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CHARLY COOMBES AND THE NEW BREED Live @ The Eastney Cellars, 22/01/2010

Posted: January 31st, 2010 | Author: Matt | Filed under: Reviews | Tags: , , , , | No Comments »

Charly Coombes

We start tonight’s musical entertainment with George Lenton and his band. Lenton, the former Aviators/Tiny Spark front man, seems to have moved on from the subtle tunes of his last incarnation for some more ballsy rock, it’s early days yet, but this could get interesting.
Next up are The Elizans, an intriguingly oddball group whose upbeat rock, channelled through front man Will Keel, is tinged with elements of swing which, when coupled with Keel’s unique outfit and the fact their drummer resembles a long lost Ramone, makes you wonder whether they were compiled by way of some bizarre time travel experiment.
Light Effect are well versed at capturing the attention of the audience, made up as they are of members of a number of longstanding south coast bands. Their effortless way with a catchy melody and relaxed, pop driven approach may lend them comparisons to the likes of Snow Patrol, but although the effect may be similar the approach is markedly different, these guys coming from a background of strong song writing matched with a natural stage presence and the sort of cohesive look that so many bands lack these days.
Charly Coombes and his band present a completely different approach to their support acts, immediately giving an impression of the dishevelled touring act crammed into the back of a van, playing gigs to make enough cash for petrol money. The moment they start playing though, you realise these guys are good. There’s a definite indie rock vibe here, but pleasingly Charly’s sound (and indeed voice) don’t remind you of his brothers band so much as a modern day Spencer Davis Group. Perhaps it’s the fact the sound is driven by keys as much as guitar, maybe it’s the slabs of soul that are mixed into their musical pot… it could be the delicious aroma of Dominos pizza wafting out from backstage, but this is rapidly becoming a superb feel good gig, and judging by the audience reaction I’m not the only one who thinks so!

Check out The Elizans: www.myspace.com/theelizans
Check out Light Effect: http://www.myspace.com/lighteffectband
Check out Charly Coombes and the New Breed: www.myspace.com/charlycoombes

Thanks to Justin Parry for the photo.