Bleached Wail @ The Box, Crewe

The headliners are due to emerge in less then 15 minutes. I can genuinely say the crowd haven’t been lively all evening.  However an act of this class doesn’t come along everyday.  Saying that more then two have appeared tonight.  By my experience tonight, this really is the place to be if you want to find home grown talent and a good night out in the same place.   Bleached Wail finally hit the stage and an eruption of noise fills the packed venue.  Kicking off with ‘Bounty Hunter’ it whips the crowd into a frenzy, with melodies you just have to dance to.  Along with lead singers truly individual voice, which puts the icing onto a rather well made cake, this is set to be an epic headline slot from the local boys.  The middle 8 is Chili Peppers – esque with lead lines even Frusciante would be proud of.  However with a true stamp of authority and style bleached wail have made it individual.  The ending says it all, what most of the crowd have been waiting for the duration of the night gets a worthy reaction.  If you don’t play an instrument these three guys will have you down to the nearest music shop in a jiffy.  The raw talent mixed with masses of stage charisma is a sure recipe for success.  Ten Man Grin gets the whole place dancing, jumping, and yes, even on shoulders. The atmosphere in the place is electric, so much so it makes the hairs stand up with excitement across your entire body.  I can say it isn’t just me who has a grin worthy of the Cheshire cat across my face right now.  For my first gig of 2009 I can say this isn’t a bad start. Stolen Thunder certainly a crowd favorite and personal favorite although it is hard to pick when all the songs are top notch!  I am loving every second of this band, with Irish like melodies which previous band Tucan would be proud of, can this band get any better? 

Twisted Tongue - Twisted Tongue

If you were to put the Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Black Eyed Peas, and Gnarls Barkley into a blender, add a little spice and leave to settle for a good 5 minutes, the end product would be Twisted Tongue.  

The self–titled debut album resembles that of the 1970’s funkadelic movement intertwined with clear influences’ of modern day acts such as the Black Eyed Peas.  The initial track ‘You Want Soul?’ is a slow, sexy groove, with a typical funk bass line, think Black Moth Super Rainbow – Drippy Eye.  The funk bass line is dominant on all tracks, and accompanied by drums gives the album the trademark groove many funk albums have been famed for.  

Album artwork carries a futuristic theme, with Pac–Man inspired lettering on song titles and bright blue and garish pink font on a black background gracing the front cover.  Song titles are simply baffling, for instance; ‘Oh Father! My Own Nunk Band!’ and ‘Who Says An Earth Band Can’t Play Nunk?’.  The overuse of a soon forgotten word ‘Nunk’ is evident.  It’s definition simply; A person committed by a vow, e.g. Monk.  

The songs themselves are an interesting mix, the beginning of ‘Killing Angela’ is straight out of a sleazy American cop movie, whilst Gnarles Barkley’s influence is clear on the song ‘Mindbeam’. Last of all ‘(I Need A) Freak For Armageddon’ is Pendulum remixed with a dash of Amy Winehouse. Make your own decisions as to how that sounds.  

In essence the tracks don’t sound overly different from each other and also prove Twisted Tongue can use a synthesiser.  Nevertheless drag your flares, oversized afro wig and tasselled shirts from the depths of your wardrobe, get to your nearest 70’s club and request Twisted Tongue.  The smile is guaranteed not to subside for some time.