There was a time when Levi’s only made jeans, well today this is simply not the case, apart from all the other clothes they manufacture Levis have now dived headfirst into the world of music and recommend ‘Ones To Watch’
Tonight is one such night, the three bands gracing The Barfly’s small stage have officially been awarded the prestigious title of ‘Ones to Watch’ and so is exactly what I came here to do, that and review middle band CAZALS!
Before heading into the main review I feel it would be remiss not to comment on the theatrical performance from Ox.Eagle.Lion.Man. Having heard much about this band but very little in the way of music I am intrigued and really rather impressed. Enigmatic front man Fred Blood Royale has a undeniable melodramatic stage presence, and a booming voice to accompany it. It’s like watching an operatic horror unfold on stage but with a jangly electronic backline. I can’t help think that if Johnny Depp’s characters Edward Scissorhands and Sweeney Todd were to form a band this is what you would get.
Next on stage is Cazals. Three members of the band saunter on with a casual air. Lead singer Phil looks dapper in his jacket and scarf - looking very much like a young Leslie Phillips. First song eases the crowd into the bands sound; the distinctive voice of Phil is definitely the first noticeable aspect of this smooth 5 piece – for 2 more members have now slinked onto stage. The next is the seamless way the sound is notched up a gear. The frenetic pace rockets straight into the next song ‘New Boy in Town’. It is obvious the audience know this song for everybody joins in.
I remember seeing Cazals 2 years ago at Camden Crawl, I liked this song then, and two years on it has only improved with time and practise – it sounds crisper and has a finely polished edge – undoubtedly something to do with its age!
The Spandau Ballet cover ‘To Cut A Long Story Short’ is very much a showcase of the bands influences. It takes a classic 80’s track and throws in the high speed broadband, carbon footprints, the I-phone and generally anything else dreamed up in the last 5 years.
Next two tracks take this theory of mine and put it in reverse, taking a more modern sound – first track Both Sides sounds very like Bloc Party’s Helicopter while Somebody Somewhere could be mistaken for an unheard of early Killers track.
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The final two tracks of the night are ‘Life is Boring’ – which is released 3rd March – I’m sure for a second time. Another definite crowd pleaser, like ‘New Boy in Town’ it has only improved with time. The catchy chorus has everybody joining in and the addition of synth keys brings it slap bang up to date and gives that Cazals touch which has (obviously) littered the entire set.
Final song 'Poor Innocent Boys' causes much excitement in the crowd, with half of them deciding the stage is a much better place to hear this track. Looking slightly ill at ease and yet paradoxically like he is in 7th heaven lead singer Phil belts out the track with much enthusiasm and suave sophistication. Overall it gives the impression that the band have really enjoyed playing the gig.
That Cazals touch I mentioned is quite simply brilliant, the band seems to act like a musical Dr Who flitting between time, picking up the best and most desirable objects (well in their case sounds) from each era and combining them into an original (well apart from the slightly early Killers-esque twinge) medley of music. They have come on a lot since I saw them two years ago in Camden and I think the Levi’s have got a point they are definitely ones to Watch!
It would be unfair if I did not quickly mention Cut Off Your Hands…they are energetic and pleasing. Sounding at times like Late Of The Pier they definitely slot neatly into the current popular sound. And at least this time there were no broken bones. (last time I saw them the lead singer jumped off a rather high balcony and broke his ankle - Ouch!)
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