The 45s + King Mojo + The Running Colours at The Princess Alice, Middlesbrough – 04/04/2014. Gig review by Lee Allcock

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.