ITC Blog #4 - Opening Night Showcases

Here's a rundown of some of the opening night In The City showcases:

The slogan of this years ITC is “It's All About The Music, Stupid,” which is obviously bollocks - it's all about the free bars - but there's been a plethora acts playing at various venues across the city all day, and hundreds at night.

First, I made it along to the Northern Ireland industry showcase, which had unforgivably run out of Guinness before the first band had finished. Panama Kings are causing a storm, with the legendary 'pack', including (Jazz) Summers (good to see the panelists actually listening to some of the bands at ITC) checking out their blend of psychedelic influenced indie rock. They rose to the occasion, playing a grand set, not always easy when you're first on in a room full of industry types. They're working with producer Alex Metric, who's also causing a bit of a storm with his blend of electro noodlings, on their new single due out next year.

The singer from artschool band Ed Zealous looked like a uncanny cross between Steve Tyler and Bobby Gillespie, and there was something of a funky jam feel to their indie rock, that had been heavily influenced by the same New Wave record collection that so successful 'inspired' Franz Ferdinand, so nothing greatly original.

I left to check out Mancunians Run Toto Run, playing at the horrendous Bedlam Bar (done out like a 80's banker's dream, with images of champagne, bling and scantly clad models flashing up on large plasma screens - surely a redesign is need, especially after the last couple of weeks of financial headlines.) Described at the new Postal Service, they were more like the new KT Tunstall, the singer had a great voice, and a great band - not really my cup of tea but the crowd seemed to love it.

Luckily the Xfm showcase at The Ruby Lounge was running late and I made it up there in time to see the inspired Gideon Conn. This musical magpie’s influences seem to cover everyone from Weird Al Yankovich to New Order, Barry White to De La Soul, whilst there's something of a young Woody Allen in his stage presence and voice. By far the most original band of the night, his self released debut EP is available from his website - my only complaint is that it doesn't include his gorgeous accapella hommage to tidal power.

Just time to pop into the Rocksound showcase, held in the gloriously seedly, but awfully named, Cellar Vie. Devonshire rockers The Computers looked like Kraftwerk, decked out in matching red outfits, but took their cue from the 80s Washington hardcore scene,. There was something of the geeky Steve Albini about the singer, and their sound was reminiscent of the early Albini Rapeman albums. They're certainly doing something new with the sound, I can't remember Albini every pulling out a harmonica mid guitar solo. Last up were Attack Attack, Welsh rockers who fail to do anything original, despite having obviously listened to every alternative rock band of the last 20 years, so I called it a night.