Low VS Diamond @ The Portland Arms, Cambridge, March 2007

Boy, do these American boys know how to play a tune! They nearly tore the roof off the Portland with their anthems and it was such a shame that there weren't more people there to witness it. They reminded me of the Strokes and the Killers but with their own twist on that kind of sound, and, the song construction was much more complex and sophisticated. I'm expecting big things from these guys and look forward to seeing them again sometime soon.

Buena Vista Social Club @ Cambridge Corn Exchange, March 2007

Oh my word - what a gig? What a night? I had high expectations of this gig and in no way was I disappointed. The stage was full of talented musicians and singers and every small sound was a true moment. If you know any of the recordings you will know what to expect but seeing them performed live is one hell of an experience.

Gruff Rhys @ The Shed, Cambridge, March 2007

This gig was entirely seated and it suited the "show" style of the "gig". Gruff waltzed up to the stage, via the audience, in his Candylion Airways Captain's uniform and it didn't take him two seconds to launch us off into a world of music created just by him, various musical toys, some kind of looping machine and a lovely lady whose name I shamefully can't remember. His laid back banter and Welsh explanations added to the intimacy of the event and every song was a real little wonder. I've never seen anyone build up a song from nothing, recording layer upon layer live and then playing it all back and singing over the top as if a whole band were right there with him. I felt like I was present at a very special occasion.

Eagles of Death Metal @ Cambridge Junction, March 2007

I wasn't sure what to expect with this gig. EoDM can come across as a bit of joke at times but they have some great tunes so I gave them a go and it was more rocked and pumped than I could have possibly imagined. The sold out crowd were totally up for it and Jesse made everyone go wild with his excited banter and stage theatrics. I've never been to a gig where I have seen the rock fist before and it's quite a thing to behold! If you can ignore the fact that three quarters of the band look like, um, freaks, and you can appreciate a grinding guitar riff, you really can enjoy a pure wigged out night. Not sure I'd run back for more but it was definitely an experience I won't forget in a hurry.

Pure Reason Revolution @ The Loft, Cambridge, March 2007

Either PRR have changed their style over the last three years or the last time I saw them I wasn't really paying attention! Either way - at this gig, they rocked in a big, big way. Imagine Rage Against the Machine mixed with Fleetwood Mac and you'll start to get the idea. Really. It was absolutely mental - like nothing I have ever seen. The lead guitarist had a whole bank of effects pedals that he used, well, to full effect - I managed to count 12 from where I was standing! It was just pure power, never mind a reasoned revolution. Throw all the rock/nu metal cliches out the window and go see them - they could change your life.

The Bees @ Cambridge Junction, March 2007

The Bees were on fighting form. Proud of their new material they played it faultlessly and also gave the old tracks their all. The new stuff had more of a latino feel with lots of trumpets and raucous rhythms and so I danced, I sang, I smiled and I cheered. The band seemed impressed with the Sunday night Cambridge crowd and vowed they would be back. Let's hope it's not too long......