyeball on bass (sporting a lovely large pink dahlia on his jacket), Dick Decent on keys and Denzel on drums, zipping across the stage on a fold-up scooter (that phase died out pretty quickly didn't it).



Those expecting Wildhearts songs are to be disappointed; Ginger has so much solo material that the band focused on practising only that. And it was just stuff from SilverGinger5 and onwards, showing how many bloody songs this Northern chap has radiated over his career. Anyway The Wildhearts will be back later in the year; they always play in the run up to Christmas.

Ginger's banter with the crowd is as constant as ever, fitting in with the trait pattern of the vocalists across the night, giving you that extra level to the gig experience. Stand out tracks are 'Black Window' with its forceful guitar riff, 'Girls Are Better Than Boys' (can't argue with that!), the slower 'Casino Bay' and set-ender 'Sonic Shake'.

Why Can't You Be Normal All The Time
Black Windows
10 Floors Down
Casino Boy
Only A Problem
Return Of The Northern Cardinal
Drinking In The Daytime
Tenants
Another City
Yeah, Yeah, Yeah
This Too Will Pass

Church of The Broken Hearted
Girls Are Better Than Boys
A Little Bit Of Gravy
Sonic Shake

FUTURE GIGS