Welcome to the autumn collection by The Kids Are Solid Gold. Sorry we missed out on a review of Treetop Flyers but my computer’s been playing up for the last few weeks and it just seems a bit late now. Anyway, why not start with Thornaby’s own wayward sons (and daughter) Cattle & Cane. Tonight they launched their second EP. The gig sold out weeks ago. The buzz around them is growing like a swarm of bees and a handful of small fridges. They do not disappoint. The place is packed before the clock has even struck eight! They were played on Hollyoaks the other week!!! Fame, fame, fatal fame. Anyway on with the show…..

THIS LITTLE BIRD

Brought in at the last moment to replace the Buffalo Skinners and a very tidy replacement they turned out to be. A girlfriend/boyfriend duo in the mould of the White Stripes, Mark Lanegan and Isobel Campbell, Sonny and Cher, The Kills, Peters and Lee….. Well some of those may be correct!! They are Richard Smith from the marvelous Chased by Wolves and his other half; the gorgeous Rebecca Young, Who sings like an angel as he strums guitar like a devil. They make a wonderful noise together. This Little Bird is a beautiful song and as it turns out this duo do its name justice. I expect great things from them.

SAM AIREY

A one man band from Leeds. He has some great songs and I think he played most of them tonight. Only one problem. The sound of the crowd!! No, the Human League were not in attendance but the overwhelming talking by the audience made his set almost unlistenable. I was only 2 or 3 from the front but the packed crowd were winning the battle of noise. This was a real pity as I have seen Sam before and he is well worth listening to. But a friday night crowd all waiting for the local heroes were not interested. Don’t be put off Sam. You have the talent and in the future I am sure Middlesbrough will appreciate it.

CATTLE & CANE

I have probably said too much about Thorbaby’s finest but I will add in my defence that I was there at the start. No jumping on any band wagon. No pretending that I’ve always loved them. I have. Tonight was, I think, my 15 or 16th time I’ve been lucky enough to see them. And, you know what? They get better and better and better. I think I said this last time but its not like they’re just a “local” band any more. It’s like they are a real band playing a sold out show in amongst other sold out shows. How long before we can’t have their EP launch in the Westgarth? How long before they’ll be in Hollyoaks not just their song playing in the background? Tonight they have a new member; Vinny. Another brother of the Hammill persausion. Remember there are 9 siblings!!! Like Thornaby’s own Waltons!!! Mrs Hammill was here to witness the triumphant return of 4 of her offspring. And very proud she was too. Deservedly so. New songs, old songs, all great songs. Voices like honey, melodies as sweet as sugar. Best song of the night? We were Children. A hauntingly, beautiful song that evokes memories of This Mortal Coil and the Cocteau Twins. Rousing anthem; The Poacher of course captured by my good self and up on youtube (link below).
Cattle & Cane joke about going on X-Factor but if one contestant on that pityful show had an ounce of the talent on show tonight they would be so far above the others that even Gary “serious artist” Barlow would crack a smile!! Take that!

SET LIST

How did?
Sold my Soul
We were children
Waiting
Truly
Easy
We Stand
I will Rise
The Poacher

Is there Nothing?
Belle

A big thank-you to Andy and Phil at The Kids are Solid Gold. Thanks and congratulations to Steve Callaghan (Manager of the Westgarth) which celebrates its 100th birthday next week-end. I don’t think Steve has been in charge the whole time. Congratulations to Lauren Cain who won our Cattle & Cane competition. More photos can be found at our Facebook page (link below).

LINKS:

THE KIDS ARE SOLID GOLD:
http://www.thekidsaresolidgold.co.uk/

THE WESTGARTH:
http://www.westgarthsocial.com/

CATTLE & CANE:
http://cattleandcane.co.uk/

SAM AIREY:
http://www.samairey.com/

THIS LITTLE BIRD:
http://www.generator.org.uk/tippingpoint/little-bird

MORE PHOTOS ON FACEBOOK:
http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150320221431640.341116.153421781639&type=3

THE POACHER ON YOUTUBE:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AkR06Myw9pM&feature=feedu

By peter on October 15, 2011