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Saturday 17 April 2010
Venue:
I last saw The Vasco Era supporting Wolf and Cub and they are an impossible act to follow. I can barely comprehend the Vasco Era’s set because I’m just that blown away it is a monstrously powerful thing. Last nights ‘When it first showed up’ (sing her a love song...) absolutely slays. Some bands play, some perform The Vasco Era blew my freaking mind. They break down the barrier between band and audience, vocalist and guitarist Sid O'Neil is all smiles as he dares you to stand around, nurse your schooner, text a friend – Just try. I don’t know how his voice can take it you see his neck veins standing up as he screams a chorus and then can seamlessly go straight to a soft moment. He has a distinctive country like vocal that really suits their sound. They often do a cover of Elvis classic ‘Can’t help falling in love’ (take my hand, take my whole life too. For I can't help falling in love with you…) which I was eagerly expecting but instead last night to my shock disbelief and delight they played my favourite Smiths song ‘I know it’s over’. You never expect to hear this Smiths song when you’re out it’s always ‘this charming man’ or ‘panic’. What a surprise and what a reflection on the bands integrity and character. Their own songs have no problems with originality. They are amazing. They are unique. They are real. They are a mighty explosion of powerful vibrant noise. They are sweaty and passionate. They are energetic. They remind you not to lose faith in new music. I don’t believe in much these days but I believe in The Vasco Era. Really they are just that damn good. They ended the set with Honey bee (Sweet little honey bee more than just a friend, I’m gonna grow up to be yours 'til the end) and I reeled off into the night, deaf and happy. Best live show I have seen this year; aside from The Black Lips.
The Vasco Era are Sid O'Neil, Ted O'Neil and Michael Fitzgerald. Listen to their songs here.
wow beat the pixies. sing her a love song best moment.
ReplyDeleteI was also there on Saturday night which was the third time ive seen them play. I love the fact they always seem to be having as much fun as me, which is heaps. Highlights for me were "When it first showed up" and their cover of the beatles' "Why don't we do it in the road?" (I could go on).
ReplyDeletethe Vasco Era are a great band sounds like they put on a really reat show and there is no better place to do so than the Oxford Arts
ReplyDeletePolly jean - yeah beat the Pixies show vs. show. Pixies are undeniably a greater band but Vasco era was more intimate, so fun. Pixies aren't at their prime.
ReplyDeleteJ - Thanks for reminding me! the beatles cover was lovely. AND the cover of jack the ripper! they put everything into there shows they play them all like they are their last. so awesome