Bath Moles 19th May 2000

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JJ72 are a band who have been much pushed by the music press. Supposedly the new Radiohead, Manics and Suede rolled into one and just out of school to work on their debut album, I felt obliged to wander along to Moles club and see what everyone is blathering on about. I knew nothing about them, aside their reputation and, having nicked a quick listen of their first two singles, decided they were well worth the attention.

Motorhomes hit the stage at about 10:30 and I thoroughly enjoyed their set, although a little short (about half an hour). They are basically quite similar to a lot of guitar-based bands, only better than most. From haunting vocals, nice layered guitars and lovely melodies to screeching vocals, screaming guitars and throbbing bass, all which makes them pleasing to the ear. They are, in fact, pretty damn good and coped well with being way too cramped up on the tiny plinth that is the Moles "stage". Just imagine four blokes with guitars and one with a drum kit and their amps and other equipment, in a space the size of an average bedroom. Oh, and lower the ceiling a bit too.

One song that stood out as being different from the rest was the forthcoming single, "Into the Night" (out in June), which was far mellower than anything else they played and obviously aimed at the Radiohead type audience. It contained an acoustic guitar, with tender vocals and is a truly magnificent tune. So off Motorhomes trotted and they certainly had won a few fans during that performance.

The assembled throng suitably warmed up, JJ72 hit the stage. The first thing that strikes me is how stunningly beautiful bassist Hillary is in the flesh. The second thing is how nervous they appear, which can only be expected for a band as new as them. They play a set consisting of most of their material (they've only had two singles, give 'em a chance!) and thoroughly rock. Hillary kicks arse on bass, Mark Greaney is superb on guitar, despite a few misplaced riffs and Feargal on drums, is solid as a rock. At present, their stage presence is a let down, though. They hardly speak a word to the crowd, aside from a few mumbled thankyou's from Mark, but this will surely blossom in the future (the big crowds of Glasto will probably force them out of their shells). They opened with "Snow" and went on to play their debut single, "October Swimmer" and the forthcoming "Long Way South", the bass throbs in Hillary's hands (Way-hey!), the drums are steady, then ferocious, then steady and Mark pulls out all the stops, giving it the full on screaming guitar finale, then off they rush. We wait... but no encore. The roadie unplugs the amp and we have seen the last of JJ72, until next time at least. And my oh my, will there be a next time? See you at Glasto, guys!

Most memorable non-musical moment:
The stupid twonks who talked the whole way through the quiet bits. Shut-up or get out!