I HAD to be at this gig; the first by Crispin's new band 'The
Dogbones' in England, and the first since their brief appearance in
North Wales last October. As only four tracks had been previed on
their 'myspace', I wasn't sure what to expect, or how long they would
play; so I was slightly surprised to see the setlist included ten
songs - longer than many 'QueenAdreena' sets! This was my first visit
to this tiny club in London's fashionable Notting Hill, and it was
clear that it wouldn't take many people to fill the venue. As it
filled up during the two rather quirky support acts, it seemed that
many of Crispin's mates had turned up to support him. I spotted his
old flat mate and former QA bassist Michael; Drew from 'Die So
Fluid'; and David Ryder-Prangley from 'Rachel Stamp'. The band set up
their own gear, and I was intrigued to hear how the two-drum-kit
backline of former Daisy Chainsaw man Vince Johnson and Selfish C*nt
sticksman Bam-Bam would sound. The answer, as the band launched
into 'Sell me your soul', was very loud, very trashy, and very good.
Why don't more bands do the two drummer approach? It always sounds
great! Vocals were shared by Crispin Gray and Nomi Leonard, and
Crispin's reedy voice was well complemented by Nomi's Courtney-like
screams. The songs? Bloody great fun. Really cynical lyrics (titles
like 'Here they come for the money'; 'Back in the knife'; and Sell me
your soul' tell you a lot about the chequered musical history of the
great man... and 'fun' is what this band are about. Imagine 'The
Cramps' with tunes, or a Zulu war-drum party with buzz-saw guitars.
Crispin NEVER looks at his guitar when he plays solos - he just
stands blot upright, staring at the crowd , whilst this amazing sound
is wrenced from his white 'eleven' emblazoned Rickenbacker. Nomi is a
slightly menacing figure crouched down low over her bass; Bam-bam is
a riot of hair and disjointed arms; and Vince leads the beat looking
like he is having the time of his life. I Loved it, left with a smile
on my face, and looking forwards to the next dose.

There is a new file of photos in the files section if you wnat to see
what they look like...