CUNNINGLY spotting that the nation has surpluses of both feisty young women and shy types happy to stand at the back, Ian Parton, the brains behind the Go! Team, has finally put together a live line-up to perform his acclaimed singles. Their forthcoming debut album, Thunder Lightning Strike, is a cracking record but has nothing on their uniquely appealing UK debut at the Barfly. Parton and crew (including, at times, a pair of drummers) handle the sample-based backing tracks with frantic aplomb, but their secret weapon is the fabulously entertaining frontwoman Ninja (her Nigerian first name is beyond most people’s pronunciation skills).
Generally cheerleading in a way rarely seen in this venue, she epitomises their spirit, acknowledged by an audience willing them on through every wobbly moment. This memorable show included such delights as raps over recorder lines, some truly impressive harmonica solos and the occasional hit-to-be, such as the superb Bottle Rocket.
Rather slicker are Welwyn Garden City’s youthful answer to the Von Bondies, the Subways, at 93 Feet East. Already acclaimed after a well-received slot at this summer’s Glastonbury, the trio are currently pursued by slavering record company scouts wherever they go. The unusual bass-heavy drum set-up and the call and response vocals of Billy Lunn and Charlotte Cooper make for a band with more character than a bald description would suggest.
Cherryfalls, at the 100 Club, are the latest vaguely sensitive lads with guitars. Despite the obviousness of their influences, songs like For All My Sins and the rowdy In Your Arms Again are certainly good enough to connect.
STEVE JELBERT