Toffs Can't Dance: The Second Coming @ The Caves
a night to showcase the best emerging local talent that Edinburgh can muster, but more importantly an excuse to have a rip roaring good time in one of Auld Reekie's most unique venues
| 12 Mar 2007
The excitement that the resurrection of Toffs Can't Dance has generated around these parts in recent weeks has been something special. The concept is simple: four great bands, 400 people, alcohol, a haunted cave and some kick ass tunes – what more could you want? In part, a night to showcase the best emerging local talent that Edinburgh can muster but more importantly an excuse to have a rip roaring good time in one of Auld Reekie's most unique venues.
From the moment first band Penny Blacks (4/5) come on stage, The Caves audience somehow swells instantly and by the time the first song is over there's a hefty crowd looking on. Coming over with more style and charisma than really should be legally allowed in such a confined space, the Blacks kick the evening off in fine style. Like the bastard sons of The Kinks and The Stones, and with the tunes to match, Penny Blacks have an assured swagger that's infectious and technically impressive in equal measure.
With only enough time to run to the bar, Tam's Railways (2/5) are next up. Unfortunately, they may suffer in the wake of such a fine opening set but they seem a bit flat, a bit safe, a bit obvious. Not really sticking their head out from the usual crowd of influences, this is capable but ultimately pretty unaffecting stuff. By the time OBE (3/5) let fly, it seems that everyone is once again ready to party like it's at least quarter to nine. The four man disco punk funk machine gun fits in perfectly here and turns the atmosphere right back up to 11.
Last band, The Dials (4/5) look deceptively like they should have been ID'd at the door on the way in, though their brand of power pop is mature way beyond their years. Setting themselves apart from your usual indie chancers stands them in good stead with their sound more rock influenced but with just the right amount of pop hooks to slap a juvenile grin on your face. If there's any justice, it won't be long until everyone knows their name. [Garry Thomson]
From the moment first band Penny Blacks (4/5) come on stage, The Caves audience somehow swells instantly and by the time the first song is over there's a hefty crowd looking on. Coming over with more style and charisma than really should be legally allowed in such a confined space, the Blacks kick the evening off in fine style. Like the bastard sons of The Kinks and The Stones, and with the tunes to match, Penny Blacks have an assured swagger that's infectious and technically impressive in equal measure.
With only enough time to run to the bar, Tam's Railways (2/5) are next up. Unfortunately, they may suffer in the wake of such a fine opening set but they seem a bit flat, a bit safe, a bit obvious. Not really sticking their head out from the usual crowd of influences, this is capable but ultimately pretty unaffecting stuff. By the time OBE (3/5) let fly, it seems that everyone is once again ready to party like it's at least quarter to nine. The four man disco punk funk machine gun fits in perfectly here and turns the atmosphere right back up to 11.
Last band, The Dials (4/5) look deceptively like they should have been ID'd at the door on the way in, though their brand of power pop is mature way beyond their years. Setting themselves apart from your usual indie chancers stands them in good stead with their sound more rock influenced but with just the right amount of pop hooks to slap a juvenile grin on your face. If there's any justice, it won't be long until everyone knows their name. [Garry Thomson]
Toff's Can't Dance: The Ballroom Blitz takes place at The Caves on 3 March.
http://www.myspace.com/toffscantdanceedinburgh