Rock'n'Roll Wedding @ The Bongo Club
The Alvas veered into Kenny Rogers territory and ran out of gas, pushing an old clunker over state lines
| 10 Feb 2007
The Alvas (2/5) are music video pop. Imagine them driving a pink convertible in swimsuits for their guitar tunes, or decked out in tuxedos behind the wheel of a Lexus for their piano numbers. Lead singer Austen George's clear, powerful voice, combined with his gifts behind both guitar and keyboard, carry well through a diverse mix of genres. Unfortunately the end of the set veers into Kenny Rogers territory and runs out of gas, pushing an old clunker over state lines. But as the stellar closing track proves, it's easy to forgive them. After all they're driving so far, and so fast.
Despite not breaking new ground, William Douglas and The Wheel's (3/5) brand of twangy country rock is a welcome addiction to a scene oversaturated with rock rip-offs and angsty fakers. In fact, warm lyrics about an icy Poland inside your lover are more fun and touching than many overtly emotional bands could ever hope to be. Unfortunately the band seems shy, unwilling or unable to engage the crowd. While a monologue is unnecessary, song titles at least would be nice.
The weakest point of the night strikes when Visitor's (2/5) singer and his acoustic guitar break into 'Love Song' which is as unbearably stilted as the title implies. Despite a lively backing band, too many songs follow the 'acoustic verse, great chorus, repeat' formula. The outfit's frontman simply does not have the charisma or talent to carry the songs tonight, and this brings the stellar band members down. [Hamza Khan]
Despite not breaking new ground, William Douglas and The Wheel's (3/5) brand of twangy country rock is a welcome addiction to a scene oversaturated with rock rip-offs and angsty fakers. In fact, warm lyrics about an icy Poland inside your lover are more fun and touching than many overtly emotional bands could ever hope to be. Unfortunately the band seems shy, unwilling or unable to engage the crowd. While a monologue is unnecessary, song titles at least would be nice.
The weakest point of the night strikes when Visitor's (2/5) singer and his acoustic guitar break into 'Love Song' which is as unbearably stilted as the title implies. Despite a lively backing band, too many songs follow the 'acoustic verse, great chorus, repeat' formula. The outfit's frontman simply does not have the charisma or talent to carry the songs tonight, and this brings the stellar band members down. [Hamza Khan]