Ringo Deathstarr are a 3 piece alt rock
band from the US. And in all honesty there pretty
good, plenty of catchy songs especially the 3rd
song it’s like an upbeat killers-esq sort
of song. The music is pretty simple but particularly
effective in there indie/alt rock sound. Their
sound at times has the opportunity to get a tad
heavier and away from some of their light hearted
up beat moments. It's a good mix of music, there's
some decent guitar playing from the main vocalist
whose vocals ain't bad. Who sounds a bit like
the singer from placebo. The bass and drums are
pretty good keeping it simple and letting the
guitarist do all the work while they provide a
solid back bone for the guitar to run over. They’re
not the mostly lively or chatty on stage however,
they do give thanks for people coming here rather
than RHCP, and the bass player squeaks a thanks
after most songs, I think their probably more
comfortable playing than interacting with the
crowd. Overall it's not a bad set from this 3
piece, one to look out for on the alt rock scene.
 Smashing pumpkins are probably one of the most
influential alt rock bands of the last 15-20 years,
and on tonight's performance with a fine array
of songs it's easy to see why. They open their
set with quasar, which is a superb opener this
is followed by, panopitcon and starla, which closes
out the opening of the set. They rumble on with
the likes of geek USA, muzzle, window paine, all
superb songs and is where the set really picks
up and the crowds really getting into the groove
dancing and bouncing to the songs,
 It's a nice evenly balanced well paced set. Billy
Corgan not one for words in between songs tonight
except at the encore, sometimes it's just the
way it should be done, probably squeezing all
the time they can for songs, less chit chat more
songs, I don't think the fans mind too much if
I'm honest. I don’t think too many have
been divided over Billy's actions over the years,
hearing mutterings of his exploits from the crowd
around me, but they still come see the band play.
The superb so far set continues with lightening
strikes, soma, siva, Oceania, they've picked their
songs to take the pace down well at times, giving
the band a chance to take it easy and the crowd
to rest as well, before blistering on. The only
possible downside to tonight is that some of the
songs do drag on and there is a bit too much guitar
wanking for my liking.
 I get the feeling that anything could happen
during the songs whether it's expectation or just
the feeling in the room. Through the eyes of ruby,
cherub rock My love is winter and for Martha,
close out the main set to massive applause and
leaving the crowd clearly wanting and chanting
more. They return to the stage with the fantastic
zero and firm fan favourite bullet with butterfly
wings, which is a superb way to end this fantastic
performance by this superb band.
Ringo Deathstarr 3.5/5
Smashing Punpkins 5/5
Review By Robert Lawrence |
