Handbags at Dawn

One of the band members is a dear friend, or I wouldn't be found dead in this hole. Firstly it's been sanitised in the worst possible way - horrible laminate flooring, cheap leather sofas, garish things in frames on the walls. Shudder. Second, the service is unspeakably shite. Wait for this. I order a large round and politely proffer my card once it's all poured. Look of disgust. They don't take cards. No matter. We enquire as to the nearest cash machine and a few minutes later one of the party returns with bulging pockets. Only to find that they have Thrown. Away. Our. Drinks. Thrown them away! It's clear whose really losing out here but even so, one is enraged.

Handbags at Dawn can't come on too soon (there is some dreadful caterwauling emanating from the stage when we arrive). Thankfully they make it all worth it. Try and imagine this: four gay boys (muscly Irish lead, drummer in pink mascara, skinny bassist who can't keep his shirt on, coy guitarist) playing what they call fierce ranty folk-punk. Sure is fierce, definitely ranty. Highlights include I'm the Fuckin' Geezer (complete with Cockney accent), Are You Lookin' At My Missus and I Like Piggybacks Too! - all available on their site, I urge you to listen. The true revelation though has to be the curtain closer, which involves the Ten Ton Pussy Choir (a bunch of bosomy girls in 40s make-up) joining the band for a rendition of He's Got The Whole World In His Hands. By about chorus two we're all invited up. Bonkers stuff. Marvellous.

When: 10/06/05
Who: Handbags at Dawn
Where: Archway Tavern
Review by: Jane Rich

Dogs, Komakino, The Casuals

It's obvious on approach that this is going to be one of the coolest gigs of the year so far. Maybe it's the East End location; more likely it's the bands. The Casuals and Komakino are also up tonight. Anyway, the scene is out in force. If there are any editors around, they're with Artrocker, not the NME. Hats are as plentiful as band members, and they look lived in rather than picked up in H&M two hours ago. It's also nice and warm. A perfect night for the steamy Dogs.

We abandon The Casuals after a few strangled songs, partly because it's so damn hot and crowded, but also because they're a bit annoying, in the way a little brother is a bit annoying. Check out their homepage and you might get the feeling. This means we get too comfy in the bar and miss Komakino. A shame, but all is not lost as Dogs are superb. Apologies for the shameless word trickery but they have a rabid energy, sweating their way through the set. Frontman Johnny is obviously a truth-teller, spitting out lines like 'I liked you better when you liked me better' and 'My brain seems tuned to a different station' (check out the brilliant video for the latter - their best song). The delivery is as brutal as the honesty and we love it. Can't wait for next time.

When: 2/06/05
Who: Dogs, Komakino, The Casuals
Where: Rhythm Factory
Review by: Jane Rich