HERBIE MAY FROM THE LOUNGE SOCIETY
I’ve wanted Hebden Bridge’s finest, The Lounge Society, to come and play the Cluny in Newcastle for about three years now. Finally lead guitarist, Herbie, accepted.
So brilliant to see the incredible guitarist, Herbie May, taking to the stage as he embarks on his solo career while the band are on hiatus. He has set up record label, Red Licorice, in order to release his own material, as well some other upcoming artists. What I love is that he clearly favours a very organic approach with a definite “No AI” emphasis.
Herbie’s debut single, Bleeding, and its b-side, Shoelaces, were produced by Gordon Raphael (The Strokes) and The Lounge Society’s drummer extraordinaire, Archie Dewis. Both of these tracks proved to be massive highlights of his set. While the record features a full band, this was purely Herbie on electric guitar and vocals playing as the true pro that he is.
Though I’ve said to Herbie that he’s kind of having a George Harrison moment (I think he likes that), his vocal tones were more reminiscent of the legendary Lou Reed. He has also referenced Kurt Vile and Courtney Barnett as key influences, which makes sense. The wonderful thing is that he really soaks up a fine range of sounds and musical eras to create something fresh.
Herbie’s songs are certainly heartfelt and thoughtful. He has crafted his lyrics through life experience; despite his relative youth, he really has found his voice with his recent work. His guitar playing is super impressive. I loved watching the way that he orchestrated the guitar solo sections of his tracks in a manner akin to Johnny Marr.
Herbie played his support set ahead of headliners, XGenerationX. The punk/new wave faithful at the Cluny were highly impressed!
XGENERATIONX
Headliners XGenerationX proved an absolute smash hit with the punk rock faithful at the Cluny. This tribute to Billy Idol’s original band featured a line-up of star studded credentials in a similar vein to the Lust For Life tribute to Iggy Pop tour a couple of years back which I understand was the same organisers.
Among the line-up were two original members of Generation X. Drummer Mark Laff was absolutely sensational behind the kit. He really pulverised the skins with full throttle energy and panache throughout the set. Joining him was fellow member, James Stevenson, on guitar whose raw, heavy riffs really carried across the venue: he was intriguingly a member of Kim Wilde’s band in the early 80s too.
The band was fronted by Elizabeth Westwood who oozed punk attitude on stage and delivered each song with brilliantly feisty force. Steve Norman from Spandau Ballet added extra ferocious force on guitar and seemed to be absolutely in his element with this tougher sound. Completing the line-up was Michael Giaquinto of Maniac Squat playing it cool on bass.
Highlights of the set included some punk classics and more under the radar tracks. Things kicked off with the ridiculously catchy Ready, Steady, Go. Valley Of The Dolls and King Rocker were also prominent in the set. And of course the encore featured Dancing With Myself.
Impressive to hear a punked up version of John Lennon’s Gimme Some Truth. Also amazing to see Elizabeth perform her own track, the ever catchy Sonic Boom Boy! And even an opportunity to hear the Spandau Ballet classic, To Cut A Long Story Short.
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