I was more attracted to this gig, featuring a couple of intriguing new bands, than to the footy on the telly (England beating San Marino 6-0); my first time at The Fleece for an age, and the first time I'd seen it so packed as well!
T'was heaving and sweaty well before support Kinky Machine surfaced, a little after 9 (bands get to the stage here via the bar, so perhaps they were delayed pulling pints). They played a cool set of well-structured guitar pop, slightly Bowie-ish, which was ponderous to kick off with, but which took flight after "Swivelhead". Overall a jolly fine set.
Radiohead, current media darlings, took the stage at 10 past 10. A moody, atmospheric set (which harshly could be described as "plodding", but at this stage I'll give them the benefit of the doubt and call them "thoughtful") of indie music, in a mature type of c86 guitar pop style genre, followed. The blistering single "Creep" was by far the highlight of a set which nevertheless suggests that the blond (peroxide, natch) diminutive vocalist Thom and his band of retro-waifs have a lot to offer. I moshed, naturally, got a set list and managed to keep my (quite sweaty) waistcoat on, although Clive lost his beads - shame!
