Monto Water Rats – Down At The Front

Band of Holy Joy

Paul Hudson — Tue, 08 Aug 2023 22:09:39 +0000

Always great to catch Johnny and his Band of Holy Joy. Tonight was to celebrate the release of their latest album.

Nadine Shah

Paul Hudson — Sun, 13 Nov 2016 23:16:03 +0000

I hadn’t been to the Water Rats for a few years. Since then it had it’s ceiling collapse and has been overhauled. I’m not sure I liked it. It seemed to have turned into a foodie pub.

Tonight, Nadine was trailing much of the material off her forthcoming album. Nadine’s such a strong performer with great voice and a passion. Her latest material is about the refugee crisis. Something she is clearly passionate about. The material is good. But it’s not as strong has the material on her last two albums. I don’t think it’s a reflection on her taking a more political stance. It’s more just a case of needing the new material to bed in. But it was still a good evening. Nadine could sing the phone book and you’d still be captivated by her.

Baltic Fleet at Water Rats

Paul Hudson — Mon, 07 Apr 2014 21:08:09 +0000

Russian Gun Dogs

Not the best support for Russian Gun Dogs

Kontakte

Baltic Fleet

The Flatmates at the Water Rats

Paul Hudson — Sat, 23 Nov 2013 13:15:30 +0000

A friend’s choice. Not mine. Not bad. Not good. But still overall fairly entertaining.

Sweethead

Paul Hudson — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 17:21:05 +0000

Therapy?

Paul Hudson — Sat, 03 Apr 2010 16:24:21 +0000

Therapy? are one of those ‘nearly bands’. When I was a Uni in the early 90s, their ‘Shortsharpshock EP’ followed by the ‘Troublegum’ album were one few albums that both the Indie Kids and Metal kids liked. But despite the good reception, Therapy? never really ‘broke’.

20 years late, they’re still going strong, with a small but extremely loyal following. Tonight’s gig was the last night of three to celebrate this feat and to record material for their first live album. The gig was at the Monto Water Rats, a small venue about 5 minutes from Kings Cross. But perfect for miking up to capture a great live experience.

Tonight, Therapy? played a diverse range of songs covering most of their albums. Each night they apparently played a different set. You know when you go to a Therapy? gig that these guys will put in 100% and tonight they did not disappoint and they pounded their way through the set. Although they didn’t play much from the ‘Troublegum’ era, tonight was the best I’ve seen them play. I guess knowing that they were being records, along with playing at such a small venue meant that they band seemed to relax and enjoy the experience as much as we were.