The Gig: Route 69 Launch Night Featuring The
45s + King Mojo + The Running Colours
Venue: The Princess Alice, Middlesbrough
After
heading over to Doctor Browns in Middlesbrough throughout January and February
for Grass Route Gigs 4-Play Offs, and also heading back there in March to see
the likes of Britpop influenced band The Spitfires and one of the North East’s
new favourites bands, Mouses, I couldn’t wait for the Grass Route promoters
newest night at The Princess Alice in Middlesbrough - especially when they had
somehow managed to book The 45s (one of the freshest high octane rhythm and
blues bands out there at the moment).
The
Princess Alice is, just like Doctor Browns, not one of the modest modern venues
for live music - but that really didn’t matter tonight as it was all about the
music.
Supporting
The 45s tonight were The Running Colours who describe themselves as four piece
rock n' roller's from the outskirts of Teesside, and King Mojo who define
themselves as psych/mod rockers from Middlesbrough.
The
Running Colours took to the stage seeming somewhat nervous, and this feat
became apparent when, only half way through their first track, they made a
mistake and had to start their set again.
They did
succumb to a few minor technical difficulties throughout their set, and front
man Vincent Graham’s voice seemed a little distorted at times (which I could
only put down to the equipment), but it was apparent The Running Colours had
great technical ability.
The
Running Colours infused indie hooks with punk undertones not dissimilar to the
likes of The Libertines or The Charlatans, and it was obvious the band were
heavily influenced by the British punk scene of the 70s, including the likes of
The Clash and The Sex Pistols, whilst also swinging towards influences from the
indie scene of the 90s and the present day.
King
Mojo were up next, and as soon as they approached the stage it was clear to see
they were heavily influenced by the mod scene – especially front man Oz (who
came out in a beautifully patterned blue and white shirt), and keyboardist
Tetley (wearing a mod-esk retro hat).
Oz and
Tetley were a little older than bass guitarist Sean and drummer Adrian (I’m not
sure if Sean and Adrian are their sons but it did seem that way), and after
getting over the whole Dad-Rock thing King Mojo played a really tight set.
Their psych elements showcased by Tetley’s eccentric keyboard play, and their
minimalist distorted electric guitar riffs worked in harmony.
Front
man Oz’s voice was also pitch perfect throughout, and it seemed that the
technical issues The Running Colours has succumbed to earlier had been restored
for King Mojo’s set.
As the
crowd grew larger, anticipation levels rose, and it was apparent both the
younger and older generation were fans of The 45s - as there was a distinct mix
of ages and characters within the crowd.
As The
45s made their way to the small stage, the large crowd went berserk, and it was
obvious that, right from the off, this band will not be playing many small
intimate venues such as The Princess Alice over the coming months.
The band
were energy-packed throughout, and it really is mesmerising when you think that
none of these guys are older than 16, yet they’ve already toured around
Britain, and have appeared on stage with Dr Feelgood legend Wilko Johnson.
The 45s
floppy fringes, dark suits, thin ties and youthful looks, just adds to their
charm, and they truly were a classic British beat group bursting with
toe-tapping vigour and catchy hooks.
Stand
out track of the night for me had to be: ‘It ain’t over’ which was released
back in October 2013 and sung by Tom Hamilton, lead guitarist. James Green may
be the lead vocalist for most of the bands tracks, but lead guitarist, Tom
Hamilton also provides vocals for a number of tracks such as their rendition of
The Jam’s (???) ‘Midnight Hour’, and, dare I say it, his strong powerful vocals
may be even more prolific than James’.
With two
strong vocalists in the band, however, this helps to vary The 45s sound, and it
just gives them an extra something. James’ voice is more suited to the bands
more vibrant pop songs, whereas Tom’s voice certainly works perfectly for the
bands much and heavier tracks.
Mod
Culture said of The 45s: "If you haven’t heard The 45s, you should.
Because there’s every chance they could be huge this time next year.” And I
can’t agree more.
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