Here's a review that was in the newsgroup Daz.
Hiya gang,
I've not had time to really send a decent message about this, but I went to
see Aziz on friday, and fancy making a few notes about it for your benefit.
First up on the bill were a band touted by Stef on this very board last week
called the "Sneak Attack Tigers", which I maintain is a bloody excellent
name for a band, although perhaps the band don't quite live up to it. As
with all bands you see live for the first time, my enjoyment of their set
was hampered by a lack of foreknowledge about the band; it would have helped
to have listened to a demo or two prior to the gig to get a feel for their
sound. However, they were very tight ( which is something I tend to look out
for) and were clearly good musicians - I'll single the lead guitarist out
for praise, as he had some cracking wee solos in there. The thing about them
that dissapointed slightly was the essential indie-sameyness of them; I
could easily see them having a record deal, but then again its hard to find
the main difference between them and the other countless unsigned indiepop
bands out there. A few leanings towards the "Doves" territory, so if you are
into that sort of thing, check 'em out.
The gig, unfortunately didn't go smoothly at all for our Aziz. Started off
with Andy Rourke and the drummer firing off into a funky wee groove, while
Aziz, kitted out with some bizarre but strangely cool finger mounted lazers,
battled with sound and equipment problems. He complained frequently
throughout the gig about monitor problems, but at first it was just a
challenge to get a sound from his completely ludicrous guitar; its was a
translucent green Jazzmaster copy with ****ing fret LEDs for gods' sake!
After a few fits and starts, he got some noises and the gig was away.
Unfortunately it didn't last for long as the guitar seemed to give in just
as he was about to leap into some seriously nice soloing. Some total wankers
at the back were heckling him, but Aziz seemed not to care and simply
switched to his trusty Godin ( a guitar I REALLY REALLY want now!) complete
with its own fretlights.
Thus began the set proper, however as more and more of it wore on, I began
to become dissapointed in them. For one thing Aziz can't sing. Well he might
be able to sing under studio conditions I guess, but he just didn't cut it
live. It sounded more like he was singing because he wanted to show that he
wasn't just a guitar player, but sadly it seems to be the case. Therein
perhaps lies Aziz ( the bands') problem. Aziz seems to be dying to be in a
normal, tune-led indie guitar band, rather than do the whole guitar virtuoso
thing ala Steve Vai. Unfortunately, I think a great deal of the crowd
myself included) WERE expecting his guitar playing to be at the forefront,
hence we were a bit unhappy at his restraint in going the whole hog on the
soloing. He did seem to have a large number of effects pedals at his
disposal - at times his feet seemed to be moving on the pedals more than his
fingers were on the fretboard - but all the same I couldn't help the feeling
that he was holding back just a little too much.
The songs themselves sufficed; the were sort of sub-stone roses melodies
generally - one tune in particular made me think of a mix of the main melody
in "Sally Cinnamon" and the first stanza of "Mersey Paradise" - but again
his guitar playing was restrained for most of it, with the exception of a
few glimpses of his greatness.
He finished off the set with a rather spirited 'cover' of "My Star" - it was
so great to hear those trademark riffs being played by the original player -
followed by an absolutely incredible instrumental tune whose name escapes
me, whic contained aspects of the intro to Brownies' "Getting High". These
tunes were the only real opportunities for Aziz to really shine on guitar,
and shine he does. The man is STUPIDLY good at guitar. I'm talking in terms
of orgasmically, pantfillyingly huge proportions. The thing with him is that
he's not over the top like your usual rock session guitarists, but he can
blend so many staggering tones, little fragile riffs and scales, it almost
makes you weep. I just wish more of the gig had consisted of that sort of
thing. A night of dissapointment, punctuated with moments of sweet
brilliance.
Review by Joel Cooney - Alt.Music.Stone-Roses
Elephant §toned.
The Stone Roses Website.
http://elephantstoned.co.uk
The Rub Online.
The Rub Official Website.
http://rub-online.co.uk
