Liverpool Sound City 2011

Once again the organisers have dished up another comprehensive music feast to fully occupy me for three nights in the city of rock.

What’s so great about Liverpool Sound City is, with a couple of exceptions, the proximity of the performances and therefore the ability to cover a large number of diverse quality acts - signed and unsigned. Liverpool’s clubland (unlike Manchester) offers numerous live venues within a stone’s throw of each other, and in 2011 included a bombed-out church where Delta Maid and the Kooks played. For me, the O2 Academies and the Cathederal Crypt venues were not really within easy walking distance although I did attend Frank Turner’s gig at the Crypt on the first night of the event along with hundreds of others who packed this very distinctive and unique venue. Turner is a musical gem, a sort of modern-day, punky Billy Brag, full of skill with a belly full of critical fire.

Turner was a pleasant, early surprise along with Liverpool’s own Delta Maid who performed in the ruins of a church bombed during the second World War and never repaired. She basically sings the blues but does it with vocal skill, enthusiasm and absolute joy. She’s also very comfortable with an audience and surprisingly mature for her age. Another female singer/songwriter also impressed but this time from the USA. Allie Moss appeared at the Parr Street Studios bar venue and delighted with her folk-pop songs, crisp voice and ability to connect big-time with her appreciative audience. Unfortunately star of the show, the UK’s Emmy The Great, immediately followed her and by comparison (despite interesting songs and voice) seemed like a plank of deadwood…

Down at the city’s major national alternative club, the Krazyhouse, it was the turn of unsigned north Wales bands to strutt their stuff in a night of rock and folk-pop which I’m told went down a storm. Other UK regions also had their showcases like Norwich, Yorkshire and the North East (my personnel winner for best bands/best organised show). Included in the latter was a free sampler CD of the acts and a set by The Chapman Family which I rated as the best band gig of the event (although I could not possibly see everybody that performed). Passion and Power best describe a performance that for me was surprisingly heavy and as tight as the proverbial…

My third day at Sound City started internationally! Within minutes of parking my car I had witnessed a Taiwan rock band (13 Band) and a Canadian rock band (Modern Substance) but was disappointed to learn that the Australian rock contingent had come and gone due to a booking mix-up at Heebie Jeebies. The Australians were on a government sponsored ‘world tour’ and ended up performing at midday through to 5pm instead of the previously listed 7pm start. Happily, my associate caught all acts, was blown away and secured all contact details - job done!

This year one couldn’t help notice how better attended gigs were in comparison with previous years. venues such as the Shipping Forecast, Mello Mello, Mojo, Heebie Jeebies, Studio 2, Kazimier, Zanzibar, Screen Delica, Masque Theatre and the Cathedral Crypt were buzzing with excited punters especially from around 8-9pm onwards. This was good to see as there is a large quantity of excellent, diverse music acts on offer who will be encouraged to return next year, while new acts will also be encouraged to dip toes…